Image: CNET

Samsung announced Tuesday the arrival of the latest version of Android 4.4.2, dubbed "KitKat," on its U.S. smartphone and tablet range.

Read this Want to get KitKat early? Dodge the Android bloatware? Here are four ROMs to try Most consumers just live with the version of Android that manufacturers ship with their device — and the updates they choose to deliver — but that doesn't need to be so. Here's a look at several alternative versions out there to pick from. Read More

The Korean electronics giant said a number of devices in the Galaxy range will receive the update soon — though, the specific rollout depends and varies based on carrier and product. Some users will receive the update as early as today, while others will continue throughout the coming months.

Devices compatible with the new version include the Galaxy Note 2 and Note 3, the Galaxy S4 and S4 mini, the Galaxy S3 and S3 mini, as well as the Galaxy Tab 3, Galaxy Note 8.0, and 10.1 tablets, and more.

Android KitKat lands with a new Location Menu with easy-access to GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile network controls, as well as enhanced messaging and a bevy of other new features and improvements.

While earlier versions of Android have been incompatible with many older devices, leaving the mobile platform fragmented across various different device versions, Google's pledge to reach another billion Android activations will be significantly bolstered with this effort.

A key part of Google's strategy is to ensure as many Android-powered devices possible can support the new operating system .