A new firmware version with the build number G900PVPU1ANK4 is rolling out to folks using the Sprint phone carrier network for the Samsung Galaxy S5. The S5 is Sammy’s flagship for 2014 and it’s finally getting the Android 4.4.4 KitKat love. It marks the last stage of KitKat before we get to the Android 5.0 Lollipop. Lollipop is only just making its way to smartphones and tablets within the Google Nexus range during the last week.
Since most of the main features of KitKat including white status bars, wireless cloud printing, immersive mode, new location menu, new emoji faces and full screen album art from the lock screen were patched during the earlier 4.4.2 KitKat update, the final stages of the software are anything but feature-rich.
That said, the total file size of this 4.4.4 update is 400 MB’s. That means it does come with a lot of goodies that you don’t want to miss out on. Apart from the Google security patches, countless bug fixes that needed addressing, stability and performance enhancements, users will also find international WiFi calling. Subscribers to the ‘Big Red’ noticed the same features several months ago.
As I previously mentioned, the new software update is arriving over the air to customers. That means you will notice a system notification alerting you when it’s ready. All OTA’s rollout in periods to customers and no two people will see the notification at the same time. If you don’t have yours yet just stay patient until it comes. If you think something’s wrong you can always stopover at the Settings > About Device > Software Updates > Check For Updates and see if it’s waiting that way. Moreover, viewing the update from the Settings menu is another option if you prefer putting the message on hold for an installation at a later date.
We always recommend using a stable WiFi connection generally from the home. The mobile data network is busy with other people installing the same update as you and that leads to high traffic. Data traffic causes instability and can freeze the installment. The last thing you want is a factory reset and wiping the data from the phone. Those of you who want to put safety first should think about backing up the data before pressing the download button.
If you want to install the file manually you can do so by visiting the Sam Mobile link here and downloading the file. You know what to do next: download the Odin application to the desktop and open it up, connect the phone to the computer, click the AP button and upload the firmware file. Leave the default settings as they are and click the “start’ button. Wait until the flashing finishes before closing the app and disconnecting the handset. Now your mobile is running the latest VPU1ANK4 firmware version.