Sony Xperia Phones May Get A Touch Of ‘Exclusive’ Android KitKat Features

Sony Xperia users are in for some good news. Samsung and Apple might be hogging on the limelight but that doesn’t stop the Japanese phone vendor from announcing the coming of the latest Android 4.4.2 to its Xperia smartphones.Of course, the first to receive it will be the latest Xperia Z. Soon after, the Jelly Bean update will reach Xperia SP, T, TX and the V. This KitKat update will give the Z1 the same interface and functions with the Xperia Sirius and Z1.Back during the debut of the Xperia Sirius, users get two home screen options to choose from. This will be axed and replaced by a brand new interface. Following the Xperia Sirius, plenty of camera functions have set the trend with other Xperia devices. This includes the Smart Social Apps, Timeshift video and Background Shift.The Smart App in particular got itself a new look and function like the Close All button. Other key features coming with the KitKat includes the white balance support, smart call handling and double tap to wake up the device. The Sirius will get that extra S Force audio , Clear Audio and xLoud engine.

As for the KitKat, it will allow more customization with the status bar as well as the notification bar. Xperia Z users are surely having something to smile about. This is excluded on the Jelly Bean.

Aside from all that, the KitKat will definitely improve the battery life of the Z1. The update is expected to arrive sometime this year.

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Samsung Galaxy S2 Users Get First Stable Android 4.4 KitKat ROM

The Samsung Galaxy S2 smartphone has been released for years now and consumers find the device to be outdated in today’s world. It is true that processors are now faster than before. Even display quality has improved since the S2 got released.

If you’re an S2 user, you are in for some good news. Following the release of Android 4.4 KitKat, a team of modders known as CyanogenMod has launched a ROM of this latest OS specifically for this outdated smartphone from Samsung.

CM11 is now available for the Galaxy S2 GT-i9100 version and it is free of bloatwares. Everything from the official Android 4.4 comes in this ROM. The surplus is that users can install ad-ons from CM with this custom KitKat.

However, installing it will require users to root their device. Here is a checklist on what is required to perform the update.

1: Flash this firmware to the Galaxy S2 GT-I9100 only, as any other models might get damaged.
2: Root the handset and then install a custom recovery like ClockworkMod.
3: Install the right USB drivers for your Galaxy S2 on your PC.
4: Make a manual backup of all your personal info, settings and data files.
5: Ensure that your battery level is at least 50% to stop any power interruptions during the flash.
6: Enable the USB debugging mode on your phone. Head to “Settings > Applications > Development > USB debugging mode” or “Settings > Developer options > USB debugging.”
7: Download CyanogenMod 11 for Galaxy S2 i-9100 and the Google Apps package to your computer.

If all is ready, follow the instructions below.

1: Plug your Galaxy S2 GT-I9100 to your PC via USB.
2: Copy over the CyanogenMod 11 and the Google Apps packages to the SD card of the Galaxy S2. Do not extract the zip files.
3: Unplug the phone from the PC before turning it off.
4: Reboot into recovery mode by pressing and holding the volume up, home and power keys simultaneously until the Samsung logo appears.
5: Inside recovery mode, make an Android backup of your current ROM. Select “backup and restores > backup.” You can then restore the saved ROM inside the SD card anytime you need to.
6: Do a full wipe on your phone. Select “wipe data/factory reset” and “wipe cache partition.” Then choose “advanced > wipe Dalvik cache.”
7: Return to the main menu and install the CyanogenMod 11 by selecting “install zip from SD card > choose zip from SD > search the ROM you have copied earlier > confirm installation.” Do the same thing with the Google Apps.
8: Once the installation has finished, go back and select “reboot system now.”
9: It might take five minutes or so before your Galaxy S2 reaches its home screen after rebooting.

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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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Root Galaxy Note 3 (3G) on N900XXUDNB2 Android 4.4.2 Stock Firmware [GUIDE]

Samsung recently rolled out the latest Android 4.4.2 bug-fix update with build number N900XXUDNB2, for the international (3G) variant of Galaxy Note 3 (SM-N900) in several countries, starting with Russia.Those who have already updated their Galaxy Note 3 (3G) to the newest KitKat stock firmware can follow our step-by-step guide to root the same via CF-Auto-Root with Odin flash tool.

NOTE: Rooting is essential to install third-party root apps, custom ROMs and latest system tweaks for optimised performance of your handset. Though rooting any device will void its hardware warranty, it is possible to restore the warranty status by reinstalling the latest official firmware.

Endroid Information reminds its readers that it will not be held responsible for any device damage during or after root installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Downloads Required

• CF-Auto-Root for Galaxy Note 3 (3G) 
• Odin v3.09 

Steps to Root Galaxy Note 3 (3G) Running on Android 4.4.2 N900XXUDNB2 Stock Firmware

Step 1: Extract CF-Auto-Root and Odin 3.09 files using WinRAR , 7-Zip  or WinZip .
Step 2: Power off the Galaxy Note 3 (3G) 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. Then keep tapping Volume Up button to enter Download Mode.
Step 3: Launch Odin on the computer as Administrator.
Step 4: Connect the Galaxy Note 3 (3G) to computer with USB cable in Download Mode. Wait until Odin recognises the device and the ID: COM box will turn yellow with the COM port number. Furthermore, when the device is connected successfully, a message saying "Added!" appears on screen.

Step 5: In Odin, tap AP button and select the CF-Auto-Root-t03g-t03gxx-gtN900.tar.md5 file.
Step 6: Ensure Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time options are selected in Odin. But, the Re-Partition option must be unchecked.
Step 7: Verify the step 5 and step 6, before clicking Start button in Odin. When you hit Start, the root installation process will begin.
Step 8: After the root installation process completes, your phone will reboot and soon aPASS message with green background appears in the left-most box at the very top of Odin. It is now safe to disconnect the USB cable and remove the phone from computer.

Troubleshooting

• If the device fails to reboot into recovery mode or root the device, then repeat the entire tutorial once again.
• If the issue still persists, perform the tutorial once again; but disable or uncheck "Auto Reboot" option in Odin.
• Remove the battery to completely shut-down the device.
• Now boot the phone once again into Recovery mode manually (press and hold Volume Up, Home and Power buttons). This will restart the root installation process on your phone.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (3G) is now rooted on official Android 4.4.2 N900XXUDNB2 official firmware. It is now possible to install any app that requires root permission.

Alternately, download and install Root Checker  app from Google Play Store to confirm the root status of the device.

[Source: XDA ]

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Google Now Launcher officially arrives for Nexus, Play Edition devices running Android 4.4 KitKat

Always wanted a Google Now-flavoured Android experience? Google has now released its Google Now Launcher on the Play Store. The catch, however, is that the launcher will work only on a Nexus or Google Play edition phone or tablet running Android 4.4 KitKat. You can get the launcher from the Google Play Store.The launcher released officially by Google will give you quick access to Google Now, right on the home screen. You will only need to swipe right to enter Google Now from your first home screen and view your cards. The “always-on” voice command of Nexus 5 is not available for the Nexus 4, but you can still hit the voice icon on the persistent homescreen search bar to search or perform activities. You can also swipe up from the on-screen navigation buttons to reach Google Now.Using the voice commands, you will be able to not just access data from the Internet but you can also ask your phone to fire up apps, send a message or even play a song. The Google Now experience will also bring along full-screen viewing and larger viewing area and even the wallpaper extends across the phone.The Google Now launcher is currently limited to a few devices that includes Nexus ones and Google Play Edition devices, which is bound to make a lot of people unhappy. Earlier, the KitKat experience on these devices looked and felt slightly different from the one on Nexus 5.The opacity of the top bar, larger icons and new wallpapers and even easy accessibility to Google Now were missing from it. The official release should change this, though there’s no word on whether it will be available for other devices which are running Google Now. As you may know by now with Android KitKat, the launcher is actually a stub app within the Google Search app (better known as Google Now), which activates the launcher functionality.

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Android 4.5 arrives in July along with Google Nexus 8, says report

We’ve just started to see new smartphones and tablets arrive with Android 4.4 KitKat and it looks like Google is already working on a newer version of its mobile platform. According to a report, the Mountain View giant plans to launch Android 4.5 in June and it will also announce a new tablet, the Nexus 8.This information was provided to Android Geeks by an unnamed Google Dublin employee. According to the insider, the company will unveil Android 4.5 at the annual I/O developer conference that’s scheduled to take place on June 25 and 26th this year. While nothing concrete about the OS was revealed, the source did mention that the conference will highlight Google’s new services.Coming to the Nexus 8, the tablet could be the first to run on Android 4.5. The main question is why develop an 8-inch slate when Google already has a 7-inch model? Well, it turns out that the 7-inch segment is too crowded and the company plans to move to a less competitive market. This also means that the Nexus 7 would be scraped.It’s highly unlikely that Google will implement a new name for Android 4.5 and we feel that it’s too soon to drop KitKat as the brand moniker. In other news, Google plans to kill the Nexus brand in 2015, replacing it with Google Play Edition versions of popular handsets and tablets.Like all rumors, we advise you to take this information on Android 4.5 and the Nexus 8 with a pinch of salt. We’ll be sure to update you with more information as and when available.

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HTC One Android 4.4.2 KitKat Update Set to Continue in the US

After a missed deadline in January to deliver Android 4.4 KitKat to the HTC One, the company quickly announced a new site dedicated to news on updates, and shortly thereafter delivered KitKat to Sprint and Verizon users.However, until today the official software upgrade to Android 4.4 KitKat and the new Sense UI 5.5 for the HTC One on AT&T and T-Mobile was still missing. Today though we’ve just learned the update has been approved by both carriers, and should roll out to all users soon. An HTC rep took to Twitter to confirm AT&T, and T-Mobile have both approved the update for launch.

Confirming both AT&T and T-Mobile have approved the KitKat and Sense 5.5 release, we can expect them to rollout on both networks to all users over the course of the next few days. As usual, with these types of updates, we can expect a slow and staged rollout. This means you may not get it today, or tomorrow, but it should arrive within the next few weeks.Like we’ve seen with both Sprint and Verizon, this will be the absolute latest and most up-to-date version of Android direct from Google. That being Android 4.4.2 KitKat with all the fixes and patches available today. Then of course HTC is adding some new UI features with Sense 5.5, and fixing device-specific bugs.There’s a new do not disturb mode, the gallery and Blinkfeed have been redesigned and improved throughout, and HTC put tons of effort forward regarding the camera. Mainly for indoors and low light situations, post update users can expect a better camera experience all around.Obviously we can expect a staged rollout after AT&T and T-Mobile get everything finally ready to roll. Users of these devices should be on the lookout for the update to arrive any day now.For those with the HTC One Max, the HTC team recently confirmed on Reddit that they’re targeting a March release date for that large 5.9-inch smartphone, not to mention it’s live now in other regions.. Stay tuned and we’ll update you as any new details or issues arise.

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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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Tmo HTC One update to Android 4.4.2 KitKat finally here

Apologies for grabbing this so late, but for those of you who haven’t already downloaded and installed it, 4.4.2 is finally here for the Magenta-flavored HTC One. It landed late last night, very inconveniently while I was in the middle of travelling to Barcelona for this year’s MWC conference.

As for the update, it marks the start of HTC’s campaign to ensure that all future devices will support the latest software updates, and will receive them for two years after launch. In theory, it’s fantastic for those of you who hate having the uncertainty of whether or not there will be an update to your device’s OS.

If you haven’t already had a notification for the update, head in to your settings menu, and check for software updates manually.

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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

Android 4.4 KitKat change log for US Cellular Samsung Galaxy S4 US Cellular

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.As said, the international Galaxy S4 GT-I9500, featuring the Samsung Exynos 5410 chipset is now updating in Russia. The Galaxy S4 I9500SERFNB3 build software is also available over-the-air and through Samsung Kies, but does not include a change log at this point. Update features will likely not differ much from what has already been seen.

Reports also indicate that the Sprint Galaxy Note 3 has begun updating to Android 4.4, as did the Sprint Galaxy S4 last week. The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 first began updating internationally in January, but the Sprint Galaxy S4 was the first model to receive Android 4.4. Samsung Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 models for other carriers and locations may update at any time, so users can also check manually to see if Android 4.4 has hit their handset. There has been no indication as to when other designated Galaxy devices will begin to update.

Is your U.S. Cellular or international Galaxy S4 or Note 3 model receiving the Android 4.4 KitKat update? Let us know in the comments below.

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Android 4.4.2 KitKat XXUFNB3 Official Firmware Released For Samsung Galaxy S4 (GT-I9500): How To Install It Manually [Tutorial]

The Exynos 5 Octa-powered Samsung Galaxy S4 with the model number GT-I9500 started receiving the latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat official firmware update on Thursday. Although the update is being rolled out in phases beginning in Russia, users from other regions can also download the firmware and install it manually on their devices.

To update the Galaxy S4 to Android 4.4.2 KitKat -- version I9500XXUFNB3, users can download and install the firmware over-the-air by going to Settings > More > About Device > Software update. However, to update the handset manually, users are required to download the firmware from the links below. The update is 1.5 GB in size.

Here are the firmware details of the Android 4.4.2 KitKat for the Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9500:

Model: GT-I9500

Country: Russia

Version: Android 4.4.2

Changelist: 699287

Build date: Thu, 13 Feb. 2014

Product Code: SER

PDA: I9500XXUFNB3

CSC: I9500SERFNB3

MODEM: I9500XXUFNA6

Download Links: Samsung-Updates, SamMobile

Before performing a manual installation, users should be aware of certain aspects:

- All data should have proper back-up.

- The handset must have at least 80 percent battery power.

- The USB drivers for the device must be installed on the computer and USB Debugging must be enabled.

- After flashing the firmware any installed custom ROM will be lost.

Odin window.  

Note: Endroid Informations cannot be held responsible for anything that goes wrong. Users should proceed at their own risk.

Tutorial

Step 1: Download the firmware package and Odin v3.09, and extract the zip files.

Step 2: Run Odin3 v3.09 as an Administrator.

Step 4: Switch off the Galaxy S4 and put it in Download Mode. To do this, press Volume Down + Home + Power buttons.

Step 5: Connect the Galaxy S4 to the computer via the USB cable while the phone is in the Download mode. Wait until a blue sign appears in Odin.

Step 6: Click on the AP button in Odin and select the .tar.md5 file that was extracted in Step 1.

Step 7: In Odin, select the Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time options, but make sure that the re-partition check box is not checked.

Step 8: Now, click on the Start button in Odin to begin the installation process.

Step 9: Once the installation is complete, the device will restart and a PASS message will appear in the left-most box at the top of Odin.

Step 10: Once you get the Samsung logo on the home screen, you can unplug the device from the computer and close Odin.

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Samsung Galaxy S III may miss out on Android 4.4 KitKat update

Samsung US has released a list including a number of Galaxy devices which will be soon receiving the Android 4.4 KitKat OS update. The list however skips the firm's Galaxy S III handset.

The number of Galaxy devices which will be receiving the updates are Samsung Galaxy Note 3;Galaxy S4; Galaxy S4 Active; Galaxy S4 Mini; Galaxy S4 Zoom; Galaxy Note II; Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 Edition); Galaxy Note 10.1; Galaxy Note 8.0; Galaxy Tab 3 8.0; Galaxy Tab 3 7.0; Galaxy Tab 3 10.1;Galaxy Mega 6.3; Galaxy Mega 5.8; Galaxy Grand and Galaxy Express 2.The news comes from Robert Nawrowski's website, where it has been stated that Samsung Galaxy S III has been missing from the Android 4.4 KitKat update list due to the device's RAM which is 1GB.However, to much surprise, the Samsung Galaxy Grand also comes with 1GB of RAM and is there in queue for the update. Moreover, Android KitKat OS is said to work on devices with just 512MB of RAM, and it supposedly more memory efficient.Additionally, it has been noted that the Samsung Galaxy S III US version will be experiencing the Android 4.4 KitKat experience as it comes with 2GB of RAM.

Last year, it was noted that Samsung Galaxy S III started facing some issues after the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean OS update.

Reports at the time said that Galaxy S III users were complaining of unresponsive handsets, particularly the lockscreen, after updating the smartphone. Other issues included erratic Wi-Fi connectivity, poor battery backup, and a system hanging problem that requires the battery to be pulled out to restart the smartphone. Hopefully, this would not happen with Android 4.4 KitKat OS update.

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Nvidia updates Tegra Note 7 tablet with LTE and Android 4.4 Kitkat

CHIP DESIGNER Nvidia has announced an updated version of its Tegra Note 7 tablet that has LTE support and comes with the Android 4.4 Kitkat mobile operating system.

The Nvidia Tegra Note 7 LTE is nearly identical to the model that the firm introduced back in November, but it comes with the added bonus of HSPA+ and LTE connectivity. Here in Europe, the Tegra Note 7 will support the 800, 1800, and 2600 LTE bands, which suggests that the device will be released in the UK.

Nvidia said in a blog post on Friday, "Our Tegra Note 7 is getting a new family member - one that comes with great connections. We're adding our i500 LTE modem - and its 4G LTE cellular connection - to the world's fastest 7in Android tablet.

"[The] i500 [modem] leverages a unique software-defined radio technology - meaning it can deliver new capabilities via software without requiring an entirely new chipset. Another big plus is higher efficiency - it's only 40 percent the size of conventional modems but has [four times] the processing capability of its predecessor."

As well as added mobile connectivity, the Nvidia Tegra Note 7 LTE will also arrive running Google's Android 4.4.2 Kitkat mobile operating system rather than Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. It's also being reported that the latest version of Android has started rolling out to Nvidia's first generation Tegra 7 tablet.

Beyond that, the Tegra 7 specifications remain unchanged. The Nvidia Tegra 7 LTE touts the same 7in 1280x800 resolution IPS display and is powered by the same Nvidia Tegra 4 chip, which touts a 72-core Geforce GPU and a quad-core Cortex A15 CPU with a fifth "battery-saver" core.

There's also stylus support, 5MP and VGA cameras, a microHDMI connector, 16GB of internal storage and a battery that Nvidia claims will last for 10 hours of video playback.

Nvidia's Tegra Note 7 LTE tablet will be available globally from the second quarter priced at $299.

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Android 4.4 KitKat Testing Scheduled for Xperia Z

As Sony has released Android 4.3 Jelly Bean software update for its Xperia series devices, the focus now shifts to Android 4.4 KitKat update, starting from Sony's 2013 flagship smartphone.In December last year, Sony rolled out Android 4.3 update for Xperia Z1 and Z Ultra. Following this, Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR and Xperia Tablet Z received the latest Jelly Bean firmware.

Earlier this month, the company released Android 4.3 for some of its mid-range Xperia handsets such as Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia TX and Xperia V.

As for the Android 4.4 KitKat, the update will be available for Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia Tablet Z, Xperia Z Ultra and Xperia Z1.

Vodafone Australia

Android 4.4 KitKat testing is scheduled for Xperia Z.

There is no official word on Android 4.4 update status for the Xperia Z but Vodafone Australia has new details on the update. The software update page of Vodafone Australia suggests the Android 4.4 KitKat testing is scheduled for the Xperia Z. Currently, there is no information as to when the roll-out will begin.

However, considering the current testing status, the Android KitKat update is expected to commence soon.

Prior to this, Play, one of the network operators in Poland, published a list containing software update availability for a number of smartphones. According to the list, Xperia Z has been scheduled to receive Android 4.4.2 software sometime between the end of February and March.

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