It’s been known for a while that Android updates don’t roll out on all devices simultaneously, especially with some manufacturers who release their own custom versions of the operating system, and like to make modifications to each new update before releasing it to their users. Samsung and Sony fall into this category, and owners of some of their devices still don’t have official access to the 4.4.4 “KitKat” version of the operating system.
On the other hand, one of the good things about Android is that its open nature has led to the creation of a very active and lively customization community, regularly releasing custom images for all supported devices. The people behind these custom ROMs are usually the main “saviors” of users stuck with an outdated Android version due to their manufacturer lagging behind with their release schedule.
Owners of the Samsung Galaxy S3 can now install a custom ROM on their devices, upgrading their Android version to 4.4.4. The custom image comes with all the special features included in the OS update, such as notifications on the lock screen, Halo, and even some special features developed by the ROM authors themselves. Users can change the theme of their lock screen, the OS has improved gesture support, and it’s now possible to set up separate user profiles.
On the other hand, Sony Xperia ZL owners can get the update by installing a CyanogenMod CM11 M12 image, which now updates the OS to 4.4.4. Again, the image is packed with all the official improvements included in the 4.4.4 update by Google, and reports indicate that the custom ROM actually runs slightly faster, due to special optimizations by the community.
Users who’ve never done this sort of thing before should approach the procedure with caution, as even though flashing an Android phone is relatively simple and straightforward nowadays, it still brings the risk of bricking the device if one is not careful, and the subsequent voiding of the warranty will not make the situation any more pleasant either. Following the instructions for flashing as carefully as possible is usually more than enough to prevent the most common types of problems, but users who don’t feel confident performing their own flashing should always leave it to someone else. In the meantime, it’s not yet known when the official 4.4.4 will hit these devices – the S3 currently only supports the 4.3 “Jelly Bean” update, and Samsung have been quiet about their future plans for the device. Considering that the official release line is now at 5.0 already, some S3 owners have been expressing their disappointment with Samsung’s slow development process.