Tis that time of year for all things pure Google to get their OTA update to the newest Android 4.4 KitKat, 4.4.2, and now it is time for the HTC One Google Play Edition (GPE) to receive a little upgrade love. The firmware version is 3.62.1700.1, which is Android 4.4.2/KOT49H which brings the HTC One GPE up to date. Such a nice Christmas present, although many have complained that some of the problems that plagued Android 4.4 KitKat are still present in the update. Below we will list some of the major changes, but a couple noteworthy changes are that Android 4.4.2 removes the App Ops and closes a known SMS problem that was discovered a month ago. Remember, this is a rolling OTA so if you have not received it quite yet, you will very shortly.
The enhancements start with the camera – there were updates in Android 4.4.1, but further work was done in 4.4.2 – with a decent sensor and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), the hardware was there, but not the software and processing. The camera suffered from long startup times, a poor interface, slow focus speed, and poor image quality – but it looks as though Google is trying to fix those issues. Improvements were made in the HDR+ area, with progression indicators everywhere so you will know exactly what the camera is doing, rather than simply waiting for the lag to stop, and the addition of three camera resolutions, 2MP (16:9), 1 MP, and 720x480px.
The major bug fixes are the “Hijacked Sharing,” “Exchange Mail,” “SMS DOS,” “Seeking On the Lock Screen,” as well as the “Dialer” was polished up a bit. The Transparent System Bars are now present, as they were on the Nexus 5. The Status Bar Icons, for the most part, now lined up properly. The Settings Icon, now has a dark circle in the middle, making it look a little more like a “sophisticated” gear. The Gallery and Photos area has been tweaked and it looks like Google is working toward the demise of the photo Gallery, with Photos ending up replacing it. A few Keyboard changes seem to deal with a “softer” sound. The number of connections permitted with Bluetooth LE was bumped up from four to seven. Again, this is just a few of the many changes in the KitKat 4.4.2 update.
Let us know on our Google+ page is you have received your OTA upgrade to KitKat 4.4.2 and if you have noticed the promised improvements.