The update is deployed OTA (over the air) in stages

Nov 19, 2013 23:29 GMT  ·  By

Motorola is one of the first handset makers to deliver Android 4.4 KitKat update for one of its smartphones. Google has previously made the upgrade available for Nexus 7 and Nexus 10, but the Nexus 4 has yet to receive Android 4.4 KitKat.

Although Motorola confirmed earlier this month that it would bring the KitKat update to Moto X, it did not announce which carriers would be among the first to offer it.

It turns out that the first to deploy highly anticipated Android 4.4 KitKat for Moto X is Verizon Wireless. The information has just been confirmed by Motorola on its official blog.

Furthermore, Motorola announced it “will have more KitKat for Moto X news to share on other carriers and countries very soon.”

The new software version 140.45.5.ghost_verizon.Verizon.en.US is pushed OTA (over the air) in waves, so it might take a few days until it reaches all Moto X devices at Verizon.

According to Motorola, for a successful installation it's recommended to have the phone at least 50% charged and access to a stable Wi-Fi network.

Aside from bringing the Moto X's software to Android 4.4 KitKat, the update includes the following new features and improvements:

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 Emoji. 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.

Other improvements. Restyled status and navigation bars, new full-screen mode, and enhancements to Motorola features like Touchless Control.”

Verizon Moto X owners who have yet to be notified on the update can manually check for it by going to Settings / About phone / System updates / Install now.