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Samsung Galaxy Android 4.4.4 KitKat Update Details Arrive

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Samsung Galaxy Android 4.4.4 KitKat update details have finally arrived nearly two months after Google pushed out Android 4.4.4 KitKat to replace the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update that rolled out in early June.

In June, Google rolled out two new Android 4.4 KitKat updates in Android 4.4.3 KitKat and Android 4.4.4 KitKat. The Android 4.4.3 KitKat update arrived with a number of bug fixes aimed at squashing Android 4.4.2 KitKat problems. The update also featured cosmetic changes to the dialer and the stock People application.

A short time later, Google rolled out Android 4.4.4 KitKat, a tiny update that contained just one security fix for an OpenSSL vulnerability. While the Android 4.4.4 KitKat update was initially limited to Google’s stable of Nexus smartphones and tablets, we’ve seen it deploy to a number of non-Nexus smartphones in the past few weeks.

Motorola and Sony are currently in the midst of massive Android 4.4.4 KitKat roll outs. HTC is also rolling out a new Android 4.4 KitKat update to its HTC One M7 and HTC One M8 but instead of Android 4.4.4 KitKat, it’s pushing out Android 4.4.3 KitKat. HTC’s Android 4.4.3 KitKat features Android 4.4.4 KitKat’s security fix.

While those companies have been forthcoming with Android 4.4.3 KitKat and Android 4.4.4 KitKat update information, LG and Samsung, two of the largest Android manufacturers in the world, have remained silent. And as we’ve pointed out, the silence has begun to wear on Samsung Galaxy users experiencing Android 4.4.2 KitKat problems.

Android 4.4.2 KitKat problems continue to plague Galaxy S5, Galaxy S4, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Note 2, and Galaxy S3 users. Verizon’s forums, among others, 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.

Naturally, Galaxy owners have been looking for bug fixes. And with Android 4.4.3 KitKat and Android 4.4.4 KitKat being the bug fix updates that they are, Galaxy owners have been looking for details as we push deeper into the fall. Fortunately, today, we’ve got a look at our very first Samsung Galaxy Android 4.4.4 KitKat update details. Unfortunately, the future for most Galaxy device owners remains cloudy.

Samsung Galaxy Android 4.4.4 KitKat Update Details

Finally, after several weeks of waiting, we know where Samsung stands. While early rumors indicated that Samsung was working on Android 4.4.3 KitKat updates for the Galaxy S5 and Galaxy S4, the company has followed Motorola and Sony to Android 4.4.4 KitKat.

Samsung’s apparent plans have been confirmed by two completely unrelated details. The first, the Samsung Galaxy Alpha. The Galaxy Alpha is a high-end version of the Galaxy S4 that combines plastic and metal with last year’s specs. The Galaxy Alpha will also utilize Google’s Android 4.4.4 KitKat update and not the Android 4.4.2 software that Samsung’s spreading around to older Galaxy devices.

The Galaxy Alpha is official but it’s still not on shelves. Samsung says that it will be landing in select regions at the beginning of September, or, right around the time that the company debuts the Samsung Galaxy Note 4. More on that in a second.

While this may or may not be a sign of things to come. What it does do though is confirm the direction Samsung is taking. Instead of Android 4.4.3 KitKat, it has shifted to Android 4.4.4.

The Galaxy Alpha runs Android 4.4.4 KitKat.

The Galaxy Alpha runs Android 4.4.4 KitKat.

This is backed up by a recent benchmark for an entry level Samsung smartphone that’s headed to China. The benchmark, for a device called SM-G3608, was recently spotted by Blog of Mobile. The benchmark details several interesting specifications, including a 64-bit processor, and it also lists the device as having Android 4.4.4 KitKat. Further proof that Samsung is working on Android 4.4.4 KitKat behind the scenes.

So what does this mean for the future?

Galaxy Note 4

Well, in our eyes, this all but confirms the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 software.  The Galaxy Note 4 is expected to be announced on September 3rd and released a short time later. With Android L still on the back burner, it will almost certainly come equipped with Android 4.4 KitKat.

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.

Furthermore, if a mid-range device like the Galaxy Alpha is coming with Android 4.4.4, then there’s a good chance that a flagship device that’s competing against the iPhone 6 will come with the latest software on board. That software of course being Android 4.4.4 KitKat.

Nothing is confirmed but we have a feeling the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 will come with Android 4.4.4 KitKat, same as the Galaxy Alpha.

Galaxy S5, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy S4 Android 4.4.4 KitKat Updates

If Samsung is planning to deploy Android 4.4.4 KitKat updates to its older devices, devices like the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3, we wouldn’t be surprised if it made an announcement at the show.

In the past, we’ve seen Samsung announce major Android updates for older devices on stage, the last being the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update alongside the Galaxy Note 3, so it’s possible that we could see Samsung announce future Android 4.4.4 KitKat upgrades alongside the Galaxy Note 4 during its September 3rd launch event.

https://youtu.be/PuwGfTRiW2Q

If it doesn’t, then there’s a chance we could see Samsung opt not to deploy Android 4.4.4 KitKat to some devices and roll out the Android L update down the road instead.

Whatever the case may be, it’s looking like things might come to a head in September. Galaxy users dealing with Android 4.4.2 KitKat problems will want to keep those fingers crossed and hope that Samsung delivers.

17 Comments

17 Comments

  1. Joe S

    08/13/2014 at 6:05 pm

    Why don’t I see any mention of one of the biggest problems with Kit Kat 4.4.2 etal? The crippled SD card problem to me is the worst problem out there and there are numerous comments on the web, but virtually nothing in these updates.

  2. Sandra

    08/13/2014 at 8:05 pm

    I’ve had my Galaxy S5 for three months and I have never had a problem with it. I got the update a couple of weeks ago and everything is fine.

  3. judah

    08/13/2014 at 8:51 pm

    Im dumb

  4. Michael

    08/13/2014 at 9:25 pm

    Biggest problem with 4.4.2 on note 3 is the email random cursor bug. Delete then type and the cursor jumps all over the place!

  5. heartlikeaskyAshley D

    08/13/2014 at 9:50 pm

    Joe S – the ‘crippled SD card problem’ is in fact security feature and not a KitKat 4.2.2 flaw. It was brought in due to the large number of apps that can share space on both the phone and SD card being created that read data off the SD card which created the vulnerability that an app developer can get access to personal data and passwords that may be residing on you SD card. Whilst it’s not a helpful vulnerability fix as it stops the user form being able to edit directly in the SD card, given the increase in phishing and malware bots affecting Android, it’s not necessarily such a bad thing. However, Google could modify the setting to allow a User to opt in or out of this security feature in any future update to KitKat or Android ‘L’

  6. howlow666

    08/13/2014 at 10:00 pm

    Would hope to jump to at least 4.4.4 if not android Learn …….. come on samsung treat your customers the way we should be treated sheesh.

  7. howlow666

    08/13/2014 at 10:01 pm

    Not learn. ..L stupid auto correct.

  8. Dan

    08/13/2014 at 10:26 pm

    No details at all. Waste of time.

  9. josh

    08/14/2014 at 11:22 am

    I for one just want Samsung to correct their software flaws. Rather it be 4.3 or 4.4 is of no consequence. Their top flagship devices are riddled with bugs. How about you fix your devices that are already on the market that your loyal customers have come to love. Quite developing gimmicks like the galaxy alpha and fix the note 3. Your supposed to be the android super power of the world and yet you always come in dead last with your updates and when you finally do update a device months later it leaves the device in worse shape than what it was before… And for god sake. Please redesign touchwiz. These app tiles and orange ios count badges are so froyo.

  10. sfmom4

    08/14/2014 at 12:16 pm

    Samsung already lost me as a customer. My contract is open and as soon as the new iPhone is available I’m getting it. I have the S4, worked fine until the update earlier this year. The phone stopped working properly so I replaced it with another S4. I did not install the update it kept pushing on me. Finally it automatically updated my phone and now of course it’s acting up once again. I can’t depend on it. Heaven help me if I have an emergency and unable to use my phone.

  11. Madmax

    08/15/2014 at 8:04 pm

    Dear Samsung:

    I am one of your biggest fan but please fix the bugs of Android Kitkat 4.4.2 (baseband version N9005XXUFNF2) on our Galaxy Note 3. We have been experiencing unstable WiFi and/or Mobile data. Our network provider has nothing to do with this problem because other phones work fine. Thank you for your consideration. We’re counting on your appropriate actions.

    Madmax, from Philippines.

  12. Avo

    08/16/2014 at 8:56 am

    I am a Samsung I9505 Galaxy S4 any idea when the Kitkat 4.4.3 or 4.4.4 is going to be rolled out ?

  13. Joey Smith

    08/16/2014 at 9:06 am

    Forget about it. Let’s leave Samsung, they don’t respect their customers. When it comes to updates, they’re really very slow. I’ve had the same experience that many others explain everywhere in other forums, my T Mobile S4 is a piece of crap after it was updated to kitkat 4.4.2 last february 14, 2014, I hate the phone and I’m willing to update it to 4.4.3 or 4.4.4 in order to see if it improves. I wish I could downgrade it to the oldest android version it had when I bought it. We have to move to Motorola, Nexus, HTC or whatever other phones, but Samsung SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

  14. DillPo313

    08/17/2014 at 9:40 pm

    Am I the only one not having problems with 4.4.2 on the Samsung Galaxy S 4 mini? Satisfied Samsung customer here.

  15. Huehue Chichi

    08/18/2014 at 10:42 am

    I am stuck with a tab 4 that has 4.4.2 which I bought because they’re so highly touted. A major study app that worked on older versions won’t work until the update comes out. Waiting…1 month and counting. I will wait it out but not using the tablet much.

  16. Dominic

    09/08/2014 at 5:45 pm

    Note 2 since 4.4.2:

    Massive battery drains after data use even with Battery Defender

    Lost USB connectivity to Mac

    Lost photo album

    Lost video folder while videos strewn throughout phone

    Samsung rep. admitted battery drain issue with S3 and Note 2…no fix in site…Apple will be my next phone.

  17. Michael Hinchey

    03/14/2016 at 11:30 am

    Why does my phone when I hit version display an s instead of a k. Kit Kat version 4.44

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