Report: Google dogfooding Android 4.4.3; next KitKat build just weeks away from public consumption?

posted by Alan F. / Apr 09, 2014, 7:35 PM

Screenshot from a Nexus 5 running Android 4.4.3

As March was winding down, we told you about Android 4.4.3 and warned you not to expect much more than a number of bug fixes. The number one fix deals with camera issues that has affected the Nexus devices and the Motorola Moto X. The problem with the rear camera on these devices has to do with focusing while trying to take a picture. Another problem that Android 4.4.3 is designed to repair is data connection dropout. That is as bad as it sounds. Without a data connection, your widgets stop updating and there is no connection to the internet. You are stranded, all alone and marooned on Earth while others around you know what is going on in the world. It is not a pleasant feeling when you're a data connection drop out.

Google has starting dogfooding Android 4.4.3, according to the buzz around the virtual water cooler. For those who think that we are talking about Alpo, or Snoopy's famous suppertime dance, it is actually a term that means the new OS build is getting tested internally at Mountain View. Currently, the testing is being done by 1% of Google employees who work outside the Android team, according to the most recent rumor.

Current "dogfooding" is limited to the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, Nexus 7 (2013) and the Nexus 10. Google Play edition models and the Motorola Moto X will soon join the action.

Once the dogfooding expands to more than 1% of non-Android Google employees, and there are no major problems reported, it will be ready for the public to receive it via an OTA update. By the way, Google says that Android 4.4.3 contains "critical security and stability" fixes.

source: AndroidPolice

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15 Comments

1. gigaraga

Posts: 1454; Member since: Mar 29, 2013

Well there be a 4.4.3 release for devices outside the 'Nexus' group? (Note 3, G2 for example)

posted on Apr 09, 2014, 7:44 PM 0

2. Scott93274

Posts: 6025; Member since: Aug 06, 2013

I assume that's up to the OEM.

posted on Apr 09, 2014, 7:56 PM 4

6. AfterShock

Posts: 4146; Member since: Nov 02, 2012

Depends really, some of these bugs were fixed by various OEMS already. So they may skip releasing an update to their skin covered version of android until more substantial goodies are added. Imo.

posted on Apr 09, 2014, 10:04 PM 3

7. datsyuk

Posts: 180; Member since: Jan 11, 2012

If the G2 especially just hit 4.4.2, good luck seeing a 4.4.3 update haha. The official OTA isn't even out or announced for Verizon for 4.4.2 nearly 6-7 months after the release of 4.4. As you can guess I am upset about this haha. Before you know it the next version of Android will hit and it will be left behind. I'm gonna hold off until Verizon gets a Nexus device because even with development without the official releases don't give devs all the tools they need for good ROM development.

posted on Apr 09, 2014, 10:04 PM 1

8. AfterShock

I suspect your carrier is the evil man in the middle more so in your case then the OEM. Still, Nexus Ftmfw!

posted on Apr 09, 2014, 10:25 PM 1

12. o0Exia0o

Posts: 903; Member since: Feb 01, 2013

I suspect that you will be waiting a while, after the Galaxy Nexus debical I dont thank that Verizon will be receiving a Nexus anywhere in the near future. That makes me sad also because I am on VZW and I would love to own a Nexus device, but this the price that I pay for the grandfathered unlimited plan and the coverage that I enjoy. Oh well! :(.......

posted on Apr 10, 2014, 6:00 AM 0

3. imkyle

Posts: 1112; Member since: Nov 18, 2010

If there are "critical security and stability" improvements, all Android phones should get this asap.

posted on Apr 09, 2014, 7:57 PM 3

10. Retro-touch unregistered

Clearly you don't understand that Google only rolls out these updates to Nexus phones which they are responsible for, all other phones from Sony, Samsung, LG, HTC etc. software updates come from those OEMS directly has nothing to do with Google, you are at the mercy of these manufacturers to get updates