The Samsung Galaxy S4 I9500 that was announced in March of this year has now gotten the Android 4.3 update already over the air.
Now that we are heading into the last months of 2013 the Android 4.3 build is being installed on a lot of handsets. We just saw this update roll out to all the different carriers that are selling the HTC One’s, and now it seems it’s time to move the chains back over to the Galaxy side of things with all the different s4 models.
The one we are seeing here today is the I9500. Make sure that is the one you have before attempting to install the file. There are 3 main different model numbered version of the S4, one of which already got this update in the last week, the LTE I9505.
This update, as far as we know, is for shores outside of the US. The OTA has gone the way of Russia. There have been other countries the manual file is available for though, and you can get your hands on them by heading over to Sam Mobile. Once you sign up and hit the link, there will be the other areas shown to you.
Download the Russian file here. All other countries sign up here.
Don’t attempt to install this unless you have a Windows PC because it will need to upload through Odin 3.07. Odin is developed specifically for the Microsoft computer range that runs the Windows.
Once you have added Odin, upload the firmware file through the PDA tab.
People in India should have started to see this OTA starting around 3 days ago now. It has also been made available through Samsung KIES.
Samsung has also released the kernel Source files for this upgrade. That includes the kernels for both of the GT’s that have received the upgrade so far already (the I505 being the other one that I mentioned earlier).
Once you have this installed there is many new features to look out for. There is now support for the Smartwatch Galaxy Gear that has just come out. The mobile compatibility is obviously a need for the watch to be useful. You also get a fully compatible Samsung Wallet that you can now go shopping with. The way the Ram is used has seen an overhaul. Expect some touch wiz changes for the better. A completely new Samsung keyboard and browser inside, plus about 4 or 5 other goodies including a revamped flashlight.