Motorola Moto G 2013
The Moto G 2013 smartphone. Motorola

If you own the first-gen Moto G and Moto E, having bought your handsets from Republic Wireless in the US, then check for Google's Android 4.4.4 KitKat operating system update.

Republic Wireless has officially announced the roll-out of Android 4.4.4 KitKat for users of Moto G and Moto E initially, with the update set to be extended to users of the first-gen Moto X as well.

"The soak turned up an issue on the Moto X (1st Gen.) that required us to resubmit that device to the lab for re-certification. We were able to work with our partners to get this re-certification done quickly and expect it to be ready in February," Republic Wireless says in a blog post.

"So, this initial rollout will only hit G and E, starting to roll out today and continue over the next week," the company adds.

This means that owners of the budget Moto G (2013) and Moto E will be able to install the Android 4.4.4 manually as well as via OTA.

First-gen Motorola Moto G, Moto E on Republic Wireless get Android 4.4.4 KitKat update, Moto X to follow soon
Motorola's current-gen Moto E. Motorola

Prior to the latest firmware upgrade roll-out, the Moto G (2013) and Moto E ran the older Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and Android 4.4.2 KitKat operating platforms (out of the box) respectively.

What's new?

For Motorola Moto E:

  • According to Republic Wireless, users of Moto E can expect only new security patches with the latest update.

For Motorola Moto G

However, Moto G (2013) and Moto X (2013) users will get to check out a plethora of features mentioned below:

  • The phone app has been redesigned to focus more on your contacts. Contacts will be shown when you access the phone app. To dial a new number, you will have to tap the dialer icon first.
  • Immersive mode will allow videos, books, etc to completely fill the screen. In order to see the controls, buttons, etc when in full screen mode, you will have to swipe down on the screen to reveal them.
  • Activation Process: Republic Wireless says that it has implemented multiple reforms within the overall activation process, for Moto E users.
  • Conventional stability/performance enhancements

According to Republic Wireless, Android 4.4.4 will hit its Moto X (2013) users, starting February 2015.

Android 5.0 (Lollipop) update imminent

The latest update roll-out is a clear indication of the impending Android 5.0 OS update. Even Republic Wireless acknowledges the fact.

"Where is Android Lollipop (5.0)? Lollipop is a major rewrite and redesign of Android, so there is lots to do, and it has only just been made available outside of Google. We are currently working with Motorola to plan out the releases for both flavors of X (1st and 2nd Gen.), the G and the E," adds the network provider.

Installing the latest Android OS update:

Before installing the update, do remember to check that the battery of your device is charged up to at least 50%. Also, always remember to connect to an available Wi-Fi network.

If you have received a notification message for this update:

  1. Select "Yes, I'm in."
  2. After the software is downloaded, select "Install now."
  3. After the software is installed, your phone will re-start automatically.

Manual installation of the update:

If you have not received a notification message for this update, then follow the steps mentioned below:

  1. Select the Settings icon in the apps menu.
  2. Select "About phone."
  3. Select "System updates."
  4. Select "Yes, I'm in." After the software is downloaded, select "Install now."
  5. After the software is installed, your phone will re-start automatically.

[Republic Wireless is an American mobile virtual network operator which sells low cost mobile phone service which defaults to Wi-Fi and falls back to Sprint's cellular network. It is based in Raleigh, North Carolina].

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