Samsung Galaxy Note II users rejoice! Galaxy Note II (GT-N7100) and Galaxy Note II LTE (GT-N7105) are receiving Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update. The out of the box Galaxy Note II & Note II LTE is running Android 4.1.2 and Samsung did not push any update [4.2.2] after that.

This Android 4.3 upgrade for the Note II will bring update to Samsung stock apps, newer drivers, better RAM management. The Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch will be support as well, also the Samsung wallet and KNOX.

The most noticeable upgrade is the UI. The user interface is the same that of Galaxy S4 and Note 3. So if you have a NOTE II, try to plug it via Kies Software and check. Samsung release the update per region and Northen Europe is starting to get the update.

For Samsung Galaxy Note II users in the Philippines, I think we need to wait for few days to weeks to get an update and also those carrier branded Note II from Globe and Smart will get an update too.

Samsung Note II Android 4.3 changes:

• GALAXY GEAR Support
• TRIM Support (Makes the device much faster)
• Samsung KNOX
• Samsung Wallet (Pre-loaded)
• Better RAM management
• Core UI elements updated to the ones on the Galaxy S4 (Galaxy S4′s theme all over)
• New Samsung Keyboard
• GPU drivers have been updated (Higher GPU benchmark scores)
• New Lockscreen: Multiple Widgets, improved ripple effect than Android 4.1.2, ability to change clock size and set a personal message
• New screen modes (From S4): Adapt Display and Professional Photo
• Daydream
• Driving mode
• Actionable notifications
• Move-to-SD-card feature
• New Camera mode : Sound and Shot
• New Additions in Notification Centre
• Completely revamped Settings UI (Tabbed interface – Exactly like the Galaxy S4)
•  Implementation of Voice controls (Let’s you control various parts of the phone using voice commands – Galaxy S4 feature)
• New Samsung Apps: Calculator, Clock, Contacts, Gallery, Music
• Full screen Samsung apps
• New S-Voice (from Galaxy S4)

Fore more details follow SamMobile as they are the best place for Galaxy devices resources. If you can’t wait for the official OTA upgrade you can download the firmware via SamMobile and flash it using Odin Flash Tool.

Remember, always backup your device before updating/upgrading.

After the debut of Android 4.4 KitKat like few days ago Google release the Android 4.4-r1.2 KRT16s  KitKat. This is a bug fixes update. The old build KRT16o was removed all through out and replaced by build KRT16s. To date many are still waiting for an OTA update and seems the KRT16s will be pushed for all devices instead of KRT160 to Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 2012, Nexus 7 2013, Nexus 10.

List of Factory images (KRT16s) and can be use to flash your device to Android 4.4-r1.2.

Nexus 5 “hammerhead”(GSM/LTE)
Nexus 7 “razor” [2013] (Wi-Fi)
Nexus 7 “razorg”[2013] (Mobile)
Nexus 10 “mantaray”
Nexus 4 “occam”
Nexus 7 “nakasi” [2012] (WiFi)
Nexus 7 “nakasig”[2012] Mobile

Instructions

You will find these files useful if you have used the Android Open-Source Project, flashed custom builds on your device, and wish to return that device to its factory state.

In order to use these files, you need to have the fastboot tool in your PATH. That tool is compiled as part of every configuration of the Android Open-Source Project and is the tool used to flash custom builds on your device. On GNU/Linux systems, this also implies that you have configured USB access as mentioned in the machine setup instructions.

Your device needs to be in fastboot mode, with the bootloader unlocked. The relevant key combinations and commands are documented on the page about building for devices.

You need to uncompress each download before use, which creates a new directory for that exact download. That directory contains a./flash-all.sh script, which handles the various operations, installs the necessary bootloader, baseband firmware(s), and operating system. Note that this operation deletes all user data by default. – Google Developer

I encountered some issues with the original instruction on how to install Android 4.4 KitKat on Mac so I look somewhere and I was checking my directory I stumbled  techfanitic9′s mac toolkit. This toolkit I used before to Root and Unroot (back to Stock) for Nexus 4. I modified the script for Android 4.4 KitKat and thankfully it worked.

Warning: This will wipe your DATA…so BackUp Everything…I am not responsible for your data loss and misuse or skipping the method I gave will render your device unusable. 

How to Install Android 4.4 KitKat to Nexus 4 on Mac:

Requirements:  Google Factory Image: 

1. bootloader-mako-makoz20i.img
2. image-occam-krt16s.zip (new build as of 11/20/2013)
3. radio-mako-m9615a-cefwmazm-2.0.1700.84.img

Adb & Fastmode files bash script

Instructions:
1. Download Google Factory Image (occam) Nexus 4 KT16O Android 4.4: Here
MD5Sum: e60c3077c9bc9bd106eb3077992f0d6c

2. Download this Install-Android-KitKat-Nexus4-Mac-Tool: Here (new)
MD5Sum: 028e465179052cfc3ed4b6357c62e1b8
Package includes: adb, fastboot & KitKat.installer.tool

3. Once you have the Google Nexus 4 Factory image, extract the bootloader-mako-makoz20i.img, image-occam-krt16s.zip, radio-mako-m9615a-cefwmazm-2.0.1700.84.img to the directory where your adb, fastboot and install.kitakat.to-nexus4.tool are located.

4. Shutdown your Nexus 4.

5.  Boot to FASTBOOT mode (Vol+ & Vol- & Power On)

6. Connect your device 7. Run the script Install.KitKat.to.Nexus4.tool (just drag it to the terminal)

8. The script will run, it will unlock the bootloader, erase boot, erase recovery, install bootloader, install radio and the system image.

9. Just wait for the script finish Installing.

10. The device will  reboot and the Android will begin installing, wait for few minutes, 10mins or so…

11. Set up your device as normally we do.

12. Enjoy your KitKat!

FAQ:

Q: I run the script and says permission denied?

A: Your permission is limiting you to run scripts, go to Preferences > Security & Privacy – and set “Allow apps downloaded from:” – to Anywhere. Just return to your normal settings after you are through.

If you have more questions just comment below.  This method is tested and proven. I use this to install KitKat. Rooting method will follow soon.:)

Credit: XDA Forum

OLD DOWNLOADABLE/S: Install-Android-KitKat-Nexus4-Mac-Tool: Here (Old – Build KRT16o)

Image Credit: TechnoBuffalo

Today Google released the Android 4.4 KitKat for Nexus 4 device. I tried to restore my device to stock and lock its bootloader to get OTA but so far my device is not included in the OTA update but there is way on how to install Android 4.4 KitKat to Nexus 4 manually via Factory image.

Google posted the Factory image to their repository and at the time of this writing I am downloading the 345MB Android 4.4 KitKat.

How to Install Android 4.4 KitKat to Nexus 4:

How to flash a factory image (to not have it wipe your device, see Step 7):
Step 1 - Download Android 4.4 Factory Image (occam-krt16o-factory-75ccae7a.tgz) for the Nexus 4 on your PC, if you haven’t already.
Step 2 - Connect your Nexus 4 to your computer using the USB cable.
Step 3 - Please make sure Fastboot is configured and properly installed on your computer.
Step 4 - Turn OFF your phone.
Step 5 - Get into the Fastboot/Bootloader Mode on your phone by using the key combo.  (Hold Volume + & Volume – & Power On)
Step 6 - Now extract the downloaded file anywhere in your computer. Go to the folder then copy/paste all the files to your Fastboot directory.
Step 7 - From the factory image files in your Fastboot directory, do the following depending which OS you are on:

Edit the flash-all.bat file and remove the wipe command (-w) if you do not want it to wipe your device. (thx kzoodroid)

On Windows: Run the file “flash-all.bat”.
On Mac: Run the file “flash-all.sh” using Terminal.
On Linux: Run the file “flash-all.sh”.

Step 8 - Now wait and watch as the process is completed.
Step 9 - Done!

Download Nexus 4 Android KitKat Factory image: 4.4 (KRT16O)

Credit: XDA Forum

Tip: Carrier branded Galaxy S4 like from Globe & Smart can be updated to this version but will void your warranty but if you perform NanDROID Backup (rooted) you can keep an untouched image of your device OS and if you want to warranty it just restore the stock image.

Note: Installing firmware from leak sources will void your warranty. Make sure you have a NANDROID Backup just in case you like to restore it to stock/non-rooted. For those under a carrier you will also void your warranty and NANDROID Backup is recommeded.

How to Update Samsung Galaxy S4 to Android 4.3

Model: GT-I9505
Country: Open Asia
Version: Android 4.3
Changelist: 1840064
Build date: Tue, 8 Oct 2013 23:29:05 +0000
Product Code: OLB
PDA: I9505XXUEMJ3
CSC: I9505OLBEMJ2
MODEM: I9505XXUEMJ3
Download: I9505XXUEMJ3_I9505OLBEMJ2_OLB.zip

NOTE

• This firmware will WIPE your device (Perform a backup before flashing)
• This test firmware will NOT increase your binary counter NOR void your warranty.
• This test firmware will NOT trigger your KNOX Warranty Counter (If it’s 0×0 before flashing, it will remain 0×0 after flashing and vice versa).
• This test firmware is a pre-release firmware and not official from Samsung.
• We have fully tested this firmware and this firmware works perfectly as any other official firmware.

Updating firmware via Odin Tool:

1. Extract (unzip) the firmware file
2. Download Odin3 v3.09 (From here or here)
3. Extract Odin .ZIP file
4. Open Odin3 v3.09
5. Restart phone in download mode (Press and hold Home + Power + Volume down buttons)
6. Connect phone and wait until you get a blue sign in Odin
7. Add AP_I9505XXUEMJ3_1840064_REV06_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5 to AP
8.  Add BL_I9505XXUEMJ3_1840064_REV06_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5 to BL
9. Add CP_I9505XXUEMJ3_1840064_REV06_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5 to CP
10. Add CSC_OLB_I9505OLBEMJ2_1765174_REV06_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5 to CSC
11. Make sure re-partition is NOT ticked
12. Click start button, sit back and wait a few minutes.
13.  If you encounter any issues with the firmware (Any FC, Bootloop etc)
14. Boot into recovery mode (Home+power+vol up)
15.  Choose to wipe/factory reset. (THIS WILL ERASE ALL OF YOUR DATA INCLUDING YOUR INTERNAL SD CARD!)
16. Then choose reboot and you should be good to go!

 Samsung Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 Video

Image, Instruction and Links: SamMobile

If you have questions, just leave a comment below.

In a previous report by Google, October is D-Day for the Android KitKat to be rolled out on some of our devices. But just like the other new updates before the 4.4, not all devices will be able to get their gears on the latest OS. This may be somewhat a boo for most of us, but it likely to come down on Google delivering KitKat now, and others will be one the “soon to follow” list. Don’t be dismayed, people: Google’s generous enough to hand us a bite.

For the most part, Nexus devices are the first in line to get the Android 4.4 KitKat and this includes the:

• Galaxy Nexus
• Nexus 4,
• Nexus 7 2012 edition
• Nexus 7 2013 edition
• Nexus 10

Also in line to get the update (note: this handsets have the highest probability to get the KitKat soon after the first batch are done) will be the following:

• Samsung Galaxy S4,
• Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini
• Galaxy Note 3,
• LG G2,
• LG G Pad,
• Sony Xperia Z, Z1, Xperia ZL and Z1 Ultra,
• HTC One and One Mini and lastly, the
• Moto X.

Is your device included in the list? If so, watch out for the official roll-out. If not, keep your eyes and ears peeled for the next update.

SamMobile brings forth good news for Samsung Galaxy S4 owners as the Korean powerhouse flagship Smartphone is scheduled for an firmware upgrade this month.

That’s right, folks; the Galaxy S4, according to the generous news giver is slated for an upgrade as well as its predecessors. By this, Android Jellybean will go up one notch to 4.3 and, just like other updates will come also come with enhancements here and there.

SamMobile also blurted that the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 will also cater the upgrade but on a later month, or somewhere on the boxes of November or early December.

Other devices included to get the Android 4.3 are the Mega 5.8 and 6.3

On the other side, expect the roll-out to go with the region-to-region and telco-to-telco fad. Keep waiting, people: your new Jellybean will soon be with you.

After the success of Samsung Galaxy S II ICS update, Samsung officially announced that the next ICS update is for the Galaxy Note. The Galaxy Note Premium ICS update also adds new S-Pen optimized application and enhanced multimedia features. “S Note, a unique tool that lets you combine your notes or sketches with other digital content, giving you a new way to create your own stories. S Note comes in various ready-to-use templates for a range of tasks including meeting minutes, diary and others.” Features native to Android 4.0 ICS will be added aswell namely Face Unlock,  Snapshot, and Android Beam.

The roll out will start for the international version of the Galaxy Note  GT-i9250 sometime in second-quarter of this year and for carrier branded G-Note will be delayed as carrier will do the update on their own. That is around April to June. Check the video below for more Android ICS goodies stored for the Galaxy Note.

In the video, it shows that Touch Wiz UI 4 is still the launcher for the Galaxy Note running ICS. I mention this because there was a leak photo of Galaxy Note using stock ICS UI. Angry Bird Space is also released today and the Note is the official partner device. Check the game and it is free for download on Android.

Devices such as Galaxy S II LTE, Galaxy Tab 8.9 and Galaxy Tab 10.1 will get ICS update after the Note update. Also Galaxy S, GalaxyS Plus, Galaxy S SCL(Super Clear LCD), Galaxy W and Galaxy Tab 7” will get Android 2.3 Gingerbread. 

Source: Samsung Tomorrow

Warning: Perform at your own risk, rooting could possibly brick your device and void your 
warranty.

Prerequisite before rooting are as follows: 

• Back up your entire system this includes Contact, SMS, Call Logs, Apps, Music, Pictures etc.  You can follow some back up procedure and tools, Here:
• Check your firmware: Settings > About Phone > Kernel Version e.g 2.6.35.7-I9100DXKL3-CL814816 (DX is the country code)

Rooting Requirements:

• Download Odin: Here
• Download CF-Root Kernel DXLP 7 ICS Firmware: Here
• Samsung USB Driver Here:  Here
• Samsung USB Cable and your computer (Windows)
• Read Chain Fire instruction: Here

Source: ChainFire CF-Root Kernel Threads

• DROID Incredible 2 by HTC
• HTC Amaze 4G
• HTC Desire S
• HTC Desire HD
• HTC EVO 3D
• HTC EVO Design 4G
• HTC Incredible S
• HTC Sensation
• HTC Sensation XL
• HTC Sensation 4G
• HTC Sensation XE
• HTC Raider
• HTC Rezound
• HTC Rhyme
• HTC Thunderbolt
• HTC Vivid

The HTC Sensation and HTC Sensation XE are the first to get the Android 4 upgrade. Sensation 4G and Sensation XL will soon to follow. The upgrade for carrier branded HTC Android phones will have its own update to roll out by the carrier and HTC is working closely with this carrier partners to  have the update out in no time.

If your phone is not on the list, don’t worry because 3rd-party developers like CyanogenMod is working on HTC Android phones and HTC carrier branded phones to have ICS working on the device.
Source: HTC Blog via AndroidSpin