Top 5 Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 3 Android 4.4 KitKat Early Expectations for 2014 Rollout
Samsung Galaxy S3 and Note 3 are both scheduled to receive an official Android 4.4 KitKat firmware in January and March or April 2014, respectively. So what owners can expect from the newest firmware? Is it another TouchWiz, exclusive apps upgrades or Galaxy S5 features?
Samsung Galaxy S3 Android 4.4 Expectations
Google's fastest Android version is coming to the Samsung Galaxy S3 according to a leaked document grabbed by Sam Mobile from insiders. The upcoming major firmware upgrade is scheduled to be pushed from March to April 2014 and its first bearer is the GT-I9300 international variant.
1. United States Release Date
Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 is the first variant of S3 to get Android 4.4 KitKat with a timeframe of March to April 2014. Typically, a gap between the international and U.S. variant updates is a little bit large which usually put the U.S. model behind the line. Network carriers determine the schedule of rollout in the U.S. that overrides Samsung's official dates.
2. Truth behind the Leaked Document
No one can confirm if the leaked document is fake or real but the Galaxy S3 has been seen running Android 4.4 KitKat using custom ROMs. It means that the smartphone doesn't have any hardware related issue for custom based Android 4.4 but Samsung may encounter something once TouchWiz is integrated like the Android 4.3 case.
3. Pressured Major Update
Owners of Galaxy S3 pressured Samsung to release new updates higher than Android 4.1. Samsung skipped Android 4.2.2 to Android 4.3 which is now going live in the United States via scheduled dates from network carriers. It is likely that Samsung may consider updating the partially futureproof handset.
4. More Features may be Included
Android 4.3 for Galaxy S3 enables it to support Galaxy Gear app and access exclusive S4 and Note 3 features. It is possible that whatever Galaxy S4 and Note 3 may have on KitKat will bless Galaxy S3 as well.
5. Glimpse of Galaxy S5
A few features from Galaxy S5 may appear on Android 4.4 KitKat firmware for S3 even though it is farfetched. Samsung may use the opportunity to tease Android fans to buy S5 by including glimpse on S3.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Android 4.4 Expectations
Insiders leaked document revealed January 2014 Android 4.4 KitKat push for Galaxy S4 and Note 3 but no changes or features have been exposed. It is 100 per cent eligible and deserving to get a major OS update.
1. Best Move against HTC and Sony
HTC and Sony announced their Android 4.4 KitKat plans before Samsung confirms which generates pressure. In order to match the competition, Samsung will initially introduce Android 4.4 KitKat on Galaxy S4 and Note 3 to win battle against competitors.
2. New Galaxy Note Features
If Galaxy S5 will give something on Android 4.4 KitKat running Galaxy S4; we might expect something from Galaxy Note 4 for Note 3. Updating Galaxy Note 3 will become essential to obtain new changes and upgrades of Galaxy Note exclusive apps.
3. Target Models
It seems like that SM-N900 is the first getting a new firmware then followed by other variants later - probably by February and March. Depending on your network carrier and region, updates may go early or late to arrive.
4. Bugging Concern
Android 4.3 Jelly Bean build is a main concern of Samsung which may plague Galaxy Note 2. If there is no technical issue for Note 2, the upcoming major update may go according to schedule.
5. Possible Update Issues
It is not impossible to get bugs or issues after an update since the device will go to another level. Some functions on the S Pen, Galaxy Note apps, battery and more may be affected by the shift of OS version.