nexus+7+tablet
Google surprises Android users by rolling out Android 4.3.1 update for the Nexus 7 LTE. Google

While users around the world await the highly anticipated Android 4.4 KitKat mobile operating system, Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) has begun rolling out a new firmware update in the form of Android 4.3.1 Jelly Bean to the LTE version of the Nexus 7 tablet.

Google started rolling out the Android 4.3.1 Jelly Bean update to the Nexus 7 LTE on Friday, as noted at XDA Developers. The new firmware version comes with the build number JLS36I and a comparatively diminutive file size of 16.6MB. While it is still unclear exactly what the new build contains in terms of differences from Android 4.3, it could be a minor update with some bug fixes, Android Central pointed out.

Although Redmond Pie reported the first recipients of the Android 4.3.1 Jelly Bean update on their Nexus 7 LTE devices were in French- and Japanese-speaking regions, the update is expected to roll out to other regions as well.

Android_4.3.1
Google surprises Android users by rolling out the Android 4.3.1 update for the Nexus 7 LTE. XDA Developers

However, it is unclear whether Android 4.3.1 will be released for Nexus devices other than the Nexus 7 LTE as a rollout of Android 4.4 KitKat is expected to take place soon. Announced in September, Android 4.4 KitKat could arrive with the Nexus 5 smartphone this month, according to Gotta Be Mobile.

Meanwhile, Jason Mackenzie, president of the HTC America unit of the HTC Corp. (TPE:2498), confirmed via Twitter Friday that the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update for the AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) version of the HTC One has passed carrier certification and will be released for the device next week:

Over the last few days, HTC has been busy rolling out the Android 4.3 update for various regions and carriers. While the Sprint Corp. (NYSE:S) variant of the HTC One received the new firmware this week, the U.S. developer edition version and the Canadian version of the handset got the update last week.

Users of T-Mobile U.S. Inc.’s (NYSE:TMUS) HTC One are expected to get the Android 4.3 update in the middle of this month, while users of the Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) variant of the smartphone may have to wait for it until the end of the month.