If you are a subscriber to the Sprint phone carrier network you ought to lookout for a new software update arriving over the air that equips your smartphone with International WiFi calling. The new update is still on the Android 4.4.2 KitKat name even though some parts of the world are receiving Android 5.0 Lollipop. The G3 in Korea is getting Lollipop today.
Sprint started rolling out the first batch of free WiFi calling updates for any smartphone or tablet late August of this year. Since then many phones are already equipped with the feature. WiFi calling means you can call anyone in the US, Virgin islands and Puerto Rico for free over the WiFi network and off the mobile data plan. Furthermore, anyone calling from overseas to the US has the free-calling option. However, calls originating from the US are not free and calling to international numbers is where standard calling charge rates apply. In other words if you are in New York and wanting to make a quick call to Australia, that’s not free. You can dial from Australia if you were wishing to call back home to New York.
In addition to WiFi calling, the Sprint ZV6 Android 4.4.2 KitKat OTA update also brings improved unlock algorithm to prevent buttons working when the phones in your pocket, Google security patches, Qualcomm security patch, fixes for the sluggish UI, Auxiliary cable enhancements, Mobolize and enhancements to the compass app so you’ll be walking straighter than ever. You can view the official change-log here.
We recommend you don’t download and install the firmware using the mobile data because unwanted rates apply. Moreover, the network is subject to high traffic at times when others are installing software updates and the home WiFi is that much faster. Those preferring to air on the side of caution ought to back up the data, sync the phone contacts and backup the SMS texts with Helium from the Google Play Store.
OTA’s roll-out to devices in periods, meaning you may see it as notification alerting you today, tomorrow, or later during the week. There are no buttons you can push to make things happen faster, nor is there any chance of learning the algorithms that send it in your direction. If you want to make sure it’s not available for you yet you can always stopover at Settings > System updates > Update LG software > Check now.