android 4.4. kitkat

Six 'android 4.4. kitkat' stories November 2013 - July 2014

Sony Xperia Z2 KitKat update rolling out now w/ call quality and performance improvements

Alex Allegro Jul 18 2014 - 8:05 am PT

This morning Sony began the update process for the Xperia Z2 to Android 4.4 KitKat. According to the documentation, the update should bring along some noticeable improvements including “enhanced call quality” and “improved charging when battery is low”. It’s not clear when the rollout will be complete, but it shouldn’t be too far off so keep checking that ‘System Update’ tab in your settings for KitKat goodness.

NVIDIA Shield portable gaming system gets a temporary $50 price cut while KitKat upgrade looms

Mar 26 2014 - 6:46 am PT

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NVIDIA is making another push to get Shield into as many gamers’ hands as possible by shaving another $50 off its price tag and announcing future Android KitKat support. Shield was originally slated to carry a list price of $349, but was dropped to $299 before its release late last summer. It then fell to $249 for the holidays, and now it’s received another $50 drop bringing it to its lowest price ever, just $199 with free shipping. The price is now live at NVIDIA’s official online store and other resellers like GameStop and Newegg, but some partners are still listing it at holiday pricing. This temporary price reduction is only valid through April.

On April 2nd, Shield will receive a major software update which will bring an improved GameStream experience, Android KitKat support and more. NVIDIA believes the GameStream updates will have a profound impact on mobile gaming:

Now with official support for over 100 PC games, including spring’s biggest hits such as Titanfall, GameStream provides an even more incredible way to enjoy your favorite games away from the PC.

KitKat should improve users’ overall experience with the Shield by increasing compatibility with newer apps and games but don’t expect it to be an earth-shattering system overhaul.

Sound off in the comments if the price drop and promised new features are enough for you bite on a Shield.

Supposed TouchWiz UI redesign shown off in leaked screenshots

Chance Miller Jan 7 2014 - 9:03 am PT

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Yesterday when Samsung introduced its new Galaxy Pro lineup of tablets, it also showed a redesigned TouchWiz tablet interface. This morning, notorious leaker @evleaks has post some images of a redesigned TouchWiz interface for smartphones. Given that Samsung just redesigned its tablet UI, it only seems logical that it would now change up the smartphone interface, although we can’t confirm if this is the exact interface that the company plans to go with.

It’s unclear what version of Android this skin is meant to run on top of, but presumably it’s running over the latest version, which would be Android 4.4 KitKat. TouchWiz, as usual, doesn’t look a whole lot like stock Android in these images. There’s no transparent notification bar, no stock lock screen, and no stock launcher. One thing you will notice, however, is that many of the icons are flat, much like with iOS 7.

There appear to be a few new widgets, as well, including support for widgets on the lock screen. One new widget looks to be a Google Now-like feature for telling you how long it will take to get to a certain place.

More than likely, we’ll see this interface debut on the Galaxy S5 or Note 4 rather soon.

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KitKat and Sense 5.5 now rolling out to developer and unlocked HTC One variants in US

Chance Miller Nov 29 2013 - 11:16 am PT

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Via its official Twitter account, HTC USA has just announced that the unlocked and developer editions of its HTC One are now receiving the Android 4.4 KitKat update with Sense 5.5 on top (via Android Central). HTC says the rollout starts today, so it may take a few days for it to hit your respective phone, so be sure to remain patient.

HTC One Unlocked and Developer Edition owners – your Kit Kat roll out starts today! Let us know your favorite new additions. #KitKat #HTCOne

— HTC USA (@HTCUSA) November 29, 2013

As far as what’s new in Sense 5.5, we saw some new features in the update when screenshots leaked last month. Changes included some new camera modes, as well as the ability to easily turn off BlinkFeed.

It’s a good sign to see these two models getting updated relatively quickly, as it means that the US carrier variants shouldn’t be too far behind.
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Moto X now available for $0.01 on Verizon w/ 2-yr contract

Nov 20 2013 - 6:25 am PT

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From 9to5toys.com

We are seeing one of the best deals yet on Motorola’s Moto X, now that Amazon is offering the device for just a penny with a two year contract.

For a little while there, Verizon was offering the Moto X for just $50 along with the use of its online customization tool, which allows users to choose the color of the device and its accents along with an inscription. Even though today’s deal doesn’t allow for the use of the Moto Maker customization app, with the half off promo now over, Amazon’s offer is not one to be missed for those in the market for a Moto X. It also comes on Verizon, which means customers will be able to upgrade to KitKat right away.

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Verizon soak test for Android 4.4 KitKat on its way to Moto X owners

David Beren Nov 18 2013 - 1:16 pm PT

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Verizon Moto X owners take note as feedback from Motorola’s forums confirm the newest soak test is in fact Android 4.4 KitKat. Considering that Verizon is often the last to see a major Android update, we’re pleasantly surprised that they are moving fast to squash bugs by putting this out in a soak test.

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