Samsung didn't include Galaxy Note GT-N7000 first generation among selected devices getting Android 4.4 KitKat in 2014. Fortunately, third party developers managed to create a firmware running KitKat version for the phablet.

OmniROM 4.4 for Galaxy Note I

OmniROM 4.4 is a custom-based firmware running Android 4.4 KitKat based from Android Open Source Project. It is free from Samsung bloatware apps but gained enhancements provided by OmniROM developers.

According to their XDA official thread, only one issue remains to occur and it is the problematic video app; everything else such as sound, sensors, storage and rotation are working normally.

Warning: OmniROM 4.4 requires manual installation which may damage your Galaxy Note I. IBTimes and OmniROM developers are not responsible for any errors which may occur on your phablet. Read, understand and follow the instructions carefully to prevent damaging the device. Do this at your own risk.

Requirements:

1. Use this firmware with the Samsung Galaxy Note N7000 to avoid unforeseen consequences.

2. Root the Galaxy Note N7000 phablet and install a custom recovery such ClockworkMod recovery.

3. Install the necessary USB drivers for the Galaxy Note I on a computer.

4. Create a manual backup of all personal information, settings and data files stored on the Galaxy Note I.

5. Make sure that the battery level is at least 50 per cent to prevent any power interruption during the flash.

6. Enable USB debugging mode on the device. Go to "Settings > Applications > Development > USB debugging mode" or "Settings > Developer options > USB debugging."

7. Download the OmniROM 4.4 for the Galaxy Note N7000 and the Google Apps package to the computer.

Flashing Instructions:

1. Connect the Samsung Galaxy Note GT-N7000 to the computer using a USB cable.

2. Copy the OmniROM 4.4 and the Google Apps package to the SD card of the phablet. Do not extract the zip files.

3. Disconnect the Galaxy Note phablet from the computer then switch it off.

4. Reboot into Recovery mode by pressing and holding the Volume Up, Home and Power keys at the same time till the Samsung logo appears.

5. Inside the Recovery mode, create a nAndroid backup of the current ROM. Select "backup and restores > backup." The saved ROM is stored inside the microSD card of the Galaxy Note.

6. Perform a full wipe on the device. Select "wipe data/factory reset" and "wipe cache partition." Then select "advanced > wipe Dalvik cache."

7. Go back to the main menu and then install the OmniROM 4.4. Select "install zip from SD card > choose zip from SD > search the ROM you have copied earlier > confirm installation." Apply the same with the Google Apps.

8. Once the installation has been completed, go back and then select "reboot system now."

9. The Galaxy Note N7000 will reboot and may reach up to 5 minutes before reaching the home screen.

Congratulations! The Galaxy Note N7000 is now running Android 4.4 KitKat OS using OmniROM 4.4. For OmniROM users, simply install the firmware from the recovery mode without any wiping needed.

In case any issues or problems arise, users can send their feedback to OmniROM 4.4 for the Galaxy Note official XDA thread.