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]

I would also note that nowhere in your posts until the last couple have you gone into sufficient detail to enable other customers to help you.

If you (and any other customers) want assistance then give the full issue upfront.

Anyway I will now step out of the thread as I feel my involvement is not the help you seek.

The update will come out when o2 is ready and nothing we say on here will change that.

[Anonymous]

so my first post, when will o2 pull there finger out and release 4.3 update for s3, wasnt clear enough? you are forgeting you were telling me that there isnt much change between 4.2 to 4.3, this is not right as samsung jumped from 4.1.2 to 4.3, so who isnt being clear.

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately O2 are very slow on putting out updates this has recently been covered in the session the other day it's not going to change and the only real way around it is to buy sim free

[Anonymous]

Hi Damien1.

I did make that view known but the more recent OP didn't seem to appreciate the advice for the future.

I have an unbranded S4. Good move for me. Got updated very quickly and no issues.

[Anonymous]

well i will be getting my phone unlocked then i will loading unbranded firmware, no more o2 bull.

[Anonymous]

I know mate just trying to agree that it's all in o2s hands

[Anonymous]

sorry is that pointed at me, get your facts right and i would listen. bye bye

[Anonymous]

Hi Damien1

I am not sure of the answer to this. If the handset is unlocked does it then became unbranded and thus receive updates direct from Samsung or does the handset still need updates from o2?

Not sure of the answer so would rather check if you or any other regulars can answer?

[Anonymous]

No just because the handset is unlocked it is still O2 branded and will only get the updates when O2 pushes them out

[Anonymous]

That was my thought but didn't want to put it on here unless sure.

The recent post from the OP he may want to be aware