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

[Anonymous]

Even tho we have social team members or community coordinators here, we still don't get release dates on updates.

[Anonymous]

I also note you are using a Samsung Galaxy S3. Are you aware that there have been all sorts of problems with the 4.3 update on the S3? Indeed initially Samsung actually withdrew the update as many users were reporting that their phones were rendered useless.

I that scenario I am sure you would be back here asking why o2 released an update that meant you couldn't use your phone????

[Anonymous]

I also note your bought your phone as a pay as you go?

Are you aware that handsets purchased from Carphone Warehouse, Phones 4U and Asda are unbranded so if you are buying outright you may want to consider purchasing from these places in future to avoid future update stresses that you report here.

[Anonymous]

ok, but im on 4.1.2 not 4.2, and as mi5 has already brought up in this topic and others there just adding splash screens and some apps, but its the fact they talk about transparency and there isnt any.

[Anonymous]

Agree on the transparency in your post but until it is ready it is better for o2 to under promise and over deliver. If they said it would be out on a particular date then encountered a problem people would also complain about that.

I had an S3 and to be honest there wasn't much difference between 4.1 and 4.2 either.

[Anonymous]

the mk6 fimware came with fixes so im not worried about issues. allso i bought the handset over a year ago and o2 were the cheapest at the time, sorry but i keep getting info from you that inacurate im on 4.1.2 the next firmware is 4.3 as 4.2 was skipped by samsung. as i paid for this handset i believe its my right to complain about things. and i dont see why your focusing on me other people are asking the same things as me.

[Anonymous]

Apologies if you feel I am not helping. I will leave the thread.

I was focusing on you as I was trying to help you but you don't appear to appreciate the attempted support.

[Anonymous]

help, support, youve got a strange way of going about that? but if thats what you believe you were doing maybe think about what you were saying. i was just pointing out that some of the info you were putting forward was inacurate.  take care 

[Anonymous]

I personally stand by my comments. I had the S3 and now have the S4 and have had Samsung handsets for years. So I understand them pretty well.

Everything I put I stand by. Yes o2 may have been cheaper for the handset but that is because it is locked. If you want updates earlier then you pay morefor the handset upfront for example.

Anyway I am not going to argue. If my help isn't wanted I will butt out.

[Anonymous]

maybe o2 could start communicating between depatrments