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]

This update has completely killed my phone. It is stuck at the Samsung flashing logo with the blue light at the top. I have left this for hours AND NOTHING.

What can I do to fix this? Its on a monthly contract so is surely under warranty.

VERY DISAPPOINTED

[MI5]

The fix is on the thread. I've typed it too many times this last week. Please use the search function or read the threads in the android section.

[Anonymous]

Am new to this... Apologies... which thread?

[MI5]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Am new to this... Apologies... which thread?

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Which phone have you got and I'll point you to the thread?

[Anonymous]

Samsung S3

Thanks for your help!

[MI5]

Start by doing a reset.
Follow this exactly (except you won't be able to back up unfortunately).
http://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Android-Devices-Samsung-HTC-Sony/How-To-Reset-your-Samsung-after-a-Firm...

[perksie]

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@MI5 wrote:
(except you won't be able to back up unfortunately).

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They'll have done this already surely?

[MI5]

Hopefully

[Anonymous]

Hi MI5

I updated my S3 a couple of days ago and it now does not connect to the o2 network thus stopping me from making/receiving calls and sms.  I have tried all  your helpfull hits to no avail, not happy.  i find it strange that o2 test and approve the update which has cause so much aggro for many.  Do you hany further assistance

Beakerman

[Anonymous]

I didn't back up but to be honest I could never get my Samsung Kies to recognise my phone. My contacts are all contained in my outlook and when I log into Google this should bring back all my apps from my tablet!

However - I have tried using the thread you gave me the link to but to no avail!

Thanks though...