Android KitKat begins rollout

AndroidPolice has just reported that the Android team tweeted the starting of Android 4.4 KitKat updates to older Nexus devices. Specifically, Nexus 7 (2012 and 2013 editions) and the Nexus 10 will begin receiving the update from today. However, Android devices with mobile data, meaning the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 3G and Nexus 7 2013 Edition with LTE will have to wait just a little longer.

Do keep in mind that this is begin receiving update. This does not mean that your device will receive its update immediately. For those of you who are impatient, there already have been several ROMs built from AOSP source or ported from the Nexus 5 available for some devices like the Galaxy Nexus, the Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 among a few others.

I’ve tested Paranoid Android’s AOSP KitKat release and I’m currently testing out Stockified KitKat which seems to be running quite nicely. I’ve been switching ROMs quite frequently on my Nexus 4 until my gf recently asked me about it. Having said that, I have an early OmniROM‘s 4.4 ROM sitting in my phone, waiting to be flashed. Should I do it?

Unofficial Android 4.4 KitKat on Nexus 4

Can’t wait for Android 4.4 to be rolled out to your Nexus 4? Impatient? Paranoid Android team has gracefully decided to build and release a pure AOSP ROM for Nexus 4, Nexus 7 WiFi and Nexus 7 (2013) WiFi. Does it work? I’m glad to say, yes. It does work and I absolutely love how it looks. Transparent status bar and action bar? Yes, please. Voice activated searching from the home screen? Yes, please.

Here are some screen shots that I’ve grabbed off my device. For download links, they are available below or from AndroidPolice post. Not sure if I’m willing to go back to stock Android 4.3 JellyBean or not after this. I may stay on this ROM (provided it is stable enough) until Google releases the Nexus 4 Android 4.4 KitKat binary then only I’ll flash back to stock and upgrade.

For those who wants to give it a test, do backup your current ROM first and use CWM Recovery to flash the Android 4.4 and gapps 4.4. Somehow, TWRP gives an error. If you need help, post it in the comments and I’ll do my best.

20 screenshots from my Nexus 4 running Android 4.4 KitKat. Enjoy!

                  

Links
AndroidPolice
ParanoidAndroid Android 4.4 for Nexus 4
ParanoidAndroid gapps for Android 4.4
ClockWorkMod Touch for Nexus 4