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Samsung Galaxy Android 4.4 KitKat Update: 10 Key Details

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Since January, Samsung has been pushing out Android 4.4.2 KitKat updates to owners of its Galaxy smartphones. More than seven months later, Samsung’s Android 4.4 KitKat roll out continues. Here, we take a look at 10 key details as we explore Samsung’s current Android 4.4.2 KitKat push and Google’s brand new Android 4.4.3 KitKat and Android 4.4.4 KitKat updates.

Seven months ago, Samsung pushed out the Galaxy Note 3 Android 4.4.2 KitKat update. In the months since that first roll out, we’ve seen Android 4.4 KitKat land for the Galaxy Note 2, the Galaxy S3, and variants of the Galaxy S4. We’ve even seen Samsung push out new Android 4.4.2 KitKat software to the Samsung Galaxy S5.

Needless to say, the Samsung Galaxy Android 4.4 KitKat roll out process has been a complicated one and not just because the company has millions of devices spread out over hundreds of different regions. No, we’ve also seen different Android 4.4.2 KitKat updates emerge and we’ve even seen the arrival of Android 4.4.3 KitKat and Android 4.4.4 KitKat for select Android devices. Android 4.4 KitKat might be a small update but its roll out has been far from small.

Galaxy S5 Review - 6

In the past couple of weeks, we’ve started to see new Samsung Galaxy Android 4.4 KitKat update details emerge for owners of Samsung’s most popular smartphones. With Android 4.4.2 KitKat updates still wheeling and dealing, Android 4.4.3 KitKat and Android 4.4.4 KitKat updates flying around, and an Android L update release in the cards for later this year, we want to add to our extensive Galaxy Android 4.4 KitKat canvas and take a look at 10 key details.

These details are the most important thing Samsung Galaxy S5, Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung Galaxy S3, Samsung Galaxy Note 2, and Samsung Galaxy Note 3 users need to know about the Android 4.4 KitKat update process, a process that is still going strong seven months after Samsung rolled out its first KitKat update.

Android 4.4.2 KitKat Still Rules the Roost

Samsung is pressing forward with its onslaught of Android 4.4.2 KitKat updates, some newer than others. A new Android update list from SamMobile, a site that tracks every single Android update that pushes out for Android devices, shows a strong Android 4.4.2 KitKat update push in the month of August as Samsung works to get its devices outfitted with KitKat.

Samsung includes many small changes to basic Android 4.4.2 design with the Galaxy S5.

Samsung includes many small changes to basic Android 4.4.2 design with the Galaxy S5.

Keep in mind, Samsung’s deployment is extremely random and dependent on internal testing. It’s very difficult to predict where the update will land next so those still sitting on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean will simply need to remain patient. Especially those that just got Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. Yes, it looks like Samsung is still pushing out Android 4.3 to some devices including the Galaxy S3 GT-I9300.

Galaxy Android 4.4 Problems

Android 4.4.2 KitKat problems continue to plague Galaxy S5, Galaxy S4, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Note 2, and Galaxy S3 users. U.S. carrier forums are flooded with complaints about Android 4.4.2.

Verizon’s forums, for instance, detail various Android 4.4.2 KitKat problems. Galaxy Note 2 users are complaining about charging issues and hang ups. Galaxy S3 users are detailing battery life issues and other bugs. Galaxy S5 users are running into random reboots. Galaxy Note 3 users are dealing with an assortment of Android 4.4.2 KitKat problems. And Galaxy S4 users are complaining about texting issues and other bugs.

Those who are dealing with issues will want to refer to their respective forums for help. While there may not be a permanent fix for some of these issues, temporary fixes might help to alleviate the issues ahead of the next update.

Android 4.4.3 KitKat & Android 4.4.4 KitKat Nowhere to Be Found

This is why there has been so much focus on Android 4.4.3 KitKat and Android 4.4.4 KitKat. Both updates were deployed to fix Android 4.4.2 KitKat problems. And that’s why Galaxy users are frustrated with the fact that Samsung still hasn’t confirmed either update for arrival.

Weeks ago, we had heard that the company was working on an Android 4.4.3 KitKat update for the Galaxy S5 in addition to one for the Galaxy S4 LTE-A. The Galaxy S4 LTE-A recently started getting Android 4.4.2 so it’s not clear when or if it will be getting upgraded to the latest version of Android 4.4 KitKat.

Samsung still hasn’t confirmed anything and uses simply must in the dark as companies like HTC, Motorola and Sony push out crucial bug fix updates for their flagship devices.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

Yesterday, Samsung confirmed the Galaxy Note 4 release. The company will announce the Galaxy Note 4 on September 3rd and probably release it at some point in September. Here’s why this detail is important.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 could come with Android 4.4.3 KitKat or Android 4.4.4 KitKat aboard. Back in May, SamMobile revealed the Samsung was working on new Galaxy Note 4 software features. It also went on to say that the company was testing these features on the Galaxy S5 with Android 4.4.3 KitKat as a base.

The Galaxy Note 4 launch date will come just days before the iPhone 6 launch.

The Galaxy Note 4 launch date will come just days before the iPhone 6 launch.

That doesn’t confirm Android 4.4.3 KitKat for the Galaxy Note 4 but it certainly opens the door. It’s possible that Samsung is holding Android 4.4.3 KitKat or Android 4.4.4 KitKat back until the Galaxy Note 4 arrives. With an Android L release still off in the distance, it could use one or the other as a promotional tool to attract users.

Something to keep in mind given the close proximity of the Galaxy Note 4 launch.

New Key Galaxy S5 Android 4.4.2 KitKat Update

While we haven’t seen Android 4.4.3 KitKat or Android 4.4.4 KitKat roll out, Verizon Galaxy S5 users recently got the next best thing. At the end of last month, Verizon rolled out a massive Android 4.4.2 KitKat update for its Galaxy S5, an update that came with a number of enhancements and bug fixes. Verizon Galaxy S5 users that are dealing with Android 4.4.2 problems but haven’t installed it should install it immediately.

Sadly, it’s not clear if other carriers will follow suit. The Verizon Galaxy S5 Android 4.4.2 KitKat came with many fixes and enhancements that are specific to the Verizon model. It’s clear that other Galaxy S5 variants on other carriers are having issues but at this point, the key detail here is that we don’t have any other details regarding upcoming bug fixes.

Galaxy S5 users will simply have to cross their fingers.

New Galaxy S4 & Galaxy Note 3 Android 4.4.2 Updates Hit U.S.

We also saw T-Mobile push out a new Galaxy Note 3 Android 4.4.2 KitKat update and Sprint deploy a new Galaxy S4 Android 4.4.2 KitKat update. Both updates are extremely small and neither is on par with the Verizon Galaxy S5 Android 4.4.2 KitKat bug fixer. Both updates are very carrier-specific so we aren’t expecting other carriers to follow suit at this point.

Samsung-Galaxy-S5-vs-Galaxy-Note-3-Displays-620x437

Now let’s dive into details for devices that have yet to receive Android 4.4 KitKat.

Galaxy S4 Android 4.4 Releases Pushed Back

Samsung’s Galaxy S4 Android 4.4 KitKat update has been pushing out since February but there is still work left to be done. And while some Galaxy S4 models are in good shape, others are not.

Australian carrier Optus recently updated its Android upgrade schedule and sadly, it looks like Samsung needs more time to developer the carrier’s two Galaxy S4 Android 4.4 KitKat upgrades. While the company was hopeful that it would receive the updates in for testing many weeks ago, it looks like it’s taking a lot longer than expected.

The carrier says that it anticipates that it will receive the Galaxy S4 Android 4.4 KitKat update sometime in mid-to-late August. At that point, the carrier will begin testing, a process that could take days or perhaps weeks to complete. In other words, unless something changes between now and August, it could be three weeks or more before Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S4 4G users on Optus receive their Android 4.4 KitKat upgrades. It’s not clear which version of Android 4.4 KitKat Optus will deploy.

Galaxy-S4-Best-Cheap-Phone-June 2014

Fellow Australian carrier Vodafone has yet to receive the Galaxy S4 Android 4.4 KitKat update from Samsung and Telstra, another Aussie provider, hasn’t provided any details regarding its Galaxy S4 Android 4.4 upgrade. Telstra dealt with serious Android 4.3 Jelly Bean issues so it could be awhile before we see an Android 4.4 KitKat upgrade emerge.

C Spire and MetroPCS Galaxy S4 variants are still stuck in the Stone Age and haven’t even seen one version of the Android 4.4 KitKat update. It’s not clear if they will get upgraded though given the Galaxy S4’s age, there’s a good chance that they will continue to receive updates. Still no word from either carrier about the KitKat release.

Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.4 KitKat Updates Missing & Delayed

The Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.4.2 KitKat update is still rolling out and it remains one of the company’s healthier deployments. That said, there’s still some progress to be made.

Australian carrier Telstra recently released an updated Android update schedule, a schedule that details a number of its missing Android updates including the Android 4.4 KitKat update for its Galaxy Note 2 4G. According to Telstra, “Samsung have further delayed test submission to 15 August” which in turn has pushed back the update’s ETA to September and more specifically, September 15th.

Galaxy-Note-2

As we’ve pointed out, it’s not clear how this delay will affect other carriers that are in the same boat. Optus and Vodafone have yet to push out their Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.4 KitKat updates and neither has provided concrete details about its release. French carrier SFR, which says that it plans to push out the update in early August, has not relayed any news about a delay.

Of course, things could be worse. You could have a T-Mobile Galaxy Note 2. T-Mobile USA still hasn’t rolled out an Android 4.4 KitKat update for its variant and we still don’t have a firm date for its arrival. Perhaps its submission got delayed as well though that remains unconfirmed.

Galaxy S3 Android 4.4.2 KitKat Roll Out MIA

The Galaxy S3 Android 4.4.2 KitKat update hit Sprint, then AT&T and Verizon, then Canada, and then it stopped. The Galaxy S3 Android 4.4.2 KitKat deployment has been extremely quiet as of late and it’s not clear when it might start up next. After all, there are still a ton of users in the U.S. waiting for the update.

French carrier SFR and Australian carrier Optus, two carriers that are usually at the tip of the spear when it comes to early Android update information, have not put forth any information regarding upcoming plans for the Galaxy S3. So far, the only international carrier that we’ve seen put forth any information is Vodafone Australia.

All the company says is that it’s “awaiting software for testing” and that the ETA for the update is August 2014 though that is “to be confirmed by Samsung.” In other words, they probably don’t have a clue.  Same goes for U.S. Cellular Galaxy S3 users, T-Mobile Galaxy S3 users and owners of other Galaxy S3 LTE variants all over the world.

Android L Probably Next for Many Users

HTC says that Android L will come after Android 4.4.3 and Android 4.4.4 KitKat so we’re not expecting any surprises for Samsung devices between now and the start of the Android L roll out.

For many Galaxy smartphone owners, Android L will be the update that replaces Android 4.4.2 KitKat or perhaps, Android 4.4.3 KitKat or Android 4.4.4 KitKat if Samsung ever gets around to them.

Android L on Android 4.4.4

Android L is rumored for the fourth quarter which means that it will likely be several months before Galaxy devices get the upgrade. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising if Samsung started pushing out most upgrades in 2015.

Devices like the Galaxy S5, Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 are locks to get Android L but devices like the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 sit in an extremely gray area and it’s not clear what their future holds.

3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. Thomas N Reedy

    08/24/2014 at 7:58 pm

    Hello Adam,

    I really enjoy and appreciate your Android articles; however, ethnic slurs–intentional or unintentional–such as “French carrier SFR and Australian carrier Optus, two carriers that are usually at the tip of the spear when it comes to early Android update information” are not clever, cute, or constructive. Please give these reviews in the future a sensitive final review, before publishing them. Thank you for your insightful articles, and for reading my comments.

    A friend,
    Thomas “Tom” N Reedy

  2. Nana U Bizness

    10/17/2014 at 6:55 am

    Ethnic slurs?? Are you serious??

  3. darren

    10/29/2014 at 2:19 pm

    Haha at the ethnic slurs comments, they are the most interesting things on yhis whole page of boredom. I simple want the highlight information for what kitkat will change for me on my phone, instead of wading through pages of irrelevant news release ‘data’. Ever heard of bullet points?

    A friend.
    darren

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