Android v4.4 KitKat OS Update Now Seeding to Asus Zenfone 4, 5, 6

Taiwanese technology giant Asus has announced the roll-out of Android 4.4 KitKat update for its flagship Zenfone 4, Zenfone 5, and Zenfone 6 series smartphones in India.

The company has confirmed (via consumer forum website) that all three Zenfone series (except Zenfone 4A450CG model) will get the update in a few days time. Asus' flagship affordable handsets made their debut in India way back in July with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and now the devices will be upgraded to the v4.4.2 KitKat.

[Also read: Asus Zenfone series specifications and price details]

As of now, only Zenfone 4 is getting the new update in India, other models are expected to taste the chocolate-wafer flavoured Android very soon.

[Note: Since the update is released in stages, it will take a while; not more than a few days to reach all regions.]

Users can check for OTA (Over-The-Air) update on their phone;

Goto Settings >> (scroll down to the bottom) tap - About Phone >> check – System updates;

The new firmware brings in enhancements including,

• Extended Easy mode
• Full dual standby mode for dual-SIM cards
• Do Not Disturb mode
• Enhanced camera apps like Filter effects for videos, an option to automatically enable Image Stabilisation when hand shake is detected
• Improved Zen UI launcher
• FM Radio to auto-scan local radio station and support for Program Service & Radio Text of RDS
• Customisation option in Quick Tool Box.

Brief description of the key features of Android v4.4 KitKat OS:

Priority Contacts: The new OS empowers the phone to automatically prioritise contact list for easy access, based on the frequency of the peoples' contacts to which users talk.

Enhanced Message Grouping: Google has brought in some improvements to the new Hangouts app; now, users can find all their text SMSs and MMSs, audio and video call details all at one place. He/She can also share location and send animated GIFs.

Emoji Characters:  Initially users had to install third party app to use colourful characters in their SMS. Now, with KitKat update, the keypad comes pre-loaded with native Japanese Emoji emotion icons.

Improved Caller-ID: If a user receives call from an unknown number, the phone will look for matches on the net with local listings via Google Maps.

NFC and Wireless Printing: Google's new OS comes with a new Quickoffice app wherein people can create and store word documents in cloud storage as well as print files wirelessly on NFC-enabled HP printers.

Immersive display: To enhance the entertainment factor, the new OS comes with immersive mode, where the status bar and navigation buttons disappear into the background while you play music, games and read e-books. Users can just swipe the edge of the screen to bring back the utility buttons.

Enhanced Google Mobile Service (GMS) apps: This application helps users to automatically back up photos and video clips. He/she also can create, view, share rename Google Docs and files.

Location Menu:  This integrated location menu enables users easily activate GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks, while simultaneously keeping a tab on the battery consumption by the location service-based apps.

Multi-tasking:  With efficient memory management, users can multi-task by opening multiple applications; Listen to music while you can browse through the net.

Performance: Like all software updates, the new KitKat enhances smartphone's performance as well as efficient RAM management, leading to increase in battery life.