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

[MI5]

I do it automatically now but it's not always necessary.... Only if you notice any issues.

[Anonymous]

I performed two factory resets and still have the problem with the native Samsung music app and the play music app random pauses and restarts usually no longer than a second and also terrible noisy distortion that lasts a good few seconds, these problems are totally random, I use my mobile a lot for listening to music and it has totally ruined my listening experience since the 4.3 update

[RubyTT]

Ok so I did the new update received this morning.  Seems to have fixed the issue with the music app as it doesn't cut out any more so that seems much better. I only started getting the unstable wifi about a week or so ago. Haven't had it since doing the update this morning so let's see if it's fixed

[Anonymous]

What's the latest update for the branded s3 is there a new one since the the first 4.3 update?

[MI5]

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@Anonymous wrote:
What's the latest update for the branded s3 is there a new one since the the first 4.3 update?

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2 updates so far for O2 phones on 4.3, only 1 on Samsung firmware.

[Anonymous]

Hi mi5, ah I see since I've been back from my mum's haven't been near wifi since the 9th of February, so if I connect to wifi I should get the new update, do you know if it sorts the music problems I've been having?

[MI5]

Yes, you should see the update in Settings....
RubyTT ^^^ reports a fix to the music app issue, but I'm not on O2 firmware so can't say myself.

[Anonymous]

Thank you again mi5, I'll report back once I've got to my mates house and update the firmware. Add advised I removed my memory card and sim card when last updated but when I do a factory reset is it beat to remove both cards as well?

[MI5]

Not necessary to remove sim but I'd leave sd card out until I'd got set up again.

[Cleoriff]

A question about the S4 please. and regarding updates etc....

My grandson had his for his birthday last week on contract (not sure which provider?)

With it being a recent purchase can he expect that this S4 will be running with all the latest updates?

If so...what will be his next update and when can he expect that to be released.

(This is his first time with Samsung... he had a Blackberry before this one)

Thanks for any advice.