Android 4.4.3 KitKat, the next update for the popular Android operating system using on many smartphones, tablets, and other devices, is expected to include big bug fixes from Google. A version of the update is already being rolled out to Sprint Nexus 5 smartphones, and later versions are widely believed to be undergoing internal testing at Google, according to BGR.

The Updates

  • A variety of bug-fixes and security fixes, including problems with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connection handling, system stability improvements to avoid random reboots, missed call indicator LED blinks, and camera problems. A list of likely fixes was compiled by BGR a few weeks ago.
  • A redesigned dialer was seen from a leaked screenshot of a phone running the still unreleased update version. Contacts in the new dialer are organized in a card-like format with information presented before an image backdrop if one is available for that contact; otherwise the image is of the contact's first initial. The image can be seen at Android Police.
  • Although this may be relevant only to the Nexus, leaked picture from the Nexus Twitter account seems to show a blue action bar (containing action buttons like the toggle between dialer and contact list) at the top of the contacts screen rather than at the bottom as has been seen in other screen shots, so its ultimate arrangement may be subject to change due to ongoing tweaks and experimentation. In either case, it suggests the action bar is changing color to blue from the gray seen in previous versions of this dialer.

Other leaks and rumors suggest that Android 4.4.3 updates are in the works for Sony Xperia Z Ultra (GPE), since it was reported that Android 4.4.3 build KTU72 was seen on an Xperia Z Ultra.