Alexandra Burlacu
Google has finally launched its latest Android 4.4 KitKat and HTC and Motorola are the first manufacturers to make promises for the sweet update.
As expected, Android 4.4 KitKat made its debut alongside the new Nexus 5 from Google and LG. The Nexus 5 is currently the only device supporting the new software, but manufacturers are expected to start updating their devices to the latest Android version soon.
With Motorola now owned by Google, it's no big surprise that the company has plans to update its devices to the new Android OS. HTC, however, seems more confident and determined.
HTC Android 4.4 KitKat rollout
HTC told Engadget that its flagship smartphone, the HTC One, will receive an update to Android 4.4 KitKat within 30 days for the unlocked and Developer editions, and within 90 days on all U.S. carriers, including Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, and AT&T. The handset was already running on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean except for Verizon's version, as Big Red still hasn't released the update. The HTC One Google Play edition will reportedly get the KitKat upgrade within 15 days.
When it comes to other smartphones such as the HTC One Max and the HTC One Mini, however, the company was not so clear. HTC told Engadget that it will provide more details in the near future, as it still working out the details of the Android KitKat rollout for these devices.
Motorola
Motorola, on the other hand, has yet to provide any timeframe for the devices it plans to update to the latest Android 4.4 KitKat, but it does have a web page for checking upgrade eligibility. The company lists the Moto X, Droid Ultra, Droid Maxx and Droid Mini as the first ones to get a taste of the new treat. The Droid Razr Maxx HD, Droid Razr HD and Droid Razr M appear with a "Future plan coming soon."
Other device manufacturers
Other heavyweight manufacturers are expected to follow suit and announce their Android 4.4 rollout plans in the near future. Now that the KitKat's out of the bag, it's up to manufacturers to decide which devices will get the new Android OS and when. Samsung, Sony, and LG are all expected to make announcements very soon. Sony even tweeted that it will break the news next week.
Stock Android devices
Owners of stock Android smartphones and tablets, meanwhile, can expect to see an upgrade soon enough. The Nexus 4, Nexus 7 (2012), new Nexus 7 (2013), and Nexus 10 should all get the new Android 4.4 KitKat within the next few weeks. Older Nexus devices, however, don't seem to be invited to the party.
"Galaxy Nexus, which first launched two years ago, falls outside the 18-month update window when Google and others traditionally update devices," explains a Google support page. This suggests that any Android device that is more than 18 months old will no longer be privileged.
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