Three days ago there were rumors that the Android 4.4.2 updates for the Galaxy S3 and the Galaxy Note 2 might be cancelled altogether. According to Android.gs, there is some issues with the devices and the threat of cancelled upgrades were real. Samsung Saudi Arabia announced that a release date of late March is what they were expecting, and Samsung neither would confirm nor deny the rumors of the cancellations.
Now, as we wake up today, phone carrier Bell has allegedly released its plans for the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update for both the Galaxy Note 2 and the Galaxy S3. One key-note that they forgot to mention was exactly when that would be. Still, it is a great sign for people using Bell, and also users across Canada because once one carrier starts it will likely mean the rest will soon follow.
This report comes from Android.sc, and they have stated that the Official Bell Twitter account has announced the news. As we so often see, things in technology can be turned upside in a day, so users should always take these reports with a grain of salt until we see it officially released by Bell themselves. Twitter accounts do tend to be trustworthy, though, so there’s a good chance this one turns out to be true.
The last time Bell made an announcement was when they said the 4.4 KitKat was coming in March for the Galaxy Note 3, and that turned out to be true. If these two Samsung devices did not get the update to the newer chocolate build it would be very bitter for owners, and it could potentially ruin future sales for Sammy when people realize that they do not support the devices for very long at all. Having said that, it is normal to see a gap between a newer phablet and an older phablet for firmware releases because they want to make a statement that the newer products get looked after better entice shoppers.
The Galaxy S5 is coming in April, and the S3 is getting old, but it is still only two years old, and for a flagship handset, people expect continued support. We’ll have to take this one with a wait and see approach. There’s a fine line between making customers upgrade and making them run away to a different device instead, because they were not happy with the lack of support.