Samsung Galaxy S4 Android 4.4.2 KitKat Official Firmware Update

After the Exynos variant, Samsung has just started to roll out Android 4.4.2 KitKat upgrade to the Snapdragon variant of the Galaxy S4 (GT-I9505). For the first time ever the Exynos variant has received a major update before the Snapdragon variant, usually it’s the other way around.

The new Android 4.4.2 brings minor UI changes, the most noticeable change being the use of KitKat style white status bar icons instead of the multi-colour icons Samsung has been using in all of its devices until now. The phone has also received a performance boost with the latest update and there is an increase in benchmark scores, as well. Samsung has improved the lock-screen by adding a camera shortcut directly on to the lock-screen for quick access and while playing music the album art now shows up in full screen. Samsung’s keyboard layout has been improved for use in landscape mode, which makes gesture typing easy and much faster. Core Android 4.4.2 changes include: wireless printing, new emojis support, choice between stock messaging app and Hangouts for SMS/MMS, option for changing default launchers under settings, and more.

The I9505XXUFNBE stock firmware is now available via Over-The-Air (OTA) update as well as through Samsung KIES for Galaxy S4 (LTE) users in select countries including Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore.

Android 4.4.2 I9505XXUFNBE KitKat Firmware Details

Model: GT-I9505

Model name: GALAXY S4

Country: Philippines (Globe)

Version: Android 4.4.2

Changelist: 481100

Build date: Mon, 24 Feb 2014 20:18:09 +0000

Product Code: GLB

PDA: I9505XXUFNBE

CSC: I9505OLBFNB3

MODEM: I9505XXUFNBE

NOTE: As this is an unbranded firmware, it can be installed on any unlocked international variant of Galaxy S4 LTE (GT-I9505), regardless of the country or region.

Those who missed the OTA update notification and those residing outside the supported countries can follow our step-by-step guide to install the same manually.

Interested users who wish to enjoy the latest KitKat features along with bug-fixes can go ahead and install the new update with build number I9505XXUFNBE on their Galaxy S4 LTE.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to device, during or after the firmware installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Pre-requisites

1. Install necessary USB Drivers for Galaxy S4 LTE (GT-I9505) on the computer.

2. USB Debugging Mode should be enabled on the phone by navigating to Settings >> Developer Options.

3. Back up your important data to avoid potential data loss during firmware installation.

4. Ensure the phone is factory unlocked (not locked to any specific carrier).

5. Verify Galaxy S4 LTE has at least 80 percent battery charge.

6. The Android 4.4.2 I9505XXUFNBE stock firmware is compatible with Galaxy S4 (GT-I9505) model only. Do not attempt installing it on incorrect variants as it may brick the device. Verify the model number of the Galaxy S4 by navigating to Settings >> About Phone.

Downloads Required

1) Android 4.4.2 XXUFNBE KitKat official firmware (register via SamMobile to download)

Philippines (Globe): I9505XXUFNBE_I9505OLBFNB3_GLB.zip

Philippines (Sun Cellular): I9505XXUFNBE_I9505OLBFNB3_XTE.zip

Philippines (Open Line): I9505XXUFNBE_I9505OLBFNB3_XTC.zip

Malaysia: I9505XXUFNBE_I9505OLBFNB3_XME.zip

Philippines (Smart): I9505XXUFNBE_I9505OLBFNB3_SMA.zip 

2) Odin v3.09

Steps to Update Galaxy S4 with Android 4.4.2 I9505XXUFNBE KitKat Stock Firmware

Step 1: Download and extract the Android 4.4.2 I9505XXUFNBE firmware zip file for your country (use download links above) via WinRAR, 7-Zip orWinZip to obtain a .tar.md5 file and some other optional files.
Step 2: Next Odin zip file should be extracted to get Odin3 v3.09.exe along with few other files.
Step 3: Turn off the Galaxy S4 LTE and boot the device into Download Mode. To do so, press and hold Volume Down, Home and Power buttons together until a construction Android robot icon with a warning triangle appears on screen. Then keep tapping Volume Upbutton to progress into Download Mode.
Step 5: Launch Odin on computer as an Administrator.
Step 6: Now connect Galaxy S4 LTE to computer with USB cable in Download Mode. When Odin detects the device and a pop-up message reading "Added!" appears on screen, the ID: COM box will turn light blue with the COM port number.
Note: If the Added message fails to appear, then try re-installing USB drivers or changing the port on computer.

Step 7: In Odin, click on AP button and select the firmware file with .tar.md5 extension (firmware filename: I9505XXDLJ5_I9505ODDDLI7_INU.tar.md5)

Step 8: Now choose Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time checkboxes in Odin. Leave the Re-Partition option unchecked.
Step 9: After ensuring that Step 7 and Step 8 are done correctly, hit the Start button in Odin to begin installing the firmware.
Step 10: After the firmware is installed, a PASS message with green background appears in the left-most box at the top of Odin. Galaxy S4 LTE will then reboot to the Home screen. It is now safe to disconnect the USB cable and remove the phone from computer.

Galaxy S4 LTE is now running I9505XXUFNBE Android 4.4.2 KitKat official firmware. Head over to Settings >> About Phone to verify the firmware installed on the device.

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How To Get Free Backlinks For My Blog/Website

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Samsung starts roll out of Android 4.2.2 for the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1

Samsung has just begun rolling out the Android 4.2.2 update for the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 tablet from 2012. It’s good to see the company rolling out the update despite launching newer tablets like the Galaxy Tab 3. The update seems to have gone live only for the Wi-Fi variants for the time being, with no word on the cellular variants just yet.The update as one would expect, fixes quite a few bugs and introduces a plethora of new features. There will be some noticeable differences compared to Android 4.1 so Samsung has published the full change log.

•    New lock screen style: electronic gadgets
•    Added display the battery meter in the status bar options
•    New sleep mode switch
•    Quick Settings panel: use two-finger gestures with 12 sliding open the Notifications panel fast setting
•    AE / AF lock: Long tap the screen shot on the screen to start the exposure / focus lock function
•    Video Highlights living micro film: With 12 kinds of styles of music themes, automatically edited into a stunning 30 seconds video
•    Music Channel: You can view the lyrics and music visualization screen * (* support content based on actual lyrics database shall prevail)
•    Support more Chinese words

The update has been spotted in Australia as of now, but it should hit other regions of the globe in a matter of few days.

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Galaxy Note 2 to PC USB Problem Solution

Solution  1 – Use USB 2.0 Port

According to the source, this type of problem is usually encountered by people who are using the USB 3.0 port of their PC. So, as much as possible refrain from using it and use the USB 2.0 port instead.

Solution  2 – Check the Phone Configuration

While the author admitted that this solution did not work for him, it did work on people who are encountering the Galaxy Note 2 to PC USB connectivity problem. All you have to do is ensure that the configuration of your phone matches the settings which will show up when performing these steps:

1. First, dial *#7284# (make sure that you input the symbols and numbers correctly).

2. After pressing the pound or number sign (#), an option will show up which will enable you to change your USB connection settings. It will display modem or PDA. Just select PDA.

3. Click the button that says Qualcomm USB.

4. Choose MTP + ADB in the option.

5. Press Save and Reset.

6. Wait as your phone reboots.

7. Connect the Galaxy Note 2 to PC USB (use the USB 2.0 port).

8. If your PC initiates a download or update of the drivers, let it do so. Then, once it finishes, disconnect and replug the Galaxy Note 2.

9. Click the USB symbol on the status bar of your smartphone.

10. When asked whether you want to use MTP or PTP, select MTP.

After the last step, you will now be able to see the contents of your phone.

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Samsung in talks with metal casing suppliers for Galaxy S5

Samsung has become synonymous with the slimy plastic smartphones, but the South Korean electronics giant is in talks with metal casing supplier to develop their next high-end smartphone.

We have already heard rumors Samsung is changing course with the Galaxy S5, with a whole new design to go up against the HTC One and iPhone 5S, both sporting high-quality aluminium designs.

Currently, Samsung is in talks with Catcher Technology, a Taiwanese manufacturer of metal casing, able to supply around 10 to 30 million units within a quarter for Samsung, not enough for the full launch but definitely half of the order.

Samsung is also working on their own factories for metal casing and they may look at some small suppliers to finish the end order. The Galaxy S4 sold around 10 million units in a month, Samsung should be looking to sell around 12 – 15 million Galaxy S5 units.

A new metal design would change one of the biggest disappointments in the Galaxy S line, but we still have TouchWiz. With the GPE and ROM’s becoming easier to flash onto a smartphone, it may be less of an issue when the UI is awful.

We should see the Galaxy S5 sometime in early-summer 2014, either April, May or June, the normal time for Samsung to reveal the next Galaxy S model. Samsung should also have better-specs, including the Exynos 5 chip, 3GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

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Samsung Galaxy S4 Camera Flash Not Working solution

Possible Causes

1. A filter disabled the flash.
2. Flash was turned off.
3. Using a third-party camera app that is not compatible with the hardware.
4. The battery is low.
5. Flash suffered physical trauma or liquid damage.
6. Software update maybe needed.

Recommended Actions

Disable filter effects in your camera app, at least, while you are troubleshooting. This will eliminate the possibilities that the problem may be caused by filters.

Fully charge your battery or, at least, verify there is enough battery left to turn the flash on when needed.

Check for any physical and liquid damages. In case there is a physical damage, the LED may have been broken. If the device has liquid damage, the LED may have been busted or there could be some problems with the circuitry.

Check for available updates first for the firmware, then for the camera apps you may be using.

Lastly, reboot your phone; it may just be another temporary device problem.

Troubleshooting

1. Clean the flash and camera lens using a soft cloth slightly dampened in mild soap and water. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong detergents to clean the mobile device.
2. Turn the camera flash on. Go to Apps => Camera => Settings => Flash.
3. Now set the camera mode to auto. Go to Apps => Camera => Mode => Auto.
4. Try to capture a photo or video; from the Home Screen, touch Apps => Camera . Aim your device at the subject and touch the screen to focus on a specific area. When the focal point turns green, touch the camera shutter button.

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Uninstall not successful error message solution on an Android phone

Have you been trying to delete, uninstall, or remove an application from your Android device and your phone won’t let you? All you get is an “Uninstall not successful” error message. Well here is what you can do to get that pesky app off your phone.

Now before we begin, this article is a guide on how to uninstall an application that was downloaded and installed, more specifically one that was downloaded and is now no longer wanted, needed, or desired. If you are looking to uninstall applications that came pre-loaded on your Android phone then unfortunately there is no way to “uninstall” stock applications or bloatware added by the phones wireless provider. If you are looking to remove these things then look into “rooting your Android phone” instead.

Now if you are trying to remove an application and your phone is not letting you remove it then you have come to the right place, so enjoy the article.

Uninstalling

If you have not tried already make sure to try uninstalling the application first by accessing your Settings > Applications >Manage applications > (look for a Downloaded tab at the top and select it if it is not already selected, this will help you narrow the apps down to what CAN be uninstalled). Scroll through your list of applications and select the application that you would like to remove from your phone, and press Uninstall.

TRY TO UNINSTALL BUT GETTING AN ERROR MESSAGE

So now for the fun part and most likely the reason that you are here. You have tried uninstalling the application and all you get is an “Uninstall not successful” error message.

There are a few things you can do to fix this pesky error.

Administrators only

Some applications require that only an administrator can uninstall certain applications from the phone. So let’s make sure that you have admin (administrator) privileges on your phone which will allow you to remove this stubborn application.

• Go to Settings
• Location and security (it might also just simply say Security depending on what version of the android operating system you are running on)
• Tap on Select device administrators (or Device administrators)
• You might have to Uncheck or Deactivate the application in question
• Go back into manage applications and try to uninstall the application again (using the steps mentioned earlier in the article)
• Done

If this method doesn’t work then proceed with the article for some additional methods to try.

Use a file manager

You can install a file manager if your phone does not already have one installed and then manually remove the application and its contents from your device.

Since applications are different and the steps involved depend on the make and model of your phone you might have to do some searching to find the correct file.

If you’re wondering how to download a file manager simply access the Play Store (where you download applications, previously known as the marketplace) and then do a search (click the magnifying glass, often in the upper right), and search for “File Manager”.

Once you do a search for “File Manager” you will be presented with a few options. Which file manager you choose will be up to you but I recommend “Astro File Manager” a FREE and very user friendly application.

Download the application, find the files, delete them, and then delete the application itself.

Factory data reset

A factory data reset can sometimes be the best choice for this issue, simply because if there is a software issue, such as a bug or virus, a reset will help with that as well.

Many people choose to avoid factory data resets however since it resets the phone to be like it was when it was brand new, removing anything bad that might be on the phone but in the process it removes everything else along with it.

Androids are pretty simple to backup and reset, and I recommend that every smartphone user should get into a good habit of making sure their phone is backed up periodically. Just in case anything does happen to your phone, you want to make sure you can restore your information if you need to.

If this is the option you prefer (the option I recommend if the admin settings mentioned above doesn’t work), then read this great guide on How to backup and reset and Android phone. 

Once the reset is done simply re-download the applications that you want installed on your phone and enjoy.

One and done

Following any of these steps should help to remove an application if it’s showing an “uninstall not successful” error message.

Enjoy your phone, and don’t forget that if you ever download an application and your phone starts acting funny, it’s probably that application causing mischief and you should consider uninstalling it and not using it any more.

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How to unlock an Android phone when its password has been forgotten

Did you just create a new password for your Android and forgot what you set it as? Do you want to reactivate one of your older phones and can’t remember what its password is? Did you just get a used phone and don’t have its password to actually use it? If you need to get past the password screen on an android phone here is how you can do it.

PASSWORDS EXIST FOR A REASON

Unfortunately, or fortunately depending upon how you look at it, passwords exist to keep people out. If you don’t have the password to use a phone then you cannot get into it and view its content. If you could then there would be no purpose in having a password.

So in order to get into a password protected Android phone what you need to do is force the phone to forget its password. When you force an android phone to forget its password it regrettably forces it to forget everything along with it. This includes passwords, pictures, messages, unlock patterns, applications, email addresses etc. Don’t worry about your inbox though this process does not delete your emails, you simply have to log into your email accounts again once the process is over and your emails will re-sync to the phone.

FACTORY DATA RESET

What you need to do to reset your password is to reset your phone. Now typically to reset an Android phone you would have to go into your settings and select the option to perform a factory data reset. But one of the problems you run into without a password is that when performing a reset it will ask you for your password to confirm the reset, which we don’t have because that’s our main problem in the first place. And the second problem is that you cannot get into your settings because you cannot unlock the phone without a password.

There is hope though.

HARD RESETTING IS THE ANSWER

If you cannot unlock or access the content of an Android phone then the best thing to do is a hard reset. A hard reset will perform the factory data reset on the device without having to navigate or access the phones settings. A hard reset also sets the phone back to its factory settings and the phone will be like it was when it was brand new.

A hard reset will solve this problem and remove the phones password (and all other information) reverting the phone back to its default settings allowing you to setup and have access to your phone again.

How to actually perform a hard reset is going to depend a lot on what make and model your phone is and what version of software is currently running on it. I suggest that you read How to hard reset an android phone for more specific information which will guide you through the reset process.

The only downside to a hard reset is that the information currently on the phone is lost. Android has many automatic backups though. Make sure that once the reset is performed that you log back into your primary Gmail account. Gmail accounts often backup your contacts, calendar, and sometimes even applications and custom settings.

ENJOY USING YOUR PHONE

This hard reset will fix this issue and allow you to use the phone again, so enjoy. Oh and don’t forget to write down your new password or unlock pattern if you set one up that way if it gets forgotten you won’t have to hard reset your phone again. I also recommend you keep a copy of your Gmail account as well for backup and restore purposes, if you want to check to make sure that your Android phone is backing up to Google properly than I suggest reading Using Gmail to backup an Android Smartphone.

Thanks again for reading the article, if you have any suggestions, tips, or advice on how to improve it then don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. If this article has helped you in any way then one of the best ways to show your appreciation is to share it with others by clicking on the Facebook Like, or Google +1 buttons below. Thanks once again for reading and have a fantastically wonderful day.  

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