Galaxy S4 Android 4.4.2 Update Now Available for Google Play Edition
The Galaxy S4 Android 4.4.2 KitKat update is now available for the Google Play Edition. The HTC One and LG G Pad 8.3 started receiving the update earlier this week and now the Samsung device is following suit. It can be downloaded on the GT-I9505G model and should arrive via automatic notification. Those who do not get one could check for it manually.
Android 4.4.2 brings some fixes and improvements to the handset and also removes the App Ops security app. Users that have been using this unofficial tool to manage app permissions could continue to use Android 4.4.1 if they do not want to lose that ability.
The Google Play editions seem to be worth it as they are all far ahead of the regular versions with receiving software updates. It will probably be a few more months before the carrier models of the Galaxy S4 and HTC One get to Android 4.4.
Google introduced Android 4.4 KitKat last month alongside the Nexus 5 smartphone. The software is designed to be installed on a wide range of devices including older and low-end models that only have 512MB RAM.
"KitKat streamlines every major component to reduce memory use and introduces new APIs and tools to help you create innovative, responsive, memory-efficient applications," said Google on its developer's website.
It is also designed to protect system memory from apps consuming large amounts of RAM. Android will launch the services serially, or in small groups in order to avoid peak memory demands.
New features on the OS include enhancements such as restyled status and navigation bars, a new full-screen mode, color emoji support, improved closed captioning support, stronger security, and an improved phone app with the ability to look up contacts directly from the dial pad. The camera will gain a touch to focus feature as well.
