Canadian Motorola Moto G (2013), Moto X (2014), LG G3 and HTC One M7 recieving Android 5.0 Lollipop

Looks like it's Lollipop week as not one or two or three but four devices from three different manufacturers nonetheless have started receiving their upgrade to Android 5.0 Lollipop.

This morning we got word from our friends at LG that the G3 would start getting the upgrade starting today.

“Bringing the new Lollipop Android update to LG G3 users has been a top priority for us,” said Eunice Lee, Brand Manager of Mobile Communications, LG Canada. “LG is committed to providing our customers with the best mobile experience, and the Lollipop upgrade is a key part of that innovative experience. The new Android OS brings a refreshed interface to the LG G3 that complements its existing design and enhances the device’s functionality. We believe that our customers will find great value in the Lollipop upgrade.”

On the side of Motorola, the Moto G (first gen) from Virgin, TELUS, Koodo, Videotron, WIND and the unlocked retail version should all have started receiving the update as of yesterday. The LTE version from Rogers, Fido and Videotron however are not part of this initial rollout.

The Moto X second gen from WIND is also getting a second attempt at a Lollipop upgrade after the last attempt cause some devices to be bricked. No word yet on the original Moto X, as Motorola is stated to be needing more time due to the custom X8 Compute platform SoC used in the original Moto X.

Lastly, one of our readers has informed us (later confirmed by MobileSyrup) that the HTC One M7 has also started start getting it's rollout to Lollipop as well. (Thanks Alex!)

If you're one of the owners of these devices let us know how the update process goes!

Canadian HTC One M8 receiving Android 5.0.1 Lollipop

HTC had promised that it would keep its flagships updated within 90 of receiving code from Google for a new version of the Android OS. While it missed that mark by a few days, HTC has finally delivered the Lollipop Android 5 update to Canadian HTC One M8s. Last week, just before the weekend Bell, SaskTel and WIND M8s got the update first and today Rogers and TELUS versions followed suit.

This has been confirmed by users and by HTC America VP Mo Versi on Twitter.

Samsung's original Galaxy Gear to be updated to Tizen

When we reviewed the Samsung Galaxy Gear last year, we were very intrigued by the potential of this new product category, but were disappointing by key aspects like battery life. According to SamMobile, Samsung will be updating the original Galaxy Gear to Tizen. This will come with a few benefits such as improved battery life, standalone music player (for music stored directly on the device) and all this being seamless to the user.

Word of warning the update via Kies will wipe the Gear completely.
Check out SamMobile's video of the Galaxy Gear in action with the update after the break.

Android 4.4 KitKat rolling out to Canadian Sony Xperia Z/ZL today

While the Xperia Z and ZL aren't exactly "spring chickens" of the smartphone world, that doesn't mean they should get the same upgrade treatment as other former flagships. With it's 5-inch 1080p display, Snapdragon 600 processor and 2GB of RAM, there is no reason for the either the Z or ZL to be left out of the upgrade to Android 4.4 KitKat and Sony has rectified that situation by finally pushing out an update to the latest version of Android.

If you're an Xperia Z or ZL user on Bell, Rogers, MTS, Mobilicity, Videotron and WIND you should be getting the update starting today. Use the PC companion app to get your update.

HTC One M7 to get Sense 6 tomorrow ahead of schedule

We reported last month that the HTC One M7 was going to get an upgrade to Sense 6 or "Sixth Sense" at the end of this month. It looks like HTC is ahead of schedule as according to MobileSyrup, the One M7 is slated to get the upgrade this Monday May 12th. This is a great turnaround to see the year old M7 get some love. There nothing that will inspire buyer's confidence more than a company showing that they care for their current customers.

HTC One M7 to see upgrade to Sense 6 or "Sixth Sense" by end of May

To HTC One M7 owners who are a bit envious of the M8's new Sense 6 features, there is good news straight from HTC Americas boss Jason Mackenzie. According to his official Twitter feed, the HTC One M7 will be getting an upgrade to Sense 6 by the end of May.

This includes all the goodies that only M8 owner enjoyed to day. We do wonder if this extends to the One Mini as well as the One Max but considering how the last updates went we wouldn't be surprised if this was the case.

In any case, we are glad to see HTC continue their commitment to bringing updates to existing customers.

HTC Desire 601 Android 4.4 KitKat update available for some Canadian carrier coming soon to others

While the Desire 601 isn't the most high end device on the market or even in HTC own lineup of 2013 smartphones, it certainly hasn't been forgotten. According to HTC's software update schedule and corroborated by Rogers' own OS Upgrade Schedule, the Desire 601 on Bell, Fido, Koodo, Rogers and SaskTel should start seeing OTA updates to Android 4.4 KitKat while the Virgin, Videotron and WIND versions are in the final certification stage.

If you have a Desire 601 and are getting the OTA, drop us a line and let us know how it goes.

LG G2 Android 4.4.2 KitKat Update now rolling out to Canadians

For Canadian G2 owners waiting eagerly awaiting an update to Android 4.4.2, the wait is over as we've just gotten word from our friends at LG that the Canadian G2 is now receiving its update to Android 4.4.2 KitKat. WHile this obviously includes all the improvements expected in Android 4.4.2, LG also mentions an improvement to their innovative KnockOn feature called KnockCode which was thought to be only for the G2 Pro. The feature won't be available yet, but will be activated in Q2 this years and will allows users to unlock their phone using a distinct "Knock" pattern.

If you have a G2 and have been anticipating the update, check under Settings, About Phone and Software update. We also have word that the G Flex should also be getting an update to Android 4.4.2 KitKat "later" in 2014.

Check out the press release after the break.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 getting Android 4.4 KitKat update today

What a fantastic way to start a Monday, if you're a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 owner and have been looking forward to an update to the latest version of Android, today is your day. Users on various Canadian carriers are reporting that they have been receiving their OTA update to KitKat this morning. This comes with a news of the Galaxy S4 getting the update just last week.

We're glad to see yet another big name flagship be brought up to date, if you have a Note 3 let us know how the update goes.

Rogers Samsung Galaxy S4 to receive Android 4.4 KitKat tomorrow

While it might not be the first to an upgrade to Android 4.4, the Samsung Galaxy S4 gaining Android 4.4 KitKat will certainly be a significant contributor to increasing the number of Android users on the latest OS. Tomorrow Rogers' version will, according to the Rogers OS upgrade page, getting an upgrade to KitKat. Rogers' OS upgrade page has been pretty spot on in the past so we expect the upgrade to roll out as promised.

While we can't confirm it, Samsung has traditionally been able to synchronously roll out the updates to their devices and we expect the S4 to get the same treatment. If you have an S4 keep an eye out for the update tomorrow and let us know how it goes.

Rogers LG G2, Sony Xperia Z1 and HTC Desire 601 KitKat Update coming soon

Rogers has updated their OS Upgrade page and they detail that the LG G2, Sony Xperia Z1 as well HTC Desire 601 will be receiving an upgrade to Android 4.4 KitKat "Soon". While "Coming soon" is abotu as vague as you can get, the HTC One and One Mini had the same status and had their update roll out a few days later.

We hope for the same with this crop of smartphones. On HTC's OS upgrade page the Desire 601's is stated upgrade s stated to be in certification not only on Rogers but all carriers its sold by including Videotron, WIND, Koodo, etc. While we can't assume rollout will be simultaneous it at least give an idea of the timeline for updates.

Rogers HTC One Mini now receiving update to Android 4.4 KitKat

Just as previously outlined as "late February" in the Rogers OS Upgrade page, the HTC One Mini is apparently now receiving Android 4.4.2 KitKat. According to the Rogers OS Upgrade page and HTC's own Software update page, the certification process for One Mini's upgrade to Android 4.4.2 is complete.

One Mini users can expect similar improvements that the flagship HTC One owners have enjoyed for the last month. If you have a Rogers HTC One Mini check Settings -> About Phone -> Software update for your update and let us know how it goes down.

We suspect that this means our AT&T friends in the US should be getting the update pretty shortly. This also completes the rollout of Android 4.4 to all of HTC's major 2013 smartphone releases in Canada on every carrier which in its self a great thing to see and a nice feat. Now to see how the update process goes for the Desire 601.

Sony Xperia T and SP now getting Android 4.3 Jelly Bean

While the "Bond" phone's title as Sony's Xperia flagship was shortlived, it still is a very capable phone with its Snapdraon S4 Processor and 720p display. Today it's being brought up to speed with an update to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, and while this isn't Android 4.4 It certainly is welcome to see.

With no word on an upgrade to 4.4, we are a bit worries that the Xperia T falls to the wayside in terms of upgrades especially since there has now been 3 sets of new flagships that have followed suit in the Xperia Z/ZL, Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z2. Couple this with other Snapdragon S4's falling out of favor, we can't help the creeping doubt.

The similarly specced Xperia SP is also getting the same 4.3 Jelly bean update. Chances of a 4.4 update on it look even slimmer given that it wasn't a flagship device.

That being said, if you're an Xperia T or SP owner on Bell, Rogers, Wind, MTS, Eastlink or Mobilicity and have been eagerly awaiting the update you can grab it now on the Sony PC Companion application or Mac Bridge Application.

HTC One Mini Android 4.4 KitKat update in Certification phase, rollout in the coming days

While the HTC One update to Android 4.4 was rolled out in a  pretty speedy fashion, the One Mini has taken a bit longer to get its 4.4 update without mentioning that it skipped 4.3 altogether. One Mini owners can be relieved to hear that the One Mini's Android 4.4. KitKat update is now in the certification phase meaning it is most likely in Rogers' testing labs.

This is corroborated by Roger's OS Upgrade page which states that the One Mini should be getting Android 4.4 KitKat by the end of this month.

With HTC's renewed commitment to bringing updates to the One line, we wouldn't be surprised to see the update sooner than later.

Rogers Samsung Galaxy S4 and Note 3 to get Android 4.4 KitKat "Soon"

With HTC pushing out Android 4.4 KitKat to the HTC One, you'd expect Samsung to have a response for their co-flagships the Galaxy S4 and Note 3 and it looks like that is going to be the case as according to the Rogers OS upgrade page, they will be receiving Android 4.4 "Soon".

While it is a vague window we suspect that this should be sooner rather than later given the rollout of KitKat to S4s and Note 3s globally. While this news is directly related to Rogers we wouldn't be surprised if this will coincide with a Canada wide rollout of Android's latest version to all carriers that sell the S4 and Note 3.

HTC One now receiving Android 4.4 KitKat update

HTC gave itself 90 Days to get the carrier branded HTC One updated to Android 4.4 and it looks like it has kept that promise. Despite indications from HTC Americas boss Jason Mackenzie that the Android 4.4. update was going to be delayed to the coming weeks, it looks like Canadian HTC Ones have started to receive the coveted update to Android's latest version.

If you have an Canadian HTC One on Rogers, TELUS, Bell, Virgin, SaskTel or WIND look for your update under Settings -> About Phone -> Software update.

Rogers and Fido Motorola Moto X are getting Android 4.4.2 update

While the Moto X in the US has been updated to Android 4.4 for about a month now the Rogers and Fido version has been eagerly waiting for a rollout of the latest version of the OS. That wait if finally over as the Rogers and Fido versions are now getting an OTA update to Android 4.4.2 starting today.

According to a post on the Official Motorola Blogger page, the rollout has officially started for the Rogers and Fido Moto X and are the first Moto Xs to get Android 4.4.2 (while other Moto Xs have been receiving 4.4).

If you're a Canadian Moto X owner check your phone for the System update!

Canadian HTC One and Rogers One Mini Android 4.4 update now in certification phase, possible roll out in coming days

The HTC One (and one Mini) represents a significant change for HTC, as they are working on the most criticized and scrutinized aspect of their operations, post purchase updates. While the One X might not see the light of another update, the 2013 flagship HTC One is looking at it's third update in Android 4.4 KitKat while the One Mini will be going straight from Android 4.2.2 to Android 4.4 its first major update.

It looks like we are inching closer to meeting that self imposed 90 day deadline to get KitKat rolled out to users after Android 4.4 was announced. According to HTC's website the Android 4.4 update is now in the Certification process which means that it is now down to the carriers as the last major hurdle to pushing out an Over-the-Air update.

Hopefully they can keep their promise made just 83 days ago.

Leaked Android 4.4 Firmware for Samsung Galaxy S4 surfaces

Looks like the Samsung Galaxy S4 will be joining the Note 3 in the KitKat party soon as SamMobile has gotten their hands on a leaked Android 4.4.2 Test firmware. According to SamMobile, the official update is still about a month or so away, but in their time with the Test Build it seems to be decently stable.

Changes include the translucent KitKat style notification pane with white icons, camera shortcut on the lockscreen, improved benchmark scores and tweaks to the default keyboard.

Of course, given that the Canadian version is slightly different to the I9505 version that this leaked firmware was made for, it won't work on the Canadian version. So I'd advise against installing the ROM.

In any case, good news for S4 owners looking forward to Android 4.4 KitKat.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 getting Android 4.4 KitKat rollout in... Poland!

Samsung has been on a roll as of late by getting Android 4.3 rolled out on the Galaxy Note II, Galaxy S III and Galaxy S4. Now it looks like the Galaxy Note 3 is going to be the first to get Android 4.4 KitKat. While the roll out is limited to Poland for now, this does bode well for not only the Canadian but all Galaxy Note 3's getting an update to the latest version of Android in the very near future.

AnrodiPolice is reporting that so far many of the first noticeable changes are aesthetic, like the status bar closely mirroring stock Android's translucent and White style and the Camera shortcut on the lock screen.Benchmarks also seem to indicate a slight improvement in results despite the Note 3 being an already incredibly fast device.