Verizon Moto X Android 4.4 Kit Kat update begins today

Motorola has confirmed the Android 4.4 Kit Kat update for Verizon Moto X users. This of course, follows the series of rumors that began after details of a soak test leaked. Motorola hasn’t offered a full breakdown of the timeline, however they have said the update will begin rolling out for Verizon Moto X users as of today.

Basically, this means those carrying a Verizon branded Moto X should be on the lookout for an update notification. Or alternatively, we suspect many have already grabbed their handset and have began checking manually. Anyway, Motorola did say the update will be rolling out in phases, which means the update may, or may not be available for your device just yet.

Aside from getting the official word the update is underway, the specifics of what can be expected are coming more as confirmation. After all, the full changelog leaked yesterday. Verizon Moto X users will be getting the following;

• An improved phone dialer. Now you can search for contacts directly from the dial-pad and easily see and tap on those you contact frequently.
• More gallery goodies. KitKat packs in some cool, new gallery effects—such as Posterize, Highlights, and Edges. You can even use the Draw feature to annotate your photos freehand with your finger.
• New Hangouts app. All of your conversations now in one place—texts, video calls, and other chats all together in one app. Plus, you can now send animated gifs and share your location.
• Color emojis. For when words aren’t enough, the Google Keyboard now includes colorful characters to send in text messages and other communications.
• Drag to focus and expose. An updated camera app lets you control both the focus and exposure of your photos. Simply drag your finger to set just the right exposure and focus point.

In addition, Motorola has also said this update will bring a restyled status and navigation bars, new full-screen mode, and enhancements to some of the Motorola specific features such as Touchless Control. The Touchless Control bit means the ability to use “Find My Phone” with your voice and some of the other items include enhanced support for NFC Host Card Emulation (HCE) and added support for the Square credit card reader.

That all having been said, while some have already praised Motorola for the stock-like Android experience found on the Moto X, it looks like there is another perk aside from preference — quick updates. Of course, there are Moto X users with several other carriers still waiting for update news. And just to clarify, so far Motorola has only said they will have “more KitKat for Moto X news to share on other carriers and countries very soon.”

SOURCE: Motorola