HTC and Motorola announce Android 4.4 KitKat updates for existing devices

Summary: Google revealed Android 4.4 KitKat details yesterday, along with the Nexus 5. HTC and Motorola were quick to inform consumers they will be providing updates for their smartphones very soon.

(Image: Google)

One of the frustrations with Android is the lack of updates for existing devices when a new OS update is announced. It looks like HTC and Motorola are working to eliminate that frustration with announcements that their latest products will be updated soon.

As a major fan of the HTC One, I was particularly pleased to hear that Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC America, confirmed the One would get the update within 15 to 90 days.

The Google Play Edition should see Android 4.4 within 15 days, the unlocked model and Developer Edition within 30 days, and the carrier variants within 90 days.

The fact that the One will indeed be getting the 4.4 update, just after the 4.3 update, means my One will not be going anywhere even if I end up keeping the Nexus 5 I just ordered.

Motorola also revealed that the Moto X, Droid Ultra, Droid Maxx, and Droid Mini will all be getting Android 4.4. There was no time frame reported for these updates.

Many older devices, including the Galaxy Nexus, will not be upgraded to Android 4.4. It is difficult for Google and manufacturers to upgrade these older devices when internals are outdated while it is much easier for Apple to provide updates when they control the entire hardware and software environment.

Further reading

Topics: Mobility, Android, Google, HTC, Smartphones

Matthew Miller started using a Pilot 1000 in 1997 and has been writing news, reviews, and opinion pieces ever since.

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