It was early September when Google announced that the next version of Android would be known as KitKat after it struck a deal with candymaker Nestlé and bear version number 4.4 rather than the expected 5.0 number. Since then, rumours have shed light on new features and changes to the UI have been caught in numerous images. An official announcement is now expected as early as October 15.
As soon as Android 4.4 KitKat is announced, the next question will be about what devices will be upgraded. A site called Android Advices has already been digging into this question and has put together a list of devices it believes will be upgraded. The list identifies devices from Samsung, Sony, HTC and LG so far.
Information about Samsung devices reportedly comes from a leaked Samsung document. It includes current devices such as the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 as well as some slightly older models such as the Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II.
Information about Sony devices lines up nicely with a recent report that suggested Sony could start rolling out updates as early as November 7. To the already rumoured upgrades for the Xperia Z1, Xperia Z and Xperia Z Ultra, it adds the Xperia Tablet Z and Xperia Tablet S.
On the HTC side, the HTC One, HTC One X, HTC One X+, Verizon DROID DNA and 2013 Desire series devices are all in line for upgrades. Also set for an upgrade is the still-unannounced HTC One Max which is expected to ship with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.
LG also has upgrades planned for a number of recent devices. Not surprisingly, the LG G2 is at the top of the list along with the LG Optimus G, LG Optimus G Pro and Optimus VU. The Nexus 4 is also set for an upgrade.
Speaking of Nexus devices, it’s likely that the Nexus 7 (2012 and 2013 editions) and Nexus 10 will also get updated. Just how far back the upgrade will extend remains to be seen but one report suggested it could cover Nexus devices back to the Nexus S.
Check out Android Advices for the full list. How accurate it is remains to be seen but it does not contain any major surprises. None of the devices are particularly old and Android 4.4 does not appear to be the major update that a full number version number would have implied. And if it has been optimized for devices with lower specifications, that list can only get longer in the coming weeks and months.
Thanks, Ben!
Source : Android Advices