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Moto X gets Android 4.4 KitKat and camera enhancements on Sprint and US Cellular
Sprint and US Cellular customers with Motorola's $199 smartphone have finally joined the KitKat party. Starting today, Moto X users can enjoy Android 4.4's streamlined interface and Google-licious features, courtesy of an OTA update. In other Moto X news, the company updated its camera app with manual control of the focus and exposure. Users can select "Control focus & exposure" to adjust the aforementioned settings by dragging a green bracket to the desired location. In order to cash in on the update, you'll need to hit up the Play store via our source link below.
LG G Pad 8.3 Google Play edition hands-on
If you've been eyeing the LG G Pad 8.3, your decision just became more difficult. Yesterday Google announced -- and began shipping -- a Google Play edition of the tablet for $350 in the US, which makes it the very first slate to receive the stock Android treatment. What does this mean, exactly? Google Play editions come with Android 4.4 KitKat without any manufacturer or carrier customizations, so it looks precisely the way Google intends it. This can be good or bad, because there are a couple tradeoffs you need to consider: The good news is that these types of devices typically get upgrades to the newest version of Android far earlier than the vast majority of smartphones and tablets, but you also need to give up a few features that were unique to their skinned counterparts. In the case of the G Pad 8.3, this means you won't be able to enjoy the Knock On (aka, "double-knock") feature, nor will you have Slide Aside or access to a litany of LG's Q-branded functions like QPair, QRemote or QSlide. None of these missing services are crucial to the functionality of the G Pad, although we must admit that we've grown rather fond of Knock On. The camera interface is also quite different, but the only thing that might frustrate you is the lack of manual settings; if you only rely on automatic mode to make the photo magic for you, this likely won't be an issue of concern. Just like we saw on the Z Ultra Google Play edition, the G Pad also doesn't come with the native Android gallery app, as it appears that the Google+ Photos app has taken its place as the default. You'll also have the stock camera UI to deal with, rather than LG's, so you won't be able to make many manual adjustments. Of course, this probably isn't a huge concern for a lot of tablet users who may only use their camera for basic needs. Aside from software changes, you're not going to see anything different on the outside. The dimensions are all the same as the original model, as are the actual hardware components. It's only available in black (the back strip is fitted with brushed metal, with black plastic ends), but it's offered for the same price as the model we reviewed last month. We've got a bunch of images for you to behold below.
Gmail for Android gets a vacation responder, printing and universal attachment support
Many workers are about to leave on holiday trips, and Google is more than willing to help them avoid the office with an updated Gmail app for Android. The new release includes a vacation responder that will let fellow employees know that you're off the clock. If you're running Android 4.4 KitKat, you can also print email to avoid checking your phone during family gatherings. And if you simply must deal with that company report right away, you'll be glad to know that Gmail now supports file attachments of all types. The new app is gradually rolling out as of this writing, so don't be disappointed if you have to wait a little while for an upgrade.
CyanogenMod 11 M1 release arrives early for (most) Nexus phones and tablets
Having just wrapped up development on its Android Jelly Bean-based 10.2 software, the CyanogenMod team is already pushing out a "Milestone 1" release of the upcoming Android 4.4 KitKat-based version 11. How can this happen so quickly? For now, CyanogenMod 11 M1 is only available for "actively AOSP-supported Nexus devices", which it expects to have few device-specific issues on, since their hardware code is provided by Google. That means it will be accepting bug reports from those devices right away, and have already been tested to make sure they work properly. If you're already bored of the stock Google-provided KitKat experience on your Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (all versions) or Nexus 10, downloads of the new software are available here for you to test out. Android users on other platforms (including the Galaxy Nexus Google apparently felt it had to leave behind) will soon see nightly releases roll out as usual, however a rapidly changing codebase and possible device-specific bugs means they won't be able to submit bug reports right away.
KitKat claims 1.1 percent of Android device share a month after launch
KitKat may be the new kid on the Android block, but it's already faring quite well. Google's latest OS dashboard reveals that 1.1 percent of active Android devices are running the new platform roughly a month after it became available. Not that its arrival is slowing down Jelly Bean's growth, mind you. The older software now represents 54.5 percent of all Android use, thanks in part to a two-point surge in devices running Android 4.3. However well Jelly Bean is doing, we expect KitKat adoption to rise quickly -- both the Nexus 5 and the first official KitKat upgrades have only been around for a few weeks at most, and there are more updates on the way.
LG Canada says G2 will get Android 4.4 KitKat by March
LG G2 owners may have to wait a while to get the Android 4.4 KitKat software that their Nexus 5-toting counterparts already enjoy. A spokesperson for the company's Canadian branch informs MobileSyrup that the G2 should get its KitKat upgrade late in the first quarter of 2014 -- in other words, March. While that will disappoint early adopters, LG does note that every local carrier will receive the update at about the same time. Whether or not Americans will see the new OS any sooner is another matter. We've asked the company about its US upgrade schedule, and we'll let you know if it can provide some details.
HTC One developer and unlocked models start receiving Android 4.4 KitKat in the US
If you were bold enough to buy a Developer Edition HTC One or its unlocked sibling, today is your lucky day. HTC's US division has announced that it's rolling out an Android 4.4 KitKat upgrade to both One variants, weeks ahead of the expected update for carrier-locked models. Sense 5.5 should also be a part of the package. While the KitKat upgrade isn't reaching these units as quickly as it did for the Google Play Edition, it's safe to say that many One owners will have another reason to celebrate this Thanksgiving weekend.
KitKat arrives on Nexus One via feeble custom ROM
If you're still rocking a Nexus One, but are jealous of all the new devices running KitKat, you're in luck. The folks on the XDA Developer's forums have hacked together a custom Android 4.4 ROM for the three year-old device. Unsurprisingly, the patched-up build has some issues; namely, it's susceptible to a known bootloop error and lacks screenshot functionality. The camera doesn't work quite right either, but hey -- it's KitKat! On your Nexus One! In your face, Ice Cream Sandwich!
Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play edition scores Android 4.4 KitKat update
If you own a Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play edition, you can now put down your pitchfork and stop dripping with envy. Apparently, Android KitKat is also gracing not only the Sense-less version of HTC's One today, but also the non-TouchWiz device. When the phone getting Android 4.4 in its purest form, you can look forward to all the features the updated platform promises, including a better camera app and longer battery life. The update should soon be available for download via Settings -- if it's yet to arrive, that is -- those who own a version of the Galaxy S4 with all of Samsung's software tweaks will have to sit tight a while longer.
HTC One Google Edition handsets now getting official Android 4.4 KitKat updates
Earlier today, HTC posted the Android 4.4 KitKat kernel source and framework files for the HTC One Google Play Edition, which usually means an official OTA update is imminent. Sure enough, a user on XDA Developers has now reported that he's received the update the safe way, over-the-air. That means you'll soon see the more streamlined interface if you're rocking the Sense-less device, though some waiting may be required if the rollout is staggered. Other benefits you'll notice will be a better camera app with its own shortcut, improved battery life and more speed overall. Meanwhile, owners of the regular HTC One should get KitKat skinned with Sense in January, at least in the US and UK. If you went for the Google Play Edition, you can check your settings for the update or, if you're feeling brave, download it at the "More Coverage" link after the break. Update: Voice activated search using "OK, Google" from the homescreen is only available on the Nexus 5 with the Google Experience launcher. The post has been updated to reflect that.
Android engineer explains why you shouldn't force over-the-air Nexus KitKat updates
Got a Nexus phone but can't wait for the over-the-air update process to deliver the latest and greatest operating system to your handset? Simple, clear the service framework data and commence mashing the update key. Not so fast, hotshot, says Google's Dan Morrill, who has taken to Reddit to advise users against the approach. On the thread, the engineer has said that wiping the data will invalidate your push notifications in a variety of minor, yet annoying ways. While this process won't brick your smartphone, Morrill advises that if you want to save yourself some annoyance, you use adb sideload to avoid the messiness altogether.
Android 4.4 KitKat arrives on Nexus 4 handsets
Last week, Google announced that KitKat would arrive on the Nexus 4 and data-packing Nexus 7 models "soon." Well, it appears that around seven days was the wait time as Android 4.4 is rolling out to last year's Nexus handsets -- a day after Verizon starting pushing the update to the Moto X. We've seen multiple reports of the update's arrival with the promise of improved performance and a wealth of new features in tow. Keep an eye on those notifications, as the latest version of Google's mobile OS should be on it's way to your Nexus 5 predecessor.
HTC One to receive KitKat upgrade in North America and UK by late January
HTC promised that One owners would get Android 4.4 KitKat within 90 days of the OS' announcement, and it's now detailing when specific countries will get their turn. The company's North American and UK branches both say that they will start upgrading Ones to KitKat by late January, or right at the tail end of the 90-day window. There isn't any word regarding the upgrade schedules in other large countries. However, Droid DNA fans won't be left out -- HTC says they should get KitKat by the end of first quarter, or no later than March.
Moto X for Verizon starts getting Android 4.4 KitKat (update: T-Mobile, AT&T too)
Motorola promised that it would be one of the first to roll out the Android 4.4 KitKat upgrade to its smartphones, and it's making good on its word. The Google-owned company has announced that Moto X users on Verizon are getting the OS update beginning today. Most of the improvements are those inherent to KitKat itself, such as new Gallery editing features and the smarter phone dialer. However, Motorola has significantly improved its custom camera app -- you can now drag your finger to control both the exposure and focus points. Details for Moto X upgrades on other carriers are coming "very soon," the phone maker says. Whether or not you're part of this first wave, you can check out the KitKat upgrade release notes at the source link. Update (11/21): The Motorola blog post has been updated today, indicating KitKat is rolling out for the Moto X on T-Mobile as well. Update 2 (11/22): Now it's AT&T's turn, apparently when Moto said news on other carriers was coming soon, it meant it.
Daily Roundup: PlayStation 4 test drive, Moto G unveiled, Jawbone Up24 and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Android 4.4 KitKat heading to Nexus 7 and 10 starting today
Google has just announced that Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 owners will wait no longer for their upgrade to Android 4.4, as the OTA update is starting today. To be clear, however, the new code is only rolling to WiFi-only 7-inch slates, so folks owning tablets with mobile data will have to wait. Naturally, we still have no word on when the the rest of the Nexi (save the Galaxy Nexus, of course) will be getting KitKat, but at least some folks are getting the newest version of Android. Update: According to Google's post on Google+, the Nexus 4 and mobile data-equipped Nexus 7 models should get the update "soon."
Google brings KitKat keyboard, Hangouts with SMS to Play Store
Google has put a huge emphasis on bringing many of its branded Android apps and services to the Play Store for more users to enjoy without requiring a pure Android device, and two more of them are beginning to roll out today. First up is the new Hangouts app with integrated SMS that the company promised last week, since Google fortunately appears to have overdelivered on the "coming weeks" timeframe. In addition to the much-hyped SMS and MMS integration, it also adds support for animated GIFs, device status (such as your current mood) and the ability to share your location in your conversations. Additionally, the app for the stock Android keyboard has received an update to version 2.0, which bestows upon it many of the enhancements Nexus 5 users have already experienced; the downside is that Emoji, one of the biggest features added to the KitKat keyboard, will only be available to users with the new OS installed on their device. This admittedly won't do many people much good at the moment, but at least it'll be there waiting for you once more smartphones and tablets get the new version of Android. There are still some benefits to getting the new keyboard if you're still on Jelly Bean, such as space-aware gesture typing, rationalized punctuation that varies with your particular screen size (whether it be a smartphone or tablet) and more. We've got the download links below if your'e ready to update.
Sony confirms five devices will get Android 4.4 KitKat upgrade, 4.3 to roll out to ten next month
After taking a week to crunch the numbers, look at the data points and put together some fancy pie charts (we assume), Sony's finally ready to reveal its initial firmware upgrade plans. Five devices in the lineup made the cut to receive Android 4.4 KitKat at a to-be-determined future date, and ten in total are slated to get Android 4.3 Jelly Bean starting next month. Among the devices listed to get KitKat are the Xperia Z, Z1, Z Ultra and Tablet Z, though they'll receive 4.3 first alongside five other smartphones (including a trio of handsets that will jump a version from 4.1 to 4.3). While the rollout is set to begin next month, phones on different carriers or in different parts of the world may not get the upgrade right away. Sony doesn't appear to have closed the door on the remote possibility of other models getting updated, but as usual, we don't have high expectations of that happening. We've included the full list of eligible devices below.
'ART' experiment in Android KitKat improves battery life and speeds up apps
Efforts have been made to speed up the Dalvik runtime that underscores most Android apps, but sometimes the best fix is a replacement. Google's working on it, albeit experimentally. Baked into Android 4.4 is ART, a new runtime option that aims to redesign how Android interprets application code. The specifics are pretty granular if you're not a developer, but it's hard to argue with results: early tests show that ART could cut execution time in half for many applications. This means apps will launch and run faster, react quicker and demand less of your device's processor - potentially improving battery life. The trade-off? Installing applications might take a little longer and they will probably take up a bit more storage space. Sounds like a worthy exchange to us.
Google will soon display your Google+ photo when you call an Android phone
Google's desire to integrate social features into its mobile OS will soon see it use Google+ profile photos to identify Android callers. The new feature comes as an update to the new caller ID service in Android 4.4 KitKat, allowing the company to automatically match phone numbers from incoming and outgoing calls with names and profile photos associated with a registered account. Google staffer Attila Bodis notes that the feature will be enabled in "early 2014" but can only display names and profile photos if the user has verified their phone number and has discovery switched on. While the idea is to bring a sense of familiarity to phone calls, not everyone will see the merit of sending a headshot to people they call -- so Google is offering a way to opt out. Simply head on over to this link, untick the checkbox and all of your Android-toting friends will no longer be able to see your beautiful face (unless, of course, they add it themselves).
