Galaxy S3 Android 4.4.4 KitKat Update

Galaxy S3 I9300 Gets Official Port of Android 4.4.4 KitKat Update

There is some great news for Galaxy S3 (GT-I9300) owners as industrious XDA Senior member, arter97, has ported the most-awaited official Android 4.4.4 KitKat update for Samsung's ageing smartphone.

The official update for international variant of Galaxy S3 has been reportedly ported via Samsung'srecently released Android 4.4.4 firmware for the LTE version of Korean SHV-E2105, SHV-E210K and the SHV-E210L models of Galaxy S3.

IBTimes UK reminds readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to device during or afterfirmware installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Head over to the XDA developer source page to learn more about the features ported into this ROM, bug-fixes and some untested bugs in the firmware.

Pre-Requisites

·         The instructions given in this guide are meant for the international variant of GalaxyS3 GT-I9300 only. Verify device model number by navigating to Settings > About Phone.

·         Back up data and settingsusing a recommended custom recovery tool, like ClockworkMod (CWM) or TWRP, as it creates a complete image of the existing phone setup. In Recovery, choose Backup and Restore and tap Backup.

·         Verify correct USB driversfor the phone are installed on the computer (download Galaxy S3 USB drivers).

·         Ensure USB debugging mode is enabledon the phone, by navigating to Settings > DeveloperOptions (NOTE:Tap the phone's Build Number seven times to unlock or reveal the hidden Developer Optionsunder Settings.) Then select the checkbox to enable USB debugging mode under Settings > Developer Options.

·         Make sure the phone has at least 80% battery chargeto prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain) while installing the ROM.

·         Ensure that the device is rooted with CWM recovery installed and its bootloader is unlocked.

Downloads Required

Official Android 4.4.4 KitKat port for Galaxy S3 GT-I9300

SuperSU v2.02

Steps to Update Galaxy S3 I9300 with Official Android 4.4.4 KitKat Port

·         Copy the downloaded ROM zip file to the phone's SD card.

·         Boot the Galaxy S3 into Recovery mode by powering off the device and then pressing and holding Volume Up, Home and Power button at the same time. NOTE: In recovery mode, use Volume keys to navigate between options and Power key to select the desired option.

·         Perform Wipe data/Factory reset (this will delete all apps and their settings and game progress) and choose Yes on next screen to confirm the action. Then perform Wipe Cache Partition and once again hit Yes to confirm.

·         Return to CWM recovery main menu and select Mounts and Storage> Format / data and click Yes on next screen to confirm.

·         From the main menu of CWM recovery, go to Advanced and choose Wipe Dalvik Cache. Then hit Yes on next screen to confirm.

·         Select Install Zip from sdcard and then click Choose zip from sdcard. Browse to the location of the official firmware file which you copied earlier to your phone's SD card. Choose Yes on next screen to confirm the ROM installation.

·         Repeat the previous step to install SuperSU as well.

·         Once SuperSU is also installed, select "+++++Go Back+++++"and reboot the device by tappingreboot system now from the recovery menu. Your Galaxy S3 will restart and it may take about 5 minutes for first boot. So, do not interrupt the process.

Your Galaxy S3 I9300 is now running on official Android 4.4.4 KitKat update. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the firmware installed.

NOTE: If the device gets stuck at boot loop (while rebooting), then just do a factory reset from recovery mode to fix the issue.

[Source: Droid Views]

Samsung Galaxy S5 Android 5.0 Lollipop

The Android 5.0 Lollipop was announced on October 15. It will come preinstalled on the Nexus 6 and the Nexus 9. The new Android build will also arrive on a host of other devices from different manufacturers. Motorola has already announced the list of smartphone that are to receive the Android 5.0 Lollipop update. Even Google Play Edition of smartphones and tablets are also going to get the Android Lollipop update very soon, statesPhoneArena.

SamMobile states that Google may have either mistakenly added the Galaxy S5 image or the Galaxy S5 GPE (Google Play Edition) is certainly under the wraps and may get unveiled soon. Android Headlines states that in the month of June, Google had updated the Android Homepage with an image showcasing a Galaxy S5. However, since then there has been no news on Galaxy S5 GPE.

There is no official information onSamsung Galaxy S5 Google Play Edition. The other GPE devices that are expected to receive the Android 5.0 Lollipop update in the near future include, Moto G GPE, HTC One GPE, HTC One M8 GPE, Galaxy S4 GPE, LG G Pad 8.3 GPE, andSony Xperia Z Ultra GPE.

According to SlashGear, if the Galaxy S5 GPE is released in the market, it would probably feature the same specs that are available on the original Galaxy S5. The only major difference is that the Samsung Galaxy S5 GPE will come preloaded with Android 5.0 Lollipop and it won't feature Samsung's proprietary UI over the Android OS.

SlashGear claims the off-contract price of Galaxy S5 GPE will be priced at $699. The HTC One M8 GPE which is now available on Google Play Store also comes with the same price tag.

Galaxy S4 to Android 4.4.4 KitKat OS with Google Edition

Do you want to experience the stock Android 4.4.4 KitKat OS on your Samsung Galaxy S4 I9500? I am talking about the default KitKat system with no Samsung UI; just the firmware that is currently available on the Nexus based devices. How is that possible since there isn’t an official Android 4.4.4 update released by Samsung for the Galaxy S4? Well, by installing a custom ROM of course, as those of xda-developers managed to bring the Google Edition system, which can now be safely flashed on the Samsung Galaxy S4.

As mentioned the Google Edition custom ROM is similar with the stock Android 4.4.4 KitKat firmware that was recently OTA released for Nexus based devices. Well, thanks to those of xda-developers now you will be able to flash the same update on your Samsung Galaxy S4. In order to achieve that you just have to follow this step by step guide as I will teach you how to safely update your S4 I9500 to latest version of KitKat OS, everything being explained and detailed during the guidelines from below – read the same for further info.

But first, it should be clear for you that we are talking about a custom ROM firmware and not about an official update. Google Edition software is only based on stock Android 4.4.4 KitKat OS and has nothing to do with Samsung or with Google, thus it is not official for your Galaxy S4. In fact, the ROM represents a free aftermarket distribution of Android 4.4.4 KitKat platform; the software was modified by third party devs and order to be compatible with the I9500 model of the Galaxy S4, therefore you are about to complete an unofficial update operation.

Due to same reasons, by completing this tutorial you will lose the warranty of your smartphone. Also, for being able to apply the Google Edition custom ROM you will first have to root your Samsung device, while then you will have to install a custom recovery image on it (preferable the latest version of CWM or TWRP recovery). Gain root access because the Android 4.4.4 KK custom ROM must access some internal files and in built programs from the internal system of your Galaxy S4 and flash the custom recovery image because the update file can be installed only by using this app – don’t skip these procedures if you want to safely complete this guide.

Now, Google Edition platform is stable and smoothly run on the Samsung Galaxy S4. The system brings all the stock Android 4.4.4 KitKat features, apps and capabilities so your will get a Nexus-like experience on your Samsung branded smartphone. According to those who have already tested the ROM, there aren’t bugs, things that aren’t working properly thus the firmware runs without lags, force close errors and other issues.

Of course the best will be to make a Nandroid backup first, as if you won’t like this new software, then you will be able to easily downgrade your Galaxy S4 to stock Android OS. Furthermore, a general backup is also highly recommended since during the update operation a wipe will be required – you can lose everything that’s saved on the internal storage memory of your handset. In that matter use compatible apps from Google Play and save your contacts, call logs, market apps, personal data, info and accounts along with your Internet settings, EFS folder, images, videos or audio files.

After doing all that, before heading towards the steps from below take care of the following tasks: make sure that you can use a computer as some files must be downloaded on the same; on your phone enable USB debugging option (from “menu – settings – developer options”) because a connection between your devices will have to be established; in order to avoid unpleasant situations from happening, on your computer first of all, temporarily disable the security protection; plug in the charger if on your handset the battery status shows less than 50% power left and apply this step by step guide only if you own the I9500 model of the Samsung Galaxy S4 – the Google Edition Android 4.4.4 KitKat custom ROM firmware is being compatible only with the same.

How to Update Galaxy S4 to Android 4.4.4 KitKat OS with Google Edition Custom ROM Firmware

1.  Download the Android 4.4.4 KitKat ROM from here and the Google Apps package from here; save these files on your computer (on desktop) and don’t unzip the same.

2.  Now you need to transfer these files on your phone’s SD card; in order to do so first connect your Galaxy S4 with your computer by plugging in the USB cord and then just copy-paste the mentioned files.

3.  Up next, remove the USB cord and turn off your phone (press power key and pick “power off” or just keep pressing the power button for about 15 seconds).

4.  Enter recovery mode on your Android device.

5.  From main menu of recovery select “wipe data factory reset” and “wipe cache partition”. Then choose “advanced” and from there select “wipe dalvick cache”.

6.  Go back to recovery mode menu and now pick “install zip from SD card” followed by “choose zip from SD card”.

7.  Select the update file and install the ROM on your Galaxy S4; do the same thing and flash Google Apps package.

8.  Finally, select “reboot system now” and enjoy Android 4.4.4 KitKat firmware on your Galaxy S4.

Perfect; you have successfully completed our step by step guide. Now, your Samsung Galaxy S4 is running on stock Android 4.4.4 KitKat firmware. Remember that you are using the Google Edition custom ROM software, so test the OS before doing anything else. Of course, don’t forget about us and use the comments field from below in order to share your experience with us and with other users that are considering in trying this custom ROM on their own device.

Android 4.4.4 KitKat Samsung Galaxy S5, S4, Note 3, Note 2

Samsung is already done with Phase 1 of its Android 4.4.4 Kitkat OS update.  But while Google has already rolled out its latest operating system, the Android 5.0 Lollipop, Samsung is still rolling out the last version of Android KitKat OS for its other products.

A report published byjustaboutphones.com shows the status of Samsung's roll out process. According to the leaked document, the update for Galaxy S5 (G900I, G900F versions), Note 3 N900, and Note 3 LTE GN005 are scheduled for October and have already been completed. Some carriers already rolled out their version of the OS update.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy S4 I9500, S4 LTE I9505 and Note 3 Neo updates are in the final testing stage and the roll out are set next month. Lastly, S4 Mini Duos I9192, S4 Mini I9190, Grand 2 Duos G7102, Grand 2 G7105, Note 2 N7100 and Note 2 LTE N7105 are reportedly in pending status and will most probably get the update before the end of November.

On the other hand, there is no word yet pertaining to the release of the Android OS update for other Samsung smartphones, but users hope to hear from the company in the coming weeks. Samsung's Android 4.4.4 KitKat OS update will bring bug fixes, security enhancements, as well as device-specific improvements to the devices.

According to reports, the Android 4.4.4 KitKat OS is a crucial software update being the final version of the KitKat OS. However, the final version brings very small changes to the user interface. Some users may receive the notification in a matter of days once the roll out starts.

Android 4.4.4 KitKat OS update requires 285 MB of free space. When installing the software, users must ensure that their smartphones have enough battery and has a strong internet connection. Moreover, it is a great precaution to back up files before heading on with the update.

not all Nexus devices will get Android 5.0 Lollipop

Google finally announced Android 5.0 Lollipop earlier this week alongside new Nexus-branded devices, but the company did not actually say when the Lollipop update will be available to download. All Google said was that a new Lollipop preview version will be made available to developers on October 17th, with the final release supposed to hit in the coming weeks. The company also confirmed that all 2012 and 2013 Nexus devices will be updated to Lollipop, including the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (both generations), and Nexus 10, but it looks like the update won’t be released at the same time for all supported smartphones and tablets.

Sources familiar with Google’s plans told Android Police that only Wi-Fi devices will get Lollipop at first — the Nexus 7 (2012), Nexus 7 (2013) and Nexus 10 — with cellular versions, including Nexus 4, Nexus 5, and LTE Nexus 7 supposed to receive the update at a later date.

“Starting later this week, we will make the SDK and system images for Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 of Android 5.0 Lollipop available on developer.android.com. On November 3rd, we will begin rolling out Android 5.0 Lollipop to Nexus 7 (Wi-Fi) and Nexus 10 via an OTA [over-the-air update], and it will continue to roll out to Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (LTE) later that month,” a screenshot provided by the publication reads.

Google did not explain why cellular versions of Nexus devices need more time to receive the update.

The Nexus 9 is also supposed to launch on November 3rd, with Android 5.0 Lollipop preloaded.

Meanwhile, several Android device makers have announced Lollipop update plans,including Motorola, HTC and Sony, though non-Nexus devices will take even longer to get Android 5.0.