Android 4.3 Update - S3, S4, S4 Mini & Note II

[Chris_K]

Hi All,

Many of you have been asking about the much anticipated Android 4.3 update for several key Samsung devices – Including the S3, S4, S4 Mini & Note II. As with all updates we have an in-depth and rigorous testing procedure to ensure the update is seamless and provides a perfect user experience.

What are some key updates in Android 4.3?

-              Lower latency input for gamepad buttons and joysticks

-              Bluetooth AVRCP 1.3 support - display song names on a car stereo

-              OpenGL ES 3.0 - Android now supports the latest version of the industry standard for high performance graphics

-              Official support for the Samsung Galaxy Gear Smartwatch > http://accessoryshop.o2.co.uk/search?query=galaxy+gear

How do I get this Android 4.3 update?

Sometimes these updates are available via Samsung KIES before they are available OTA (over the air). To update via KIES, please visit this Samsung link which contains a download button to get the KIES desktop software as well as simple steps on how to install and update > http://www.samsung.com/uk/support/usefulsoftware/SWUP/JSP

Once the update arrives OTA, you can download this by going to Settings > General > About > Software Update > Update. This may differ very slightly depending on your device or software build.

Android 4.3 availability break-down

Galaxy S4 – The 4.3 update is now live via the Samsung KIES PC application. Connect your phone via USB, open KIES and check for updates. The S4 OTA update is also live and will be pushed out in batches from the date it went live on KIES - If you don't have the OTA update yet, consider updating via KIES instead.

Galaxy S4 Mini – The latest 4.2.2 update has been available via Samsung KIES since November 30^th and should be available to all O2 handsets by connecting and updating via KIES. The OTA update will be released in batches over the coming weeks. Though this particular update doesn’t include the same changes as the above 4.3 update, it does bring with it official support for the Galaxy Gear Smartwatch. Android 4.3 may come to this device in the future, but we currently have no further details on this. We’ll let you know if/when that changes, however.

Galaxy S3 – We have received this update from Samsung and after our rigorous testing, has been approved and passed to Samsung for release. We hope for this to begin pushing out to O2 handsets over the coming week or two (hopefully before the end of the month) so keep your eyes peeled on your update screen. We'll let you know if there are any unforeseeable issues or delays that crop up.

Note II – The 4.3 update for the Note II is now live for OTA updates. This will be roll out in batches over the next few weeks so this update may not be available to you immediately. If you have an O2 branded Note II and don't see this update, I'd recommend connecting manually to KIES and checking for updates this way.

Thank you for your patience in awaiting this update - we know some of you have been eagerly awaiting receiving it or further information around it.

Are you looking forward to the update? If you’ve already been able to update to 4.3 via KIES, what do you think? The biggest change with the 4.3 update is that it supports Samsung’s Galaxy Gear Smartwatch – Something only the Note 3 supported previously. Will this update make you think about trying out wearable technology anytime soon?

Edit Log:

2:22pm 18th Dec - Updated availability news for the Note II

3:52pm 19th Dec - Updated OTA availability for the S4

11:25am 21st Jan - Updated Galaxy S3 section

[Bambino]

Anything is possible, but it seems from many of the posts seen here in the forum that a reset is advisable.

[MI5]

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@paulbacon wrote:

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@MI5 wrote:

Not at all, you just need to follow this Reset Guide

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Is the reset thing something you have to do? Or can you have a successful update without having to do the reset?

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No need to reset if everything works. 

If not, do a reset - Simples

[Anonymous]

Having had an S3 and an S4 I suspect that the mobile data is turning itself back on each time you restart your handset as that is the default position.

[MI5]

It shouldn't do.
If you deselect Mobile data it should stay off. The only time it defaults to on is if you do a factory reset.

[jonsie]

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@MI5 wrote:
It shouldn't do.
If you deselect Mobile data it should stay off. The only time it defaults to on is if you do a factory reset.

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Definitely should stay off even after rebooting as MI5 says.

[Anonymous]

hi, I'm using the drop down menu where you can turn on bluetooth etc, the scrolling green icons at the top of the screen.

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:
hi, I'm using the drop down menu where you can turn on bluetooth etc, the scrolling green icons at the top of the screen.

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 From the homescreen press Menu > Settings > Wireless & Network > Mobile Networks > tick mobile data off(or similar words, as not sure which Samsung do you have)

Try it this way and see if it works

[MI5]

Makes no difference as the notification bar is just a shortcut to the settings menu.
If you want it permanently off it would appear you will have to disable the O2 Mobile apn.

[Anonymous]

Hi there I have a galaxy s3 lte9900 model, my kies is up to date but I cant update my phone. It shows that the latest update is actualy on the phone. Same problem on the phone. If I check the updates thru the phone it shows me the same thing. Have couple of friends with o2 and they have got the update already. Any idea or advice? thanx

[MI5]

The S3 LTE is the i9305.
The latest O2 firmware is still 4.1.2 (XXBME3)