Samsung Galaxy S3 Update: Samsung USA has released a list of eligible devices for KiKat update last month. However, they refrain from revealing any definite date of when the process would start. For now, a company document has been leaked disclosing the timetable of the roll out plan.
According to Just About Phones, a Technology Blog, 'the android 4.4 KitKat update seems to be a very big deal for most android users out there and today there is a new leak that will make all the Galaxy S3, Note 2 and the newly launched Galaxy Grand 2 Duos customers more than happy. A leaked document obtained from Samsung's Indian subsidy through an "Unnamed Insider" clearly indicates the five devices that Samsung plans to update to Android 4.4 by the time summer comes, out of these the Galaxy S4 and Note 3 are already on track.'
'Samsung plans to update the Galaxy S3, Note 2 and Grand 2 Duos to android 4.4 starting next month which can be understood considering that the Galaxy S5 will go on sale first. The update may not be coming early but I think most of the owners of this Galaxy Trio will be happy to know that it eventually would. The Galaxy S3 (GT-I9300) was rumored to be dropped off from the Kitkat update list and since then it has been a long wait for some "good news", the android 4.3 update created numerous problems for the Galaxy S3 owners and its about time that Samsung starts correcting their mistakes,' the blog stated.
However, International Business Time reported that 'on close observation, Galaxy Note 2's model number seen in leaked document is wrongly printed as 'SM-N7100', instead of GT-N7100 thereby casting a shadow over the authenticity of the report. But, the website's insider later clarified the mistake in the print was the reason, why the document got discarded and hence obtained.
As of now, there is no way to prove the legitimacy of the leaked document, as the reports says the KitKat update is scheduled to roll-out next month. Therefore, we just have to wait few more weeks to see if the report turns out be true. Until then, it will remain as pure speculation.'
According to Samsung's official press release, Galaxy S4 MIni, S4 Active, S4 Zoom, Galaxy S3, S3 Mini, Galaxy Mega, Galaxy Light and tablets such as Galaxy Note 8.0, Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 Edition), Note 10.1 and the Galaxy Tab 3 are certain to get the KitKat update this year.
The Key Features of Android v4.4 KitKat OS Update are the following according to International Business Times:
Location Menu: This integrated location menu enables users to easily activate GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks, while simultaneously keeping a tab on the battery consumption by the location service based apps.
Enhanced Google Mobile Service (GMS) apps: This application helps user to automatically back-up photos and video clips. He/she also can create, view, share rename Google Docs and files.
Improved Caller-ID: If a user receives a call from unknown number, the phone will look for matches on the net with local listings via Google Maps.
Priority Contacts: The new OS empowers the phone to automatically prioritize contact list for easy access, based on the frequency of the peoples' contacts to which users talk.
Immersive Display: To enhance the entertainment factor, the new OS comes with immersive mode, where the status bar and navigation buttons disappear in to the back ground while you play music, games and read e-books. Users can just swipe the edge of the screen to bring back the utility buttons.
Enhanced Message Grouping: Google has brought in some improvements to the new Hangouts app; now, users can find all their text SMSs and MMSs, audio and video call details all at one place. He/she can also share location and send animated GIFs.
Emoji Characters: Initially users had to install third party app to use colorful characters in their SMS. Now, with KitKat update, the keypad comes pre-loaded with native Japanese Emoji emotion icons.
NFC and Wireless Printing: Google's new OS comes with a new Quickoffice app where-in people can create and store word documents in cloud storage as well as print files wirelessly on NFC-enabled HP printers.
Multi-tasking: with efficient memory management, users can multi-task by opening multiple applications; Listen to music while you can browse through the net.
Performance: Like all software updates, the new KitKat enhances smartphone's performance as well as efficient RAM management, leading to increase in battery.
