Galaxy S4 Android 4.4 KitKat Update Brings Galaxy S5 Features

A new Samsung Galaxy S4 Android 4.4 KitKat update brings Samsung Galaxy S5 software features along with it. Unfortunately, this new Galaxy S4 Android 4.4 KitKat update is currently available for one Galaxy S4 model in one very specific region and it’s not clear where Samsung will release it next.

In February, Samsung took the stage at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain and showed off the brand new Samsung Galaxy S5. The Galaxy S5 is the successor to the Samsung Galaxy S4 and as such, it carries a number of big time upgrades along with it including some enhanced TouchWiz software.

The Samsung Galaxy S5’s software, which can be seen in action in the video below, comes with an assortment of upgrades including changes to the camera application, improvements to Samsung’s KNOX security feature, a new Kids mode,  and an Ultra Power Saving Mode that helps users better manage their daily usage. It also comes with a brand new look and an assortment of health related features thanks to S Health 3.0.

On stage, Samsung did not mention when or even if these features would come to its older line of Galaxy S and Galaxy Note smartphones. Samsung is known for bringing new software features to older devices so devices like the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 seemed like prime candidates to receive some of what the Galaxy S5 delivered earlier this year.

It now appears that Samsung has brought at least a few of these features to the Samsung Galaxy S4. AllAboutSamsung reports that a new Galaxy S4 Android 4.4 update build has brought Kids Mode and Samsung KNOX 2.0, two of the Galaxy S5’s main features, to the Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 LTE model in Germany.

The change log also suggests that the update brings improved power management for better battery life. However, it doesn’t look like the Ultra Power Saving Mode from the Galaxy S5 has made it to the Galaxy S4, at least not yet.

The update is 130MB in size and those who are interested in snagging Galaxy S5 software features can download it Over-the-Air, through Samsung Kies or manually install it thanks to SamMobile’s Firmware depot.

Unfortunately, the update is only available to the international GT-I9500 model in Germany at this point and it’s not clear where it will be heading next. Samsung’s Android roll outs are extremely unpredictable and they roll out to regions and devices in no particular order. Carrier variants typically lag behind the international versions of the device.

In the U.S., the Galaxy S4 Android 4.4 KitKat roll out remains active. C Spire Wireless and MetroPCS have yet to roll out their Android 4.4 KitKat updates though the vast majority of carriers, including AT&T and Verizon, have pushed out their versions of the software.

Rumors suggest that the Samsung Galaxy S5 and other devices, including the Galaxy S4, will get upgraded to Android 4.4.3 KitKat. Android 4.4.3 KitKat is a bug fix update aimed at tackling Android 4.4.2 KitKat problems but it’s not clear how the update might affect Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones and tablets.

In the past, carriers have used incremental Android updates to deliver big TouchWiz features so it could be that U.S. carriers and other use Android 4.4.3 KitKat to bring Kids Mode, Samsung KNOX 2.0 and other enhancements to owners of the Galaxy S4. That, like Android 4.4.3 KitKat itself, remains unconfirmed.

It’s not clear if Samsung’s other big name flagship, the Galaxy Note 3, will get access to these Galaxy S5 features. It would be surprising to see the Galaxy Note 3 to get left behind but at this point, Samsung remains mum on specific Android 4.4 KitKat update details. Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 owners will want to be on the look out though.