Samsung Galaxy S4 now getting Android 4.4 KitKat update in India

Samsung has started rolling out the promised Android 4.4.2 KitKat update for the 2013 flagship Galaxy S4 (GT-I9500). The update has reportedly hit Indian phones according to a post on XDA Developers , but we can confirm that not all Galaxy S4s are seeing it at the moment. Samsung had started seeding the KitKat update for the Exynos 5 Octa-powered S4 earlier this month.The Android 4.4.2 update is shown to clock in at 353.59MB, so it’s advisable to latch on to a strong Wi-Fi connection before attempting the download. Besides the native Android changes, the Galaxy S4 obviously gets a few TouchWiz UI improvements and changes as well.

 

A glimpse of the new UI

We had already got a glimpse of what Samsung had in store with the KitKat update through a leaked build earlier. The final update confirms the changes in UI and white icons in the notification bar, new settings for the launchers, and full-screen album art for the currently playing track on the lock screen. Samsung says it also improved system stability with the update.S4 users will also get to choose their default SMS app when rebooting after installing the update. In addition, Samsung has made changes to the default keyboard, especially in landscape orientation. With KitKat, users will also have granular control over the location services. You can choose to opt for a power-saving mode when not using location actively or employ all sensors when using the Maps app or for navigation. You will also see settings for wireless printing and tap to pay for mobile-enabled payments.

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Android 4.4.2 (KOT49H) KitKat Google Edition ROM Available for Galaxy S4 LTE I9505

Recognised XDA contributor, Danvdh has released a custom build for the LTE variant of Galaxy S4 (GT-I9505), powered by quad-core Snapdragon 600 processor. The custom build is based on the latest official Android 4.4.2 KOT49H KitKat firmware for the Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition with model number GT-I9505G.

The developer has added a few optimisations to the ROM and necessary tools to give it the features of an AOSP ROM. As Google Edition does not use open source proprietary, features like Bluetooth and camera should work way better out of the box.

Android 4.4.2 Google Edition ROM is available for Galaxy S4 LTE I9505.

Android 4.4.2 Google Play Edition ROM features

Latest 4.4.2 Google Edition (Extremely clean ROM base made by me)

No rom branding - I don't flash my name around in the settings menu anywhere, keeping it stock AOSP 

Rooted

Ktoonsez kernel

Busybox

CM Manual brightness values (minimum brightness of 10 (down from 40) available on the slider

Improved CM Autobrightness values (Samsucks autobrightness disabled)

removed home button lag

ART compatible

Inverted phone app (The way it should have been!)

Inverted contacts

Inverted 4.4.2 mms with quick reply from source + odexed for speed (stock mms optional flash)

Inverted 4.4.2 email from source

Google edition gallery can now delete from ext storage

Zip aligned

No extra bloat

Nova launcher (lightest launcher available, lots of features, only 3mb!)

Ships with latest xposed

Gravity box module included (This will give you a TON of extra tweaks only found in AOSP roms, and they work!)

Status bar tweaks

Notification panel tweaks

Battery icon

Hardware key assignments

CRT on/off

Expandable volume panel

Advanced reboot menu

Transparency settings

Disable/Enable CRT

Lockscreen quick pin unlock

Customize lock screen targets

Adjustable clear all recent apps button

Enable all rotations

XuiMod module

List view animations

AOKP Animation control

Battery bar

CM weather widget

Fast, simple and built from a clean 4.4.2 system dump by myself

To know more about the Google Edition ROM features and changelog, navigate to the development thread.

Galaxy S4 users who wish to install Android 4.4.2 KOT49H KitKat AOSP Google Play Edition ROM on their devices may follow our step-by-step guide.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to the device. Before following the guide, users are advised to verify their devices meet following set of requirements.

Pre-requisites

1) Install USB Drivers for Galaxy S4 to transfer files between the Android device and the computer.

2) Enable USB Debugging Mode on the phone to connect it with the computer and use Android SDK with it. [Navigate to Settings>> About phone. Tap on Build Number several times until a message appears saying 'You are now a Developer.' Now enable USB Debugging Mode by navigating to Settings>> Developer Options.]

3) As the tutorial might wipe out all data of the phone, create backup. If the device is having any custom recovery such as ClockworkMod or, TWRP then backup data using the same.

4) If the Android phone powers off due to lack of battery during the process, it could damage the device. Therefore, the Galaxy S4 should have charge above 80% battery charge.

5) The phone should be rooted and have latest version of either ClockworkMod recovery.

6) The Android 4.4.2 Google Edition ROM works only with Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9505. As applying this to any incorrect variant might brick the device, verify the model number of Galaxy S4 by navigating to Settings>> About phone>> Model number.

7) After flashing the ROM if the device gets stuck on Booting animation or experience boot loop then perform wipe cache partition and wipe dalvik cache for a few times before rebooting the device.

8) Once the ROM is installed, users are advised to give 10 minutes to the ROM after the device boots up for the first time for better user experience.

How to install Android 4.4.2 KOT49H KitKat AOSP Google Edition ROM on Galaxy S4 LTE GT-I9505

Step-1: Download Android 4.4.2 Google Play Edition ROM for Galaxy S4

Download link: danvdh-GE-4.4.2-02182014-INT.zip

Step-2: Connect Galaxy S4 to the computer using USB cable then copy the downloaded ROM file to the internal storage of the phone. But do not extract/unzip the file

Step-3: Unplug the USB cable from the phone and switch it off

Step-3: Place the phone into CWM recovery mode by pressing and holding Volume Up, Homeand Power buttons together. Release all the buttons when the custom recovery menu appears

Note: In recovery mode, use Volume buttons to scroll between options and Power button to select the desired option.

Step-4: Create a Nandroid backup of the existing ROM which can be restored later if the new ROM does not work or users wish to go back to the previous ROM.

Select backup and restore, name the file and confirm the process. Go back to main recovery menu when the backup is completed

Step-5: Perform a Factory Reset. This will wipe all data from system partition, which means the device will lose installed apps data and all the other system files [Factory Reset does not delete contents from internal or external storage.]

Select wipe data/factory reset and confirm the process

Also find format/system option and confirm the process

Step-6: Install the ROM on Galaxy S4

Select install zip from sdcard then select choose zip from sdcard. Now browse to the location where Android 4.4.2 ROM file is saved. Select it and confirm installation

Step-8: After the installation process is completed, return to the main recovery menu and reboot the phone into normal mode. If you are asked to fix root, deny that process and select No

Step-9: After the phone boots up successfully, give the ROM a few minutes to settle

Step-10: Launch the app drawer and open the Xposed app, press the Framework Button and confirm installation of the framework

Step-11: Reboot the Galaxy S4. When the device finished rebooting, launch again Xposed: Open the Module Menu and enable Gravity box. Then reboot the phone again

The Galaxy S4 should now boot into normal mode and run Android 4.4.2 Google Edition ROM. Head over to Setting>> About phone to verify the software version of the device.

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Samsung Galaxy S4, Note 3 Android 4.4 Problem hits Micro SD Card

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Android 4.4 Update is rolling out to many devices and the Galaxy Note 3 Android 4.4 update is in the works with new features for many users, but it could include a major problem for Samsung Galaxy Devices.

The Android 4.4 KitKat update could limit the use of the Micro SD card even more.

Samsung devices are known for offering additional support for storage with a Micro SD card. It is one of the reasons many users pick the Galaxy S4 over the HTC One or the iPhone 5s and it is also a big selling point on the Galaxy Note 3. Similarly the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 offered this support and we heard from readers that it is and was a very important feature.Google on the other hand is clearly focused on internal storage, with the Nexus devices and in moves made to the OS about what apps can store information on an SD card. This is likely due to the inability to control the speed and reliability of a Micro SD Card.With the Android 4.4 Google is changing how the device can access external storage, like a Micro SD card in a manner that Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 owners will not like.

Tod Liebeck, the developer of the FX File Explorer shares the details about this major problem for Android 4.4 updates on devices with a Micro SD card. In a post on Google+ in late January Liebeck outlines the problem that Samsung Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 users will likely face with the Android 4.4 update that is rolling out now. Google shares the following statement to developers.

“The WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission must only grant write access to the primary external storage on a device. Apps must not be allowed to write to secondary external storage devices, except in their package-specific directories as allowed by synthesized permissions”

Leibeck explains what this means to users, writing,

“If your device has user-accessible internal flash storage, your SD Card is a “secondary external storage device”.

What this means is that with KitKat, applications will no longer be able create, modify, or remove files and folders on your external SD card.  As a for-instance, you can no longer use a file manager to copy files from your computer to the SD card over a network.  This ability, which has existed since the beginning of Android, has been taken away.”

Liebeck explains the issue and fixes that he is working on after hearing from Galaxy Note 3 users who cannot use the app to write to an SD card and since the original post shared what he hopes is a work around without the need for users to root their Galaxy S4 or Galaxy Note 3.

Frank Zammetti shares his frustration with the Galaxy S4 on Sprint running Android 4.4, “I just installed the 4.4.2 update on my Sprint Galaxy S4 and was immediately horrified to learn of this issue… I just tried ES and I am able to create and delete a file, but not edit it or rename it, and I am able to delete a folder, but not create one (unable to try renaming a folder). ”

Jim Barton shares his experience with this Galaxy Note 3 Android 4.4 Update problem,

“I just update my Galaxy Note 3 to KitKat, then was irritated when I couldn’t use QuickPic to move some pictures to a folder on my external SD. I also tried using a file manager, but of course that also failed. I had to connect the device to a PC, then copy the files from the device to a folder on the PC, then copy them back to the folder I wanted them on in the SD card. Ridiculous.

I see that the Camera app CAN write to the external SD just fine. photos are still going to the DCIM folder on my external SD card.

Barton is not the only Galaxy Note 3 owner with problems, Doods De los Reyes shares how this change impacts the ability to use a network shared folder when running Android 4.4, “The biggest impact on me is being able to copy from my network shared folder.” This user discovered a work around by copying to internal storage and then to the Micro SD card with Samsung’s My Files app.

In the most recent update Liebeck explains Google’s reason for this change, but does not agree with it, calling it a, “misstep”. Google reportedly made the change to make it easier to cleanly uninstall an app and all the app data.

Samsung recently confirmed Android 4.4 updates for the Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S3, all of which offer a Micro SD card. Users that depend on a Micro SD card may want to see how each update impacts usability on their specific device and with apps they use to access the SD card.

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Root Galaxy S4 I9500 on Android 4.4.2 KitKat and Install CWM Recovery [GUIDE]

Samsung has just started rolling out its first official KitKat update for the international variant of Galaxy S4 (GT-I9500) via Android 4.4.2 build I9500XXUFNB3. The firmware is currently available for download as Over-The-Air (OTA) update as well as through Samsung KIES for Galaxy S4 users in Russia.Nevertheless, those who have already installed the update via OTA or using our step-by-step guide (install manually) can go ahead and root the same using Philz Touch Recovery, which brings all the features of ClockworkMod (CWM) Advanced Edition.

Philz Touch Recovery is the creation of XDA recognised developer, Phil3759. Learn more about Philz Touch Recovery and its features on the XDA Developers source page.

EndroidInformation reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to device during or after firmware installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Pre-requisites

1. Install necessary USB Drivers for Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 on the computer.

2. USB Debugging Mode should be enabled on the phone by navigating to Settings >> Developer Options.

3. Back up your important data to avoid potential data loss during firmware installation.

4. Ensure the phone is factory unlocked (not locked to any specific carrier).

5. Verify Galaxy S4 has at least 80 percent battery charge.

6. The Android Philz Touch Recovery (CWM Advanced Edition) is compatible with Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 only. Do not attempt installing it on incorrect variants as it may brick the device. Verify the model number of the Galaxy S4 by navigating to Settings >> About Phone.

Downloads Required

• Philz Touch Recovery (CWM Advanced Edition) v6.12.8
• Odin 3.07 (Alternative Link)

Steps to Root Galaxy S4 I9500 Running on Android 4.4.2 KitKat Official Firmware

Step 1: Extract Odin 3.07 .zip file using WinRAR/7-Zip or WinZip.
Step 2: Turn off the Galaxy S4 and boot it into Download Mode by pressing and holding Volume Down, Home and Power buttons together until a construction Android robot icon with a warning triangle appears on screen. Now keep tapping Volume Up button to progress into Download Mode.
Step 3: Launch Odin on computer as an Administrator.
Step 4: Connect the Galaxy S4 to computer with USB cable while in Download Mode. Wait until Odin detects the device and then the ID: COM box will turn light blue with the COM port number. Furthermore, when the device is connected successfully, a message saying "Added!" appears on screen.
Step 5: In Odin, tap PDA button and select CWM recovery .tar.md5 file. Ensure the Re-Partition option is unchecked.
Step 6: After verifying step 5, click Start button in Odin. The installation process should begin.
Step 7: After the root installation completes, your phone will reboot and soon a PASS message with green background appears at the top left-most box in Odin. It is now safe to disconnect the USB cable and remove the phone from computer.

Step 8: Once again Power off the Galaxy S4 and boot it into CWM recovery by pressing and holding Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together.

Step 9: In CWM recovery, go to "Philz Settings" option and choose "Re-root system (SuperSU)". Then choose "Yes" to Apply SuperSU and confirm the action.
Step 10: Return to main recovery menu and tap "Reboot System Now".

Step 11: Install SuperSU from Google Play Store.
Step 12: Launch SuperSU app and update the binaries as normal.
Step 13: Reboot your phone

Galaxy S4 I9500 is now rooted successfully on Android 4.4.2 KitKat official firmware. Launch app drawer on the phone and check for SuperSU in the apps list to verify root installation.

Alternately, verify the root status of the phone by downloading Root Checker app from Google Play Store.

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Android 4.4 KitKat Update Is Here: US Cellular Galaxy S4 And Galaxy Note 3 Receive New OS; International Galaxy S4 (GT-I9500) Rollout Also Begins

Several Samsung Galaxy models are now receiving the Android 4.4 KitKat update just days after the Korean manufacturer officially announced its rollout plans.Stateside, the U.S. Cellular Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 models are both now receiving the new operating system, while the international Galaxy S4 is now updating in Russia. After several months of silence, Samsung released a press statement on Tuesday detailing that 14 of its Galaxy brand devices for various carriers would be updating Android 4.4 KitKat.U.S. Cellular updated the change logs for its Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 models on Thursday with all the information needed about this models’ Android 4.4 update. The Galaxy Note 3 N900R4TYUCNAB build software and the Galaxy S4 R970TYUFNAE build software is now available over-the-air and through Samsung Kies, and includes such enhancements as a new phone dialer and Camera features, Hangouts and text integration, always on capability with Google now and a full emoji keyboard. A leaked document had proposed that the U.S. Cellular Galaxy Note 3 would begin on update on Feb. 19 and the actual rollout date was not of by much.The Android 4.4 update for both devices will be staggered and may take several days or weeks to complete. Users can prompt the Android 4.4 update manually by accessing Settings > General > About device > Software update on their U.S. Cellular Galaxy S4 or Galaxy Note 3 handsets.

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