Android 4.4, code name KitKat, has been officially released, and new devices are already shipping with the hotly-anticipated operating system.


But what about the other 900 million or so Android devices that have been sold to date? Will the phone or tablet you're carrying be eligible for an upgrade? Here's a guide to the major manufacturers, many of which are announcing their KitKat roadmaps today.


Motorola


As a new Google subsidiary anxious to show off the latest and greatest facets of Android, it makes sense that Moto will be aggressive with its upgrade plans. Sure enough, it's also got the clearest plans of the major device manufacturers to date. The Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Moto X, Droid Ultra, Droid Maxx, and Droid Mini will all get upgraded to Android 4.4, though no official availability date has been set. As well, the Droid Razr M, Droid Razr HD, and Droid Razr Maxx HD are all listed with a status of "Future plan coming soon." Other phones and their owners will have to be content with Android version 4.1.2. You can check for updated information by entering your device information on the company's upgrade website.


HTC


The HTC One will receive the KitKat upgrade within the next 90 days if you're a subscriber on one of the four major U.S. carriers. If you're using an unlocked or developer version of the handset, the One will get an update within just 30 days. HTC hasn't announced plans for any of its other handsets but has promised updated information "in the near future."


Google


Pre-Motorola-acquisition devices including the Nexus 4, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 will all receive the upgrade. The new Nexus 5, launched yesterday, is of course being launched with KitKat installed.


Samsung


The market leader has announced that the Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition will be upgraded "in the coming weeks." The venerable Galaxy Nexus, built in partnership with Google, will not be upgraded. Other devices' upgrade plans have yet to be announced.


Sony


Sony has said only that it will have upgrade news regarding KitKat next week. While specific devices have yet to be revealed, Sony does appear to be preparing to announce at least a few phones that will get the bump to 4.4, so stay tuned.


LG


LG developed the Nexus 5 for Google, and its current attention seems focused on that launch. Other devices are likely to be upgraded, including the LG G2, but nothing official has been announced yet.


Other


Devices with older chipsets like the Kindle Fire HD, Nook HD, and Droid Bionic will not be updated due to compatibility issues with KitKat.



[ This sponsored article was written by IDG Creative Lab, a partner of PCWorld. ]







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