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The Samsung Galaxy S2 smartphone has been released for years now and consumers find the device to be outdated in today’s world.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Android 4.4 KitKat, a team of modders known as CyanogenMod has launched a ROM of this latest OS specifically for this outdated smartphone from Samsung.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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