LG has launched a new batch of G Pad tablets so, for a time, it seemed that its first G Pad was left behind. Fortunately, Verizon is giving the LG G Pad 8.3 some much needed love and attention, finally bringing the tablet's core Android OS from the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean that it launched with to a relatively more recent Android 4.4.2.
When LG began its new premium "G" direction, the G Pad 8.3 was the first tablet that it launched to bear that name. Although a WiFi model of the tablet has been available in the US for some time now, the 4G LTE variant only landed on Verizon's shelves last March. Those who bought the latter might have been living in envy when the Google Play Edition of the tablet, which, by the way, is no longer available from Google Play Store, received its Android 4.4.2 update way back in December. Fortunately, now it's their turn.
Verizon's changelog for this update isn't exactly that long, but the changes are definitely huge, considering it skipped Android 4.3 and jumped right into KitKat. Most of the improvements have happened behind the scenes, but users will be greeted by a new monochromatic status bar and a fullscreen immersive mode. KitKat also brings multi-user support to Android, but LG does have its own implementation of this guest mode. Also making its G Pad 8.3 debut is LG's Knock Code, which upgrades the simple "knock knock" to unlock previously found on the tablet to a more personalized and customizable multi-tap gesture.
The update notification should arrive on users' devices shortly, though, as always, it won't happen at the same time. It will be delivered over the air as normal, so a stable WiFi connection is required. Considering massive changes to the OS are involved, it might be a good idea to back up important files and data in the meantime and ensure there is ample battery charge before performing the update.
SOURCE: Verizon (PDF)
VIA: Android Central