Google officially launches Android for Work to make enterprise push

Google has announced today the official launch of an initiative called Android for Work. Through the program, Google has teamed up with several partners to integrate enterprise-level security into the Android platform.

Google originally announced and previewed Android for Work back in 2014 at Google I/O. The main idea behind the program is to allow workers to use their personal phones for work tasks, but keep work and personal content and data separate. Google gave the following breakdown of what users can expect from the initiative:

• Work profiles – We've built on the default encryption, enhanced SELinux security enforcement and multi-user support in Android 5.0, Lollipop to create a dedicated work profile that isolates and protects work data. IT can deploy approved work apps right alongside their users' personal apps knowing their sensitive data remains secured. People can use their personal apps knowing their employer only manages work data and won't erase or view their personal content.
• Android for Work app – For devices running Ice Cream Sandwich through Kitkat, or that don't run work profiles natively, we've created the Android for Work app. The app, which delivers secure mail, calendar, contacts, documents, browsing and access to approved work apps, can be completely managed by IT.
• Google Play for Work – Google Play for Work allows businesses to securely deploy and manage apps across all users running Android for Work, simplifying the process of distributing apps to employees and ensuring that IT approves every deployed app.
• Built-in productivity tools – For everyday business tasks, we've created a suite of business apps for email, contacts and calendar, which supports both Exchange and Notes and provides document editing capabilities for documents, spreadsheets and presentations.

To make all of this work, Google has teamed up with a large number of industry partners such as Citrix, Adobe, Samsung, BlackBerry, Cisco, and many, many more. Google says these partnerships have allowed it to create a set of APIs to bring easier management of Android devices to IT departments, as well as create secure business apps and more secure devices.

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Samsung's latest 128GB UFS 2.0 storage is all set to power next-generation flagships

The highlight of the new modules is that they offer SSD-levels of read and write performance while consuming 50 percent less energy.With read and write speeds of 19,000 IOPS (input/output operations per second), Samsung claims that its UFS 2.0 flash storage is 2.7 times faster than what is currently available in embedded memory solutions that utilize the eMMC 5.0 standard.

As to when we'll see the latest flash modules, it is possible they'll be in launching with the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge next week at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Seeing as how Samsung is a major manufacturer for embedded flash memory storage, it is likely we'll see these modules in other handset vendors' smartphones later this year.

Source: Samsung

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Distrust between US and Korean offices reportedly to blame for Samsung's mobile stumbles

Citing unnamed sources, Business Insider says that the relationship between the branches became especially strained in 2012 when Samsung's Korean office reportedly sent a team to audit the U.S. branch's Dallas office:

The Dallas-based employees had to go through all materials they used to sell and market Samsung's mobile products. They were accused of falsifying sales, bribing the media, and a bunch of other damaging actions that hurt morale in the office. The same US-based office that helped turn Samsung into a brand as recognizable as Apple was suddenly being punished for its work.After three weeks, the Korean auditors found nothing wrong with the way the US office had been operating and went home. But the damage had been done, and the perception remained at the Korean headquarters that despite its success, the US team was up to no good.

Overall, the piece is a pretty crazy read, and it will be interesting to see if the company is able to use its upcoming Galaxy S6 launch as a platform to turn around its recent slumping smartphone sales. 

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Samsung Galaxy S Edge release date, news and rumors

We all know Samsung will shortly be announcing the Galaxy S6, but with various rumors flooding in and even Samsung itself accidentally leaking it, it's looking increasingly likely that it will also unveil the Galaxy S Edge, a variant of its flagship with one or possibly even two curved edges.Those might not be the only differences either and we've collected together all the latest rumors to get a straight image of Samsung's bendy handset, which rather than being called the Galaxy S6 Edge is likely to be called the Galaxy S Edge, emphasising that it truly is a different beast.But if you just want the highlights know this: While the Galaxy S6 is likely to be the star of Samsung's show, there's every chance that the Galaxy S Edge will be the more interesting of the two.We don't know for sure when the Samsung Galaxy S Edge will launch, but the smart money is on March 1 at Samsung's press event, where it's also expected to unveil the Galaxy S6. Invitations to the event show a mostly straight line with a bend at the end, suggesting curvy things are coming.It's unlikely to launch the same day as it's unveiled of course, but we may see it on shelves sometime in March.There's still a chance the Galaxy S Edge won't emerge, as late last year SamMobile heard from its insiders there wouldn't be one, but that's a relatively old rumor and the number of recent rumors around it (not to mention the curved line on Samsung's invite) suggests there will be.Hopefully you've been saving if you want one, as AndroidPIT reports that it's received the expected price in Euros and it starts at €849 (roughly £636 / $970 / AU$1241) for a 32GB model, rising to €949 (around £711 / $1085 / AU$1387) for 64GB and €1,049 (approximately £786 / $1199 / AU$1534) for 128GB.Not only would those prices make it one of the most expensive phones on the market, but it's likely to be more expensive than the Galaxy S6, which had its expected prices outed by the same source and came in at €100 (£75 / $114 / AU$146) cheaper for each size.Of course direct currency conversions aren't always accurate, but based on these prices we expect the Galaxy S Edge will enter the market at between around $749-$849 unlocked. It's also possible that it will be a limited edition device, so availability could be tricky.The screen will of course be the Galaxy S Edge's standout feature and it's also one of the biggest question marks, as while early rumors suggested it would have one curved side like the Galaxy Note Edge, a number of recent rumors point to two curved edges.The reason for rumors of both could be because apparently Samsung was still testing multiple prototypes of the phone until recently and hadn't decided whether to go with one or two curved edges.We're inclined to believe the recent rumors of a dual edged display because, well, they're more recent. They include a patent showing a handset with two curved sides and a report from SamMobile which claims its source revealed that the S Edge will have two curved edges.Better yet, we've even caught a glimpse of a promotional image from a case maker, seemingly showing a dual-edged Galaxy S Edge alongside the Galaxy S6.Some rumors state that these curved screens will have access to the same features as the Galaxy Note Edge, allowing you to view apps, such as a pedometer and news and sports updates at a glance.The dual curves also supposedly make it comfortable to use whether you're left or right handed and the curves will supposedly light up when you receive a call or a message.These lights may be customisable to show different colours for different contacts, and as well as viewing alerts you're also likely be able to add app shortcuts to the edges and use them as tools such as a ruler or a night clock.On the other hand recent rumors argue that the edges will be smaller than on the Galaxy Note Edge and will therefore have reduced functionality. That's one rumor that we hope doesn't pan out.Little has been spoken about the size or resolution of the Galaxy S Edge, but we've heard a lot about those things on the Galaxy S6 and they're likely to be the same or similar here.The most persistent Galaxy S6 rumors are that it will have a 1440 x 2560 QHD display. Surprisingly there's still no consensus on the size, but it's likely to be at least as big as the 5.1-inch Galaxy S5 and indeed 5.1 inches is exactly what some of the latest rumors point to, though there's some talk that it could go as big as 5.5 inches.The only rumors we've heard specifically talking about the Galaxy S Edge's display size come from a benchmark and again point to a 5.1-inch 1440 x 2560 one.Whatever size it is you can bet it will be a Super AMOLED screen, like every other Samsung flagship in recent memory.In more disappointing news a report out of South Korea claims that the Galaxy S Edge won't be waterproof, with Samsung producing a waterproof Galaxy S6 Active instead for those who want that feature.Curved screen aside the design of the Galaxy S Edge is likely to be similar to that of the Galaxy S6. That could mean a metal frame and glass back or even a full metal body, as there's still some debate as to which of those the S6 will feature.But there's the niggling worry that the Samsung Galaxy S Edge might actually have a less premium build. For one thing the fact that the Galaxy Note Edge lacked the metal frame of the Galaxy Note 4 doesn't bode well.On top of that Business Insider reports that Samsung will announce two phones in March, saying that one (the Galaxy S6) will have a metal body, while the other (the Galaxy S Edge) will have a curved screen. The implication being that the S Edge won't also have a metal body.So while the Samsung Galaxy S6 is likely to be more expensive than its big-name brother it might not actually end up looking quite as high end.We may have caught a glimpse of the S Edge though, as a new leak appears to show it snapped alongside the Galaxy S6. You can see from the photos that its screen curves at both edges and the rear appears to be made from the same (apparently glass) material as the Galaxy S6.Following in the footsteps of the Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge we're expecting the Galaxy S Edge to have the same amount of power as the Galaxy S6. More specifically it looks like it will come with Samsung's octa-core Exynos 7420 chipset if SamMobile is to be believed, though the octa-core Snapdragon 810 is also a possibility.RAM has been rumoured at both 3GB and 4GB and either way it should be a real powerhouse when coupled with a high end 64-bit octa-core processor (which both the Snapdragon 810 and Exynos 7420 are).As for storage, it's expected to ship with a choice of 32, 64 or 128GB and there's also talk from G4Games that it could use Universal Flash Storage, which provides enhanced data speeds and power consumption savings of up to half compared to the previous generation of flash memory.A device believed to be the Galaxy S Edge recently passed through AnTuTuachieving a score of 60,978 in the process, which suggests it's one of the most powerful phones around. The benchmark revealed a 5.1-inch 1440 x 2560 display, an octa-core Exynos 7420 processor clocked at up to 2.1GHz, 3GB of RAM, a 20MP rear camera, a 5MP front-facing one and 32GB of storage.It's also likely to be a speedy performer on 4G, as Category 6 LTE support is rumored for the Galaxy S6, allowing for download speeds of up to 300Mbps.A specs listing sent to BGR from a "trusted source" pegs the Galaxy S6's battery at 2550mAh and with no conflicting Galaxy S Edge rumors we have to assume Samsung's curvy contender will have the same size juice pack. The good news is it should also support fast charging, giving it up to four hours of usage on a 10 minute charge.It's a safe bet that the Samsung Galaxy S Edge will run Android and it will almost certainly be on Android 5.0 Lollipop, since that's the latest version.That's good news, though the fact that it will probably be overlaid with Samsung's TouchWiz UI may not be met with much enthusiasm. There's good news there too though, as it's rumored that Samsung is simplifying TouchWiz to make it a lot closer to stock Android. Though there will apparently be a theme store, to let you add visual customisations out of the box.So far we've mostly only got Galaxy S6 rumors to go on for the camera, but as with many other aspects of the phone the two are likely to have similar or identical snappers.An early rumor from ETNews states that the Galaxy S6 (and by extension probably the Galaxy S Edge) will have a 20MP camera, while SamMobile reckons that it will have either a 16MP snapper with optical image stabilisation or a 20MP one without.The front facing camera is likely to be at least 5MP, given that Samsung's more mid-range A series packs 5MP shooters.Sources speaking to SamMobile claim that the Galaxy S Edge will be compatible with Gear VR, so that's one feature you can hopefully look forward to.Sources speaking to SamMobile claim that the Galaxy S Edge will be compatible with Gear VR, so that's one feature you can hopefully look forward to.It will also almost certainly have a fingerprint scanner and rumors point to an improved touch-based one, similar to Apple's Touch ID.A heart rate monitor is very likely, as is a microSD card slot, while fast-charging functionality and a UV sensor have also been touted for the Galaxy S6, and as such are likely to make their way to the Galaxy S Edge too.Another Galaxy S6 rumor suggests we might see magnetic resonance charging make its commerical debut and if it makes it to the Galaxy S6 there's a good chance it will find its way into the Galaxy S Edge as well.

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The Galaxy S6's wireless charger pops up again

Samsung hasn't officially announced that the Galaxy S6 will come with a wireless charger - heck, it hasn't technically confirmed the Galaxy S6 at all - but as usual that hasn't stopped the FCC from letting the cat out of the bag.

The US Federal Communications Commission has published its approval of the Samsung wireless charger, which could also support Samsung's rumored upcoming "Orbis" smartwatch.

In the FCC's documents the Samsung wireless charger appears round, a decent hint that it might support both devices.

We're expecting to see the Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 Edge - which both appeared in a recent photo leak - on March 1, so hopefully we'll learn more about Samsung's wireless charging plans then.

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Samsung to be ready when Android moves to 64-bit

Apple broke new ground last year by launching a 64-bit mobile processor, the first of its kind in the mobile industry. Since then, a number of other chip makers have put their 64-bit ambitions into overdrive to keep pace including Samsung.

The Korean tech giant expects to join the 64-bit race later this year. During a recent chat  with CNET at Mobile World Congress, Kyushik Hong, vice president of marketing for Samsung's system LSI business, said 64-bit was very important in the sense that there is a real demand regardless of whether or not it is needed.As such, Samsung is actively working on it and their chip will be ready whenever the operating systems and ecosystem (Android) moves to 64-bit. Apple enjoys an advantage in this area as they control both the operating system and the design of their processors. Crafting the hardware and software under the same roof means they don’t have to wait on one side to “catch up” to the other.

Apple and Samsung aren’t the only ones invested in 64-bit. Late last year, Qualcomm moved to 64-bit with the announcement of the mid-range Snapdragon 401 SoC and earlier this week, the company revealed two more 64-bit chips: the Snapdragon 610 and 615. Intel also showed its hand at Mobile World Congress earlier this week with the Merrifield and Moorefield mobile chip lineup while Nvidia did the same at last month's CES with its Tegra K1 SoC.

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Samsung Galaxy S5 Breaks Records With Over 100K Pre-Registrations At T-Mobile In Under Two Days

T-Mobile CMO Mike Sievert is pumped about Samsung’s new Galaxy S5 smartphone: Today, the executive tweeted that Samsung’s latest flagship is a record-breaker at the carrier, with over 100,000 pre-registrations in under 48 hours since its announcement.

100,000+ pre-registrations in 2 days is a new record at @TMobile #GalaxyS5 !!— 
Mike Sievert (@SievertMike) February 26, 2014

Pre-registrations are notably not pre-sales – they represent just consumer interest in an upcoming device, not a commitment to buy. Still, Sievert says that this indicates the launch of Samsung’s upcoming phone will “be big,” according to another tweet.

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Samsung tops in Android enterprise usage

More than half of Android devices being used in the enterprise are made by Samsung, according to a report from mobile device management company Fiberlink that surveyed more than 250,000 devices worldwide.

Fiberlink, which is owned by IBM, pulled device information from users of its MDM products around the world to determine which Android gadgets were popular among enterprise users. Samsung took first place by a comfortable margin, with 56% of the market, followed by Motorola at 22%, HTC at 8% and a host of other companies with 2% or less.The company also identified the most popular smartphone and tablet for each of the major Android OEMs – Samsung’s Galaxy S III was its most-used enterprise phone, and Motorola’s was the DROID RAZR M. HTC’s Droid Incredible 2 was its top handset, and LG’s Nexus 4 took the prize.

Fiberlink spokesperson Jonathan Dale said in a statement that Samsung’s emphasis on security features had helped push the company’s products to the top – along with their more general popularity among consumers.

“Samsung has invested heavily in enterprise security features that make IT professionals more comfortable having their devices in the workplace,” he said. “We’ve also been hearing from businesses that Samsung is making devices that have more curb appeal and generally rank high on the cool factor.”

This week’s launch of the Samsung Galaxy S 5 did, indeed, focus in part on enterprise security features, as the company pushed its Knox security suite to the foreground at the release event. Knox 2.0, Samsung said, offers advanced new features like two-factor authentication – provided via a fingerprint scanner/password combination – and real-time code monitoring.

Android gear is still small potatoes next to Apple products in the enterprise, however – another recent report, this one from Good Technology , found that nearly three-quarters of all new business smartphones and tablets activated in the fourth quarter of 2013 ran iOS, not Android.

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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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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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Leaked Pictures of Next Generation Galaxy Gears

Samsung unveiled to the Galaxy Gear to mixed feelings last year. One of the most common complaints was that it felt like a beta product, not ready for the prime time. This year, Samsung has another shot to redeem the Galaxy Gear brand with the second generation. Rumors have been floating around that there would be two Galaxy Gear models released this time around and a new image leaked by @evleaks appears to confirm that with two models, the Galaxy Gear 2 and the Galaxy Gear 2 Neo.

Starting with the Galaxy Gear 2, the design changes appear to be minimal from the original Gear. We still see a square display, silver face and a subtly toned grey band. However, there’s a new black bar above the display that could be used for a number of things and we’re not really sure what its purpose is. Below the display, there’s what appears to be a button which could be one of Samsung’s infamous home buttons and could also signify a change in the software if a home button is needed.

The second of the pair is the Galaxy Gear 2 Neo, most likely a slightly lesser version of the Galaxy Gear 2. The design is similar to that of the Galaxy Gear 2, but the face is slightly smaller and features a darker grey rather than silver. On the Gear 2 Neo, we see the black bar on the Gear 2 replaced with a small black circle. Below the display rests what appears to be a home button that’s slightly smaller than the one on the Gear 2.

Aside from what our own eyes can pick up from this image, there’s not much else too know about these devices. Many of the details are still under wraps but that should change during this upcoming week with Mobile World Congress right around the corner.

Do you think that you’d be interested in either of these smartwatches from Samsung?

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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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