Nexus 5 Android 4.4.4_r2 KitKat firmware update rolling out in India

Google is reportedly rolling out a new update for the Nexus 5 smartphone dubbed Android 4.4.4_r2 KitKat which is said fix certain network issues. The new firmware isn’t a global release since it’s being seeded to devices only on Telsta in Australia, New Zealand’s 2Degrees, and in India.

What’s interesting is that the Android 4.4.4_r2 update for the Nexus 5 is just a mere 2MB in size. A post on XDA Developers notes that the only changes it introduces are radio-related to make the device work better in the said locations.

The new firmware update is being seeded over the air and can be downloaded manually as well, but with a huge 442MB size. The current firmware carries the build number KTU84P, while the new one is KTU84Q. You’ll be able to know if you’re already on the latest release by checking the ‘About phone’ tab in the Settings menu.

If you’re in India or have a Nexus 5 running on Telsta in Australia or 2Degrees in New Zealand, we highly recommend getting the update. Users from other countries, however, can still acquire the firmware through Google, but it wouldn’t be wise to flash it to your device, especially since there’s nothing new to benefit from.

Apart from the new KitKat build, Google has also started rolling out an update for its Glass wearable. The new release brings in various new features including an overhaul of the interface which now flaunts a cleaner appearance. Apart from this, connectivity has been improved along with network handling.

To manually check for the Android 4.4.4_r2 KitKat update on your Nexus 5, head over to the ‘Software update’ tab under ‘About phone’ in the Settings menu.

HTC introduces Desire 616, HTC One E8 dual SIM in India

The HTC One E8 and Desire 616 dual SIM smartphones have been unveiled in India for Rs 34990 and Rs 16900, in that order. The former is a plastic-fantastic M8, while the other is the firstAndroid handset from the Taiwanese brand to run on an octa core processor.

Right off the bat, let’s get the differences between the HTC One E8 and the HTC M8 sorted out. The latest handset ditches aluminum for polycarbonate and replaces the Duo Camera setup for a 13MP snapper on its rear. Otherwise, having the new device on you is as good as owning the flagship.

The HTC Desire 616 Dual SIM is happy to make do with an octa core MediaTek chipset since it keeps the price low, one of prerequisite aspects needed to make a successful push into the Indian market. The other key specs are noted down below for your reading convenience.

HTC One E8 features list:

- Chipset: Quad core 2.5GHz Snapdragon 801
- Display: 5-inch, 1080p resolution
- OS: Android 4.4 KitKat
- Cameras: 13MP and 5MP rear
- Memory: 16GB internal storage, 2GB RAM
- MicroSD card support: Up to 128GB
- Dual SIM support
- Power house: 2600mAh battery

HTC Desire 616 Dual SIM specs at a glance:

- Processor: 1.4GHz octa core MediaTek
- Platform: Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
- Touchscreen: 5-inch 720p LCD
- Cameras: 8MP and 2MP
- Memory: 4GB ROM, 1GB RAM
- Expandability: 32GB
- Dual SIM support
- Battery: 2000mAh

HTC has noted MRPs of Rs 35990 and Rs 17200 for the HTC One E8 and Desire 616 Dual SIM smartphones, respectively. The more expensive of the two will hit India in the end of July and its companion will be up for grabs in white and gray, starting from next week.