Samsung is well-known for putting upgrades on hold so that they can address existing issues found in the current firmware builds instead. It looks like that is the case here yet again with Android 4.4.3 and 4.4.4 KitKat put on hold so that the problematic Android 4.4.2 Kitkat can see improvements, bug fixes and enhancements over the previous build.
The XXU1ANG2 firmware is rolling out to Europeans at the moments and there is no word for other nations just yet. However, we are aware that many other parts of the world, including Central America, India and South Americans are experiencing similar problems and they too are hoping for a similar software update to arrive to fix many of the same issues the current Europeans are facing.
The new firmware is 194 MB in size. That is substantial in size and we recommend installing it over a stable WiFi connection instead of using the mobile data plan. It will save costs and also be more reliable in case the reception drops out. If the software stops while it is updating you run the risk of needing a full factory reset. In these cases the data is wiped and the handset is reset like it was fresh out of the box. That means if you didn’t backup the data, including contacts, call logs, SMS texts, photos, videos and music files they will all be gone.
Furthermore, if you know all about software then you’ll be familiar with the process of waiting for it to arrive OTA as a notification. It rolls out to all patrons in phases individually and can take days or even weeks until it finishes for everyone. Hopefully, you are one of the lucky people who don’t have to wait long. If you don’t like waiting you can skip to the bottom of the post for a fast manual fix.
What’s more, we have already finished writing up the how-to guide for the manual installation. If you don’t want to wait for the notification and over the air update you can click here and view the XXU1ANG2 tutorial and install the file that way instead. Correspondingly, users can install it via the Samsung Kies utility instead.
Android 4.4.2 Kitkat is made famous for its new multi-window support for a magnitude of extra applications, new default home launchers, expanded color Emoji, wireless printing, cloud printing, closed captioning support, visual lock screen tweaks such as the camera application, landscape keyboard enhancements and much more. However, the folks with the S5 already know this as it came pre-loaded out of the box. Software since then is dull and hopefully the new Android L comes out in time to give owners something to look forward to before they run out of patience.
Moreover, reports suggest that owners may not see the final two versions of chocolate KikKat coming at all as this update addresses most of the features along with it. However, it will take more people downloading and installing the update before we can be clear how many features are found inside. Right now we are predicting it to carrying bug fixes, enhancements and performance upgrades.