Last Updated on April 9, 2017 by Mathew Diekhake
The ‘Big Red’ is rolling out a new Android 4.4.4 KitKat software update that boosts the build number to 21.44.8.en.US. Sadly, it’s not the new Android 5.0 or the 5.0.1 Lollipop update that many device owners were wishing. It is, however, an OTA update that you want to install as soon as it arrives since it comes with 235 MB worth of goodies. We can read a lot into the total file size of any OTA update. The ones that are smaller come with fewer features. The large updates can use around half a GB of data and revamp the OS entirely such as the jump up from KitKat to Lollipop.
Thankfully we don’t have much guessing to do this time as Verizon did release the official support page that shows us the changelog. The standout feature is Advanced Calling 1.0. The new calling feature lets users use voice and data at the same time. You can visit the official link provided by Verizon Wireless on learning more about Advanced Calling as a HTML file from here.
In addition to using the data with voice, users also find security patches, bug fixes and device stability improvements. That means if you are using your device and notice any bugs in the system such as freezing or poor performance, you don’t want to miss this update as it likely carries fixes in place for you. Each software update is designed to give users a better experience than the earlier version, so you should always try and update the OS regardless.
Don’t be afraid of installing the files as they are official and coming direct from your phone carrier network. Furthermore, since they are official firmware upgrades, you don’t lose any data. However, those preferring to do things by the cell phone book can back up the data using Helium for Android. Helium is available direct from the Google Play Store.
Correspondingly, you ought to try installing the 21.44.8.en.US firmware using the WiFi and not the mobile data. Mobile data is great, but it comes with the usual charges applying from your plan. If you go over the limit these can sometimes be costly. Always save your data for the important internet browsing parts and use WiFi for large OS updates. Moreover, the carrier network comes with high traffic at these times from other users installing the same. It’s best to avoid that traffic and maximize your connection stability while upgrading.
All OTA’s arrive at different stages for each owner. That means some people are already downloading and installing, while others are still left waiting. There’s no magic formula to learn when it’s arriving for your device. However, you can always keep checking by stopping over at the Menu > Settings > About Phone > System Updates > Check Now. Generally, nobody needs to follow those steps unless you are putting the notification on hold. All owners find the system notification coming in automatically. It comes direct to your notifications alerting you it’s ready.
The Droid Turbo Soak tests are underway by Motorola. Reports suggest it may be the Android 5.0 Lollipop update and VoLTE. Keep checking back for more details.