HTC updates us on Android 4.3 and 4.4 for HTC One for Verizon, Droid DNA too
HTC has been putting their best foot forward this year, updating their customers on the status of Android updates via social networks like Twitter. The smartphone maker once again took their HTC USA Twitter page to discuss Android updates, specifically when it came to the Verizon Wireless version of their popular HTC One flagship and its cousin, the HTC Droid DNA.
HTC One (Android 4.3)
First line of business was the status of the delayed Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update for the HTC One on Verizon Wireless. According to HTC, 4.3 will now be a 2-step process. The first involving a compatibility update pushing out as early as this week. After that, One users can expect 4.3 at some point in December. A little later than HTC’s originally planned late October rollout, but then again the HTC One on Verizon was the only variant to launch with Android 4.2.2 (and those cool quick settings).
HTC One (Android 4.4 KitKat)
HTC was also quick to point out that the delay of 4.3 will have no impact on the timing of Android 4.4 KitKat. Currently, HTC plans to deliver KitKat by the end of January, yet we can’t help wonder why they’re even bothering with 4.3 when 4.4 will get pushed out a few weeks later. It’s possible things had already been set in motion and there was no turning back.
HTC Droid DNA
When it comes to the awkward HTC Droid DNA (a great phone for sure, but wasn’t considered a flagship), HTC promised it would see Android 4.4 KitKat and the updated version of Sense 5.5 by the end of Q1. That’s kind of a ways off, but it sounds like around the time we’ll see other OEMs begin to release KitKat for their devices as well.
Android 4.4. KitKat for everything else
As for HTC Ones on other carriers? Remember, KitKat for the HTC One Google Play edition is due out any day now (HTC said it’s already been delivered to Google). Unlocked and HTC One Developer Editions sold direct from HTC are said to see KitKat before the end of November, with carrier models before the end of January. Still up in the air is the HTC One Max and HTC One Mini, two devices HTC says they’ll update us on at a later time.
If you find yourself getting frustrated about HTC’s update timeline, just remember they were the first OEM to push out Android 4.3 back towards the beginning of October. Seems like they’re going the extra mile to ensure their customers are content in their Android updates, even if they may not even know why they want ’em in the first place.