It might sound a bit weird, but the HTC One M8 is only now getting updated to Android 4.4.3. The rollout actually started in the US last week, at least for the unlocked versions, and is finally making its way to Europe. This massive update bumps the Android version to 4.4.3 but does include some changes coming from 4.4.4, which means that HTC won’t need to release that latest version immediately.
Android 4.4.3 is pretty much a straightforward maintenance update but it does bring some new features, in particular the redesigned dialer app. But as with many OEM’s, HTC took advantage of the update to include some of its own changes to its flagship. While there is no version bump involved for Sense 6.0 on the device, there are quite a few changes and fixes for HTC”s built-in apps. Apps like Camera, Gallery, and Settings have been updated to their latest versions, while features like Motion Launch, BoomSound and Extreme Power Saving Mode have also seen some optimizations.
Android 4.4.4 is an even lesser maintenance update whose primary purpose seems to be to address some OpenSSL security vulnerabilities disclosed early last June. The changes have been so minimal that some OEMs and even custom ROMs have integrated those fixes even before updating to version 4.4.4. HTC confirms that this is also the case with this One M8 update, which means that the manufacturer won’t feel the need to rush out an update that would only be effectively changing version numbers.
The HTC One M8 Android 4.4.3 update comes at a sizable package of around 600 MB, less for the unlocked US version and more for the European model. In Europe, it is hitting Nordic versions of the device first and, as always will take time before it goes out to everyone, depending on the region and the carrier.
I downloaded the update last night, took about 30 minutes. Frankly, I don’t see what all the excitement is about. I have not noticed one thing different.