Android 4.4.2 KitKat Guide For Samsung Galaxy 4 And Galaxy Note 3 Owners
Google has started rolling out the Android 4.4 KitKat update to a wide range of devices apart from its Nexus series. Android developers have been scheduling their rollouts. Samsung remains mum about the release.
According to reports, Samsung promised completing the Android 4.4 KitKat update in the first quarter of 2014. Samsung Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 owners should understand how the rollout will proceed to ensure they can experience the upgrade.
Despite announcements that Samsung will complete the rollout in the first quarter, which may extend until March, a new leaked screenshot of the TouchWiz running the Android 4.4.2 gave users a peek of what they should expect after the upgrade.
There have been Android 4.4 KitKat test upgrades ROMs making the rounds over the Internet. The reported test ROMs for both devices can be downloaded. The reported Android 4.4.2 KitKat leak shows screenshots of Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 with a flatter looking TouchWiz Nature UX design. Phonearena reported some mobile carriers announced their rollout of the upgrade to Samsung Galaxy S4 users. The official rollout will likely be around the last week of January.
From the leaked screenshots, people can see a completely overhauled interface. Many analysts thought Samsung will do the same for its next flagship phone: the Samsung Galaxy S5. The Samsung Galaxy S4 running on Android 4.4 KitKat will be the test run before it adopts the OS on the S5.
According to reports, the devices running on KitKat were faster. The announcement was made around the same time the PRO line of tablets was released. Samsung will reportedly change the overall interface of its smartphones starting this year.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will also receive the update along with Samsung Galaxy S4. As for the actual rollout of the Android 4.4.2, there is no word yet from Samsung. SamMobile first reported about the leak. The Galaxy Note 3 was running on a firmware with build number KOT49H.N9005XXUENA6. People can download the test firmware if they wish to experience the upgrade without the OTA.
Changes on the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 running on Android 4.4.2 were similar to the tweaks in the Samsung Galaxy S4. There was a lockscreen camera shortcut and white status bar icons. Many reports claimed the Galaxy Note 3 posted better performance scores after the test firmware.
For users who do not feel like waiting, they can download the Android 4.4.2 test upgrade build number I9505XXUFNA1 for Samsung Galaxy S4.