Texas Instruments chipset to blame for Galaxy Nexus not getting Android 4.4?

Google Android 4.4 KitKat

When Google yesterday announced its Android 4.4 upgrade plans, one device surprisingly did not make the cut: the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. Google explained that the device fell outside of its “18-month update window when Google and others traditionally update devices” and would remain on its current version of Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.

There appears to be another reason for Google’s decision though. Sources “close to the company” have told Engadget that its Texas Instruments chipset may have at least contributed to the decision as well. Texas Instruments exited the mobile chip business in November 2012 when it let go some 1,700 employees. As a result, Google would not have the support of the company to help it with the upgrade.

Other OMAP-based devices include last year’s Kindle Fire HD, Nook HD and the Droid Bionic.

It may be up to the mod community to step in and see if they can develop their own OMAP-based Android 4.4 upgrades.


Sources : Engadget // Google Support