LG G2 receives Android 4.4.2 update in South Korea, includes ART support

The LG G2 is reportedly receiving the Android 4.4 KitKat software update in South Korea. The update was due at the end of last month and apparently has arrived just a few days late. In addition to Android 4.4.2, the update will support ART, or Android RunTime. This is the new version of runtime that replaces Dalvik. The advantage with ART is that the compiler switches from "just-in-time" to "ahead-of-time."

With Dalvik, when you open an app, the bytecode of the app is not compiled until you open the app. With ART, the bytecode is compiled when you install the app. This way, the app is practically all ready to run before you even open it for the first time. Based on the screenshot, it looks like Korean LG G2 owners will have the option to toggle between Dalvik and ART.

Other than for this, LG G2 users will mostly notice an improvements in performance on their handsets. You will get a few visual enhancements like the gray colored status bar icons, the new printing option in the settings menu and immersive mode for select apps which allows them to be viewed in full screen.

With the update rolling out in Korea, it shouldn't be long before it starts rolling out around the world. Meanwhile KitKat is expected to arrive for LG G2 unites in the U.S. before the end of the first quarter.


source - PhoneArena