Samsung detailed the Android 4.3 update for several devices yesterday. Those devices included the Galaxy S 4, Galaxy Note II and Galaxy S III and while Samsung mentioned the rollout was going to begin yesterday, they were quick to mention the timeline would vary by carrier. That being said, there was some further breakdown of the Verizon update and as of today, the news is the update process has begun.
Simply put, if you are a Verizon Galaxy S 4 user — you may want to be on the lookout for an update notification to arrive. The update will measure in at just a little under 330MB in size and perhaps more important is that it brings your handset to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. This means Galaxy Gear smartwatch support as well as some other changes and improvements. This update includes a Blocking Mode feature in the Settings Menu and the addition of Samsung Knox.
The remaining items in the changelog break down as follows;
- Starter Mode renamed to Easy Mode
- Viewdini stub application has been removed (but customers who already downloaded the full app will not lose it)
- Weatherbug application now has “auto-refresh”
- Mobile Hotspot now works with the Data Usage Meter
- Video app crashing issues have been resolved
- Call audio issue while on a call and taking a picture have been addressed
As for the Galaxy Gear connection, this means some additional functionality for those who purchase the smartwatch. Verizon has the Galaxy Gear available and priced at $299. As for those features, they include the ability to automatically unlock your smartphone (without PIN security) and the ability to find your phone should be it become misplaced. The Gear also provides alert notifications, voice notes, hands-free calling, a pedometer, camera and more.
All that being said, those with a Verizon Galaxy S 4 can wait for the update notification to arrive and follow the prompts, or take the pro-active approach and go looking for it. Those choosing the latter route should grab their phone and navigate to Settings -> About Phone -> System updates to try and get the process started.
SOURCE: Verizon Wireless
My Verizon S4 was updated to 4.3 at 0600 Tuesday.
I’d rather them update it to KitKat later. Take what you can get though.
Update failed and had to do a factory reset. VZW Tech I spoke to on the phone said I was the first failure so far, but asked if I had rooted it. Told him no, and we agreed we wished the carriers would unlock the phones.