Motorola’s affordable Moto G is getting an early Christmas present. Motorola is rolling out the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update to global GSM and US GSM models beginning today.
The update was promised to arrive early in the new year, but is landing a little early thanks to the hardworking team at Motorola Mobility.The update is rolling out to Moto G units purchased through Motorola.com and Amazon.com, with specific carriers not detailed. The update will arrive in other regions of the world in the coming weeks.
For an unlocked mid-range smartphone, the Moto G is just about the best thing out there right now. The 8GB Moto G comes in at $179 off-contract, and the 16GB at $199. The Moto G touts a Snapdragon 400 quad-core processor running at 1.2 GHz, a 5 megapixel camera, 1 GB of RAM and a 4.5 inch 720p HD display.
Android 4.4.2 is the latest and greatest version of Google’s mobile OS, and brings changes such as an improved phone dialer, gallery, camera and restyled navigation bars. Hangouts has been updated to include SMS and MMS support as well.
Be on the lookout for KitKat to be landing on your Moto G soon. Let us know what you think of the update in the comments.
For more details on the update, check out the release notes from Motorola below.
Release Notes – Moto G
INTRODUCTION
We are excited to announce a new software update for Moto G by Motorola. With this upgrade you get the latest version of the Android OS (Android™ 4.4.2, KitKat®,) as well as new features, enhancements and bug fixes for your Moto G. For more information on Motorola updates and repairs, visit us at motorola.com/mymotog.
NOTE: You cannot downgrade to a previous software version after installing this update.
ENHANCEMENTS
This Moto G software update is for all Global GSM and US GSM models purchased online in the United States. After installing the software update you will notice numerous enhancements and changes, including:
Android™ 4.4, KitKat® Android 4.4.2, KitKat, is the latest release of the Android platform. KitKat includes enhancements such as restyled status and navigation bars, a new full-screen mode, color emoji support, improved closed captioning support, stronger security, smarter power use, and more tools and capabilities for better app development.
Phone dialer Improved the phone app with the ability to look up contacts directly from the dial pad, see and tap frequent contacts, and search your corporate directory easily.
Camera – Focus and exposure Enhanced the “touch to focus” option with a new circular, on screen control that can be dragged by your finger around the viewfinder to adjust a photo’s focus and exposure.
Gallery – Photo editing Added new photo editing options to the Gallery app including new filter effects, draw on your photos, advanced cropping, and adjustments to color, exposure, contrast and more.
Printing documents and pictures Added support for printing photos, Google Docs, GMail messages, and other content via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and hosted services like Google Cloud Print and HP ePrinters.
Hangouts – SMS/MMS support Incorporated a new version of Google Hangouts that supports integrated SMS/MMS messaging. Hangouts can be set as the default SMS app under Settings > Wireless > Default SMS app.
Accessory support Added support for Square credit card reader.
INSTRUCTIONS
For a successful installation, we recommend installing this update when the battery in your phone is at least 50% charged and you are connected to a Wi-Fi network.
If you have received a notification message for this update:
Select “Download”.
After the software is downloaded, select “Install now”.
After the software is installed, your phone will re-start automatically.
For Global GSM Build, your phone is now updated with:
172.44.4.falcon_umts.Retail.en.US
For US GSM Build, your phone is now updated with:
172.44.4.falcon_umts.AWSRetail.en.US
If you have not received a notification message for this update, follow the steps below to manually update your phone:
Select the Settings icon in the apps menu.
Select “About phone”.
Select “System updates”.
Select “Download”. After the software is downloaded, select “Install”.
After the software is installed, your phone will re-start automatically.
For Global GSM Build, your phone is now updated with:
172.44.4.falcon_umts.Retail.en.US
For US GSM Build, your phone is now updated with:
172.44.4.falcon_umts.AWSRetail.en.US
Additional Information
There is no charge for this upgrade other than the usual data connection charges. If you have difficulty with this upgrade, visit us at motorola.com/mymotog.
Certain features, services and applications are network dependent and may not be available in all areas; additional terms, conditions and/or charges may apply. Specific functionality and features with each software version of Android may vary. Contact your service provider for details.
MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC. Android and Google are trademarks of Google Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2013 Motorola Mobility LLC. All rights reserved.