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[VOLUNTEER NEEDED] Anyone Who Is Buying a Google Experience GS4

Hey Everyone,
I maintain a website, randomphantasmagoria.com, where I maintain a firmware archive of official production Google ROMs for every Nexus and Google Experience device from the OG Droid onward. I plan to archive the Google Experience GS4 ROMs as well, assuming the ROMs actually come from Google and not from Samsung.
If someone is buying one, I'd love if you could help me out with something. I need some information on the phone, and you will need to get it as soon as you turn the phone on for the first time, before doing any out-of-the-box system updates.
Here is the info I'll need:
1. The bootloader version. You will have to reboot into bootloader (fastboot) mode to do this. When you do, the bootloader version should be displayed on screen.
2. The baseband version from Settings | About Phone.
3. The value of ro.build.fingerprint from /system/build.prop.
4. IF YOU HAVE AN UPDATE NOTIFICATION: Before applying the update, do the following. Turn on USB debugging after the notification appears on screen. Go into Settings | Developer Options and select "Take Bug Report". Your phone will email a text file to the email address on your Google account. Open that text file and search it for ".zip" (without the quotes) and post the URL to the ZIP file.
This will be unbelievably helpful.
Thank you in advance!
Sent from my Galaxy S 4 (SGH-I337) using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Any takers for when they get the phone?

oldblue910 said:
Any takers for when they get the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, count me in.

Thanks dude!
Sent from my Galaxy S 4 (SGH-I337) using Tapatalk 4 Beta

oldblue910 said:
Thanks dude!
Sent from my Galaxy S 4 (SGH-I337) using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope I get it this week

totlyz forced
My left brain wants Google Nexus 4 and the right side wants the Galaxy S4 Google Edition. Left side says "it is good enough for you" and the right side wants "the best". Debating now... :highfive:
But if I do get the SGS4 GE, I will post the info

cocreateguid said:
My left brain wants Google Nexus 4 and the right side wants the Galaxy S4 Google Edition. Left side says "it is good enough for you" and the right side wants "the best". Debating now... :highfive:
But if I do get the SGS4 GE, I will post the info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Just make sure you do it before you apply any system updates that might be available out of the box.
Also, another plus to the Nexus 4 is that you know updates come straight from Google. All Hugo Barra would say about the GES4 at I/O was that it would receive "prompt system updates". It remains to be seen whether the GES4's ROM is from Google or from Samsung. If it's a Samsung ROM, you can bet that while the system updates will be "prompt" compared to almost any other phone on the market, it'll still take a good month or two to get updates.
As soon as someone gets this phone, we'll know within 2 minutes if it's a Google ROM or a Samsung ROM. Just look at the Android build number in Settings | About Phone. If it's a standard 5- or 6-character build number like JDQ39 or JDQ39E, it's Google. If the build number is anything else (for example JDQ39.I9505GXXUMD1), it's a Samsung ROM.
Sent from my Galaxy S 4 (SGH-I337) using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Disregard
Whoops

Nice! Keeping up your Nexus S tradition?
Me Gusta!

Me Gusta said:
Nice! Keeping up your Nexus S tradition?
Me Gusta!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep! Any device that runs production Google ROMs will have a place on my site. But yeah, it all started with the Nexus S. I loved that phone so much.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

Well, gsmarena are reporting that samsung have aired the google edition gs4 kernal...should be fun.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 2

jj03 said:
Well, gsmarena are reporting that samsung have aired the google edition gs4 kernal...should be fun.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That leads me to believe it will be a Samsung ROM...
Sent from my Galaxy S 4 (SGH-I337) using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Does anyone know when it will go live on the play store for purchase? Do they do a midnight launch or anything like that...been trying to track information down from the other launches to decide if I should wait up or just check it at work tomarrow.

Xceptiona1noob said:
Does anyone know when it will go live on the play store for purchase? Do they do a midnight launch or anything like that...been trying to track information down from the other launches to decide if I should wait up or just check it at work tomarrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Noonish, I bet.

Theshawty said:
Noonish, I bet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am curious as well. Still on the fence between i9505 and G version.

oldblue910 said:
Thanks. Just make sure you do it before you apply any system updates that might be available out of the box.
Also, another plus to the Nexus 4 is that you know updates come straight from Google. All Hugo Barra would say about the GES4 at I/O was that it would receive "prompt system updates". It remains to be seen whether the GES4's ROM is from Google or from Samsung. If it's a Samsung ROM, you can bet that while the system updates will be "prompt" compared to almost any other phone on the market, it'll still take a good month or two to get updates.
As soon as someone gets this phone, we'll know within 2 minutes if it's a Google ROM or a Samsung ROM. Just look at the Android build number in Settings | About Phone. If it's a standard 5- or 6-character build number like JDQ39 or JDQ39E, it's Google. If the build number is anything else (for example JDQ39.I9505GXXUMD1), it's a Samsung ROM.
Sent from my Galaxy S 4 (SGH-I337) using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android Central posted a video which includes the "About device" screen. Build number is listed as JDQ39.I9505GUEUAMFD (I9505GUEUAMFD is also listed as the baseband).
So based on what you have said it sounds like updates will likely not be coming directly from Google

acey_zero said:
Android Central posted a video which includes the "About device" screen. Build number is listed as JDQ39.I9505GUEUAMFD (I9505GUEUAMFD is also listed as the baseband).
So based on what you have said it sounds like updates will likely not be coming directly from Google
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. It's a Sammy ROM.
Sent from my Galaxy S 4 (SGH-I337) using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Well, Google Play says "ships by July 9, 2013", and I am travelling abroad on 7/17 I am not going to order it until I return to the US. Hopefully by then a lot of tests/reviews have been done and I can safely buy (or decide not to buy).

cocreateguid said:
Well, Google Play says "ships by July 9, 2013", and I am travelling abroad on 5/17 I am not going to order it until I return to the US. Hopefully by then a lot of tests/reviews have been done and I can safely buy (or decide not to buy).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me, since the updates don't come from Google, there's really no advantage to buying one of these. If you're in the market for an unlocked GS4, you may as well get the skinned Touchwiz version. Either way the OEM is the middleman for updates. So unless you just love the stock Android UI that much, you'll get a ton more features for your money by going Touchwiz.
Sent from my Galaxy S 4 (SGH-I337) using Tapatalk 4 Beta

acey_zero said:
Android Central posted a video which includes the "About device" screen. Build number is listed as JDQ39.I9505GUEUAMFD (I9505GUEUAMFD is also listed as the baseband).
So based on what you have said it sounds like updates will likely not be coming directly from Google
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think nope but without customization Sammy can made it very fast.
Inviato dal mio GT-I9505

PS Touch Updated to 1.5.0 on Google Play

I noticed that PS Touch was Updated to 1.5.0 on Google Play.
Do you thing we will be getting an update for the APP or do you think the update will come in the next OS update from Samsung???
.

I tried on the samsung app store and nothing
Sent from my jelly bean N8013

I am still on 1.4.1 and I don't see the update yet but I will keep my eyes open. Thanks for the info!

lrdangel said:
I am still on 1.4.1 and I don't see the update yet but I will keep my eyes open. Thanks for the info!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kkretch said:
I noticed that PS Touch was Updated to 1.5.0 on Google Play.
Do you thing we will be getting an update for the APP or do you think the update will come in the next OS update from Samsung???
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just went into the Play store, and it let me download the new version... I store all of my projects to the Cloud service, so I just synced it and disabled the old copy... if you haven't tried it yet, the changes are very small - although I have to say it feels a bit more responsive, the icons seems a bit refined, and it does sync a bit faster than the previous versions... overall, not a massive/life-changing upgrade, but it's possibly worth it if you use it alot. :cyclops:

theoriginalsss said:
I just went into the Play store, and it let me download the new version... I store all of my projects to the Cloud service, so I just synced it and disabled the old copy... if you haven't tried it yet, the changes are very small - although I have to say it feels a bit more responsive, the icons seems a bit refined, and it does sync a bit faster than the previous versions... overall, not a massive/life-changing upgrade, but it's possibly worth it if you use it alot. :cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was just about to post asking what the improvements are and if I should bother upgrading. I use photoshop daily, but still prefer to work on my laptop and rarely use it on my tablet.
Thanks for sharing!

AB_ said:
Was just about to post asking what the improvements are and if I should bother upgrading. I use photoshop daily, but still prefer to work on my laptop and rarely use it on my tablet.
Thanks for sharing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries! I've only started using PS at all, so the mobile one is 'simple' enough for me to get accustomed to it... the PS on my laptop is a bit of a monster.

theoriginalsss said:
No worries! I've only started using PS at all, so the mobile one is 'simple' enough for me to get accustomed to it... the PS on my laptop is a bit of a monster.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha I feel like the Mobile one is more confusing compared to the desktop version. Finding everything I'm used to on the tablet has been a learning experience that I'm still going through.
I do find using the stylus (S-Pen) to be useful though. A lot more accurate than I thought it'd be

theoriginalsss said:
I just went into the Play store, and it let me download the new version... I store all of my projects to the Cloud service, so I just synced it and disabled the old copy... if you haven't tried it yet, the changes are very small - although I have to say it feels a bit more responsive, the icons seems a bit refined, and it does sync a bit faster than the previous versions... overall, not a massive/life-changing upgrade, but it's possibly worth it if you use it alot. :cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you install from google play with out it charging you the 9.99?

kkretch said:
How did you install from google play with out it charging you the 9.99?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I must have purchased it some time ago on my old tab... hadn't thought of that - think it was on sale, grabbed it and a bunch of others. According to my Google Account purchases, I'm a bit of an app-whore, apparently.

kkretch said:
How did you install from google play with out it charging you the 9.99?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question! PS Touch came with my Note 10.1 and Google Play is not giving me an update. I assume if I uninstall PS Touch and reinstall I would have the newest version, but Google Play does not recognize I own the app or have it installed.
Anyone else having this issue?

I'm the same I guess from personal experience with apps there are some that won't update cause of who has them I've bought apps on amazon that won't update on the playstore so I guess being that this is for the Samsung app store it goes that way to
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

gronimo21 said:
I'm the same I guess from personal experience with apps there are some that won't update cause of who has them I've bought apps on amazon that won't update on the playstore so I guess being that this is for the Samsung app store it goes that way to
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's right, I forgot that since the PS Touch came with the Note 10.1 that it is getting it's updates from the Samsung app store, not google. Thanks for reminding me. Looking at the Samsung App Store, they are still offering the version I currently have. I assume at some point they will get the newest version in their queue.

lrdangel said:
Good question! PS Touch came with my Note 10.1 and Google Play is not giving me an update. I assume if I uninstall PS Touch and reinstall I would have the newest version, but Google Play does not recognize I own the app or have it installed.
Anyone else having this issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can find it here (Samsung App Store) http://content.samsung.com Login, click Samsung apps at the top and then type Photoshop in the search box, it will show up as a free app but the version is 1.4.2, last updated Dec 19, 2012.
I purchased SketchBook Pro for Galaxy Note from Samsung App Store, it has a different start screen and it does not show up in Google Play as a purchase but some apps that you install from the Samsung App Store re-direct you to Google play and install from there but I think they are free apps.
.

I can upload the apk file if need be
Sent from my GT-N8013

You shall not. It's a piracy.
However, it's not a good way to treat customers... if they'll receive no updates for more apps (btw NFS Most Wanted for my N7100 not updated since many months), no one will be using samsung store, and i don't think it's what samsung wants as they are updating their store ("hubs") in an intensive manner, recently.
Sketchbook apps for note devices are in exclusive versions with spen support, that's a different story, they are great, and there is no other official source.
But atm it is a risk to buy a non-exclusive app from samsung if it is also reachable via google, as you can be left with no further updates.
Anybody tried contacting with samsung support? They are going to update PST? Or no such a plans?
Wysłane z mojego GT-N8000 za pomocą Tapatalk 4

There are many people complaining about it not being updated to 1.5 and samsung apps is bad at updating anything or even taking care of their store, I got the avengers game from there as they were giving it away free but when downloaded the game doesn't even start and they haven't updated that and couldn't even be bothered to check the user comments all complaining about this issue.
I went to the photoshop touch forum on adobe's website and saw that there were people complaining about not getting updates and the repliers who I think work on the app didn't know how to solve the problem and that was a post complaining about not getting an update for 1.2....or was it 1.3, anyways they still haven't solved the problem since then and I doubt they care as the app came free with the note 10.1
I went to ask about why upload to cloud doesn't work and was told to update to 1.5 so said about the problem to him and he didn't have an answer for me about the update issue, he kind of changed the subject
I like photoshop touch and it seems to have the biggest canvas I've used without any slowdown or relentless bugs like one art app I gave up with and just unistalled, another art app sketchbook ink, had high hopes for that but seems whatever you paint zoomed in shows blotchy when zoomed out so that's more money I lost on art apps that didn't work properly but apart from the really annoying non palm rejection and the fact that when you zoom out with your fingers sometimes the app doesn't pick it up and leaves marks on the art I'm doing and if I hadn't remembered to do another layer I have to go back and go over all the marks that I didn't spot earlier.
1.5 still hasn't got palm rejection btw and doubt it will for a while
I also like using photoshop touch more than the others because I'm colour blind and can only pick up a few colours without getting confused with other colours and they just have a small few colours and I can add my own pallette of colours by mixing...oh you know what I meant if you had trouble with colours.
I'd buy this app if I didn't already have it and my work that is in psd format can not be imported only saved on cloud plus why should I pay for something I got for free, I don't like this cloud saving it's just another way of getting money from people to sell them a little....empty space that's what is there but you can't see it only if you find it on a computer or whatever you have, next someone will come up with an idea for selling air and probably gravity one day.
Sent from my GT-N8010 using Tapatalk 2

PS Touch on my Note 10.1 has just updated from the Samsung App Store to 1.5.0
Sent from my GT-N8010 using Tapatalk 4

dmarchant said:
PS Touch on my Note 10.1 has just updated from the Samsung App Store to 1.5.0
Sent from my GT-N8010 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Caught what u said
Sent from my GT-N8013

Samsung finally has the update in their store
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

gronimo21 said:
Samsung finally has the update in their store
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not get an update notice from Samsung but was able to force the update manually.

[Q] Google wallet/ Isis VZW/ROOT

Is there a way to 1. Get google wallet to fully function on my Razr HD on verizon? Or 2 if that cant happen, trick isis to not seeing I have root.
Also if I get google wallet to get past the idea my phone is a verizon phone, is there anything in the app for root that could cause problems for me like with isis?

AndroidGreg said:
Is there a way to 1. Get google wallet to fully function on my Razr HD on verizon? Or 2 if that cant happen, trick isis to not seeing I have root.
Also if I get google wallet to get past the idea my phone is a verizon phone, is there anything in the app for root that could cause problems for me like with isis?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google wallet will only work on 4.4 and once the app is updated to support our NFC chip.

Borderpatrol1987 said:
Google wallet will only work on 4.4 and once the app is updated to support our NFC chip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the Secure Element NFC Sim so the update to 4.4 and NFC support are not needed.
Is there a way to just tell the app my phone is something like the nexus 4?

AndroidGreg said:
I have the Secure Element NFC Sim so the update to 4.4 and NFC support are not needed.
Is there a way to just tell the app my phone is something like the nexus 4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trust me I tried, the phone is missing the proper OS support with any os before 4.4. Plus the App will ONLY look at NCI. It aint happening untill google updates the chips that it supports and to be running 4.4 so the carrieries can be bypassed.
HCE support is missing from the AOSP stack for NXP NFC controllers. It only works on Broadcom (NCI) controllers. (Unless it was pushed as part of the android-4.4-r1.2 tag...)
So if you have a device with an NXP NFC controller - still no Wallet for you. If your device has the HCE permissions XML (this will only happen if someone made a mistake), Google Wallet will indicate that it's 100% ready for payment, but won't react at all to a payment terminal.
(Another option is if an OEM implements HCE for NXP chips even though it is missing from AOSP.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Borderpatrol1987 said:
Trust me I tried, the phone is missing the proper OS support with any os before 4.4. Plus the App will ONLY look at NCI. It aint happening untill google updates the chips that it supports and to be running 4.4 so the carrieries can be bypassed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had it working way back before the wallet app was available to all phones, I updated on the assumption that the app would work without it hacked. I got the app from the s3 forum but it was taken down because the dev abandoned it and people had security concerns, all that was done was a mod that disabled the ID checker and told the app the phone was either the Galaxy nexus or the Nexus 4, not sure.
Im just looking for either a build prop edit script that also has the built in undo ability or a modified app by a reputable and trustworthy dev, maybe it was the wrong place to post in the Q&A and I should request a mod to either move to the dev area or FWD the thread link to a few developers to let them see it and have a discussion.

Im honestly NOT trying to start a argument here, I know it CAN be done and HAS before but I cant get instructions how to do it again.

AndroidGreg said:
Im honestly NOT trying to start a argument here, I know it CAN be done and HAS before but I cant get instructions how to do it again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it can be done on the Razr HD then you would be the first. Many have been trying...search the forum and you will see. The build.prop hacks just dont resolve the issue...with the build.prop modifications you can install the old GW and even start the process of initializing google wallet but then it just hangs there forever. New Google Wallet will install but no tap and pay.
When Android 4.4 comes to the Razr HD then you will have host card emulation and all will be working fine with Google Wallet as it wont need the secure element.

It doesn't even work on 4.4 yet. GW doesn't support our chipset. Once they fix that then we will be good to go.
Sent from my XT926 using xda app-developers app

People, this isnt rocket science, someone hacked the app for a verizon s3 back in the days of ICS. The hack was supposed to just be a simple change and the effect could have been done the same by a build prop edit according to the thread. Maybe a little more was done I didnt care I only have prepaid credit cards anyway.
Im thinking I need to go over to the s3 guys and kick and scream till I get my wallet candy.

The gs3 has a NCI chip....

Borderpatrol1987 said:
It doesn't even work on 4.4 yet. GW doesn't support our chipset. Once they fix that then we will be good to go.
Sent from my XT926 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
App works on my M and HD, both running 4.4. As far as touch-n-pay, I don't know, but I can complete setup and get into all the other options.

AndroidGreg said:
People, this isnt rocket science, someone hacked the app for a verizon s3 back in the days of ICS. The hack was supposed to just be a simple change and the effect could have been done the same by a build prop edit according to the thread. Maybe a little more was done I didnt care I only have prepaid credit cards anyway.
Im thinking I need to go over to the s3 guys and kick and scream till I get my wallet candy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If its not rocket science how come you do not know how to do it? If its simple you would think there is no need to ask the question. Look people who have been on this form much longer than you have been trying to help you understand its more than a build.prop edit to get this to work. The support is simply not there yet. Google Wallet has also changed a lot since the ICS days. When Android 4.4 comes out for the phone from Motorola then GW will work.
I am using my Moto X daily now so I am not sure about this next statement but CyanogenMod 11 might work for you on your Droid Razr HD if you have yours unlocked. If not wait on Moto to release the 4.4 update and give GW a try then.

https://plus.google.com/109468208780802399420/posts/fZTNWnWmxYC
Sent from my XT926 using Tapatalk

scoobaspeaz said:
If its not rocket science how come you do not know how to do it? If its simple you would think there is no need to ask the question. Look people who have been on this form much longer than you have been trying to help you understand its more than a build.prop edit to get this to work. The support is simply not there yet. Google Wallet has also changed a lot since the ICS days. When Android 4.4 comes out for the phone from Motorola then GW will work.
I am using my Moto X daily now so I am not sure about this next statement but CyanogenMod 11 might work for you on your Droid Razr HD if you have yours unlocked. If not wait on Moto to release the 4.4 update and give GW a try then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running OSE 4.4 on my M and HD and Wallet works on both.

RikRong said:
I'm running OSE 4.4 on my M and HD and Wallet works on both.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tap and pay part or just wallet. They changed gw a few releases ago so you can install it and use it for everything but tap and pay.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk

scoobaspeaz said:
Tap and pay part or just wallet. They changed gw a few releases ago so you can install it and use it for everything but tap and pay.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There will be no Tap&Pay until someone gets the NXP Controller set up for HCE.
This will require some decompiling of files that are not easy to decompile. Of course, nobody that does this is going to get paid, so, we can't exactly hire a software reverse engineer. I am going to try to get in touch with Dan Rosenberg and see what he can cook up for us. He's the most known software engineer here and responsible for our unlocked bootloaders.
If you want Tap and Pay, the best thing to do is push that Googe+ link that I posted last night (a few posts up) to any social medium you can think of and maybe it'll grab the right person's attention.
ISIS and Google Wallet have nothing to do with each other. Android 4.4+ and HCE made it independent.
What we are looking at:
Decompile NFC.apk, NFCui.apk
Decompile the CPP files in that.
Find out what is missing from AOSP
Add it to CM or make a flashable zip.
If you have any friends, family or anyone that can help out. This is the time. Because it doesn't seem like it's going to get merged into AOSP.

scoobaspeaz said:
Tap and pay part or just wallet. They changed gw a few releases ago so you can install it and use it for everything but tap and pay.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I said in my previous post, I haven't tested TNP. However, the OP is talking about getting the app installed and was just stating that it was possible to install on 4.4. As for TNP, I don't really need it because I've seen very few places near me that even have POS capability for TNP.

If you want this, please go to my Google+ link and find the jira link in there and vote it up. Nothing is going to get done if we don't bring attention to it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

abuttino said:
If you want this, please go to my Google+ link and find the jira link in there and vote it up. Nothing is going to get done if we don't bring attention to it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or just wait a month or so for Motorola to release the 4.4 update for the HD then someone pulls it from there.

Can't. Otherwise it would have been done with the HTC one, moto x, nexus 7 and a couple others that have support with stock
Besides. Is it really that much effort to vote on a fix? One click..
Sent from my XT926 using Tapatalk

Starting with your brand new Galaxy Note 3

This thread is a starting point for Galaxy Note 3 owners.
So, well, let's get started.
What is my phone called in these forums?
International Variant - Snapdragon Processor - Quad Core (Unless you know otherwise, this is the one you most probably have)
SM-N9005
hltexx
hlte
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
International Variant - Exynos Processor - Octa Core (Launched in markets where 4G is not very prevalent)
SM-N900
SM-N9000
ha3g
ha3gxx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carrier Variant - Snapdragon Processor
hltetmo - SM-N900T - T-Mobile US
hltespr - SM-N900P - Sprint
hlteusc - SM-N900R4 - US Cellular
hltecan/hlteub - SM-N900W8 - Canada
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NOTE- If you bought your device from Europe or the American continent, it might be region locked. This would typically be depicted by a sticker on the side of the box that your device came in. This means that you cannot use it in another region.
Samsung claims that this restriction is lifted after you use the device in the home region for 5 minutes worth of calling, but many users have complained that this did not work.
My shiny new phone came with Android 4.3 but the moment I booted it up, it wanted to update itself.
In mid January, Kitkat (Android 4.4.2) was released for the Galaxy Note 3. If you update your phone, you will probably get to this version.
Should you upgrade to Kitkat?
The only reason to not upgrade your phone would be if you want to root you phone while keeping your knox warranty intact. (We will come to these terms in a minute).
If you don't want to root your phone, or you don't care about the knox warranty, there is no harm in upgrading.
The upgrade brings with it some noticeable improvement in speed and slightly improved multi-window and recoloured status bar icons. If there were any other visible changes, I have forgotten.
What is root?
Root is basically an administrator user in linux environment.
Cool. What does it have to do with my phone?
Hey, no need to get snarky.
Android is basically a Java Interface running on top of a linux environment.
So rooting your device gives you unparalleled access on your device.
You get to modify the system files, play with the CPU speed and the lot.
A million different ways to screw up your phone, basically.
What is KNOX?
KNOX is a proprietary software developed by Samsung. It was released with the Note 3 and even backported to other Samsung devices.
It allows you to run a separate environment for some particular apps on your phone. This adds a layer of security as it allows you to keep your sensitive data in a separate environment.
If you tamper with the phone's OS files (by rooting and such), the bootloader marks your Knox Warranty to be void.
This can also be used by Samsung to deny you warranty.
Once your KNOX is tripped, there is absolutely no way to go back.
How do I root my phone?
There are two ways.
Root De La Vega - This allows you to root without tripping your knox. But it doesn't work on newer firmwares. Visit the link to get more details.
CF-Auto-Root - Works on all devices and all firmwares but trips the knox.
There are a couple more methods of obtaining root, namely Klingo and vRoot, but they are both under suspicion of being malware designed to steal your personal data.
Which is the best ROM for this phone?
Asking such questions. Shame on you.
If there is anything else that you think should be added here, let me know.

First of all, it ships with 4.3, not 4.2.2. Next, there are other root options, like Kingo root. Where you talk about what the phones are called on these forums, you forgot a major distinction: quad-core versus octa-core. Also, it's extremely misleading to say that those are the only reasons not to upgrade to 4.4. Haven't you seen all that drama about apps not being able to access the SD card?!
Please edit this information in quickly. I don't want to see this well-intentioned post doing more harm than good.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

The only significant drawback of KitKat on N9005 - no call recording program works without root.

rossiza said:
The only significant drawback of KitKat on N9005 - no call recording program works without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So media players not being able to access media files on the SD card is not a "significant issue?!"
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

CZroe said:
So media players not being able to access media files on the SD card is not a "significant issue?!"
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think no, because the developers app just need to update their app to KK to access SD card again...
But that call recorder problem... I didn't know about that. And I didn't like it too. You never know when you need to record a carrier, boss or even family call to proof something.

WandersonGD said:
I think no, because the developers app just need to update their app to KK to access SD card again...
But that call recorder problem... I didn't know about that. And I didn't like it too. You never know when you need to record a carrier, boss or even family call to proof something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even when they do, they can only access their own data on the SD cards. If I have four media players then I need four DUPLICATE media libraries on my card, which is ridiculous. Actually, they can access it in read-only, which means you need a file manager to create the shared directory and then... OOPS! There's no way to manage the media and make a directory and move them together without a PC because AOSP and stock Android do not have system app file managers. This is a MAJOR oversight.
My last phone was an Xperia with barely any internal storage. When my Amazon MP3 app downloads my purchased albums, Google Play Music can't find or play it because it wasn't included as a system app on my Xperia phone. Furthermore, there is no stock file manager on Timescape. Have you ever tried to use the one included with TouchWiz?! It's laughable! They actually broke functionality with ICS that they STILL haven't fixed (no way to make home screen shortcuts to folders)!
KitKat's problems run a lot deeper than no call recording without root, which was something you were not supposed to be able to do in the first place.
Few people use or expect call recording. Almost everyone with a phone has video and audio players, especially those with a large external SD card.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

Another incorrect piece of info:
NOTE- If you bought your device from Europe or the American continent, it might be region locked. This would typically be depicted by a sticker on the side of the box that your device came in. This means that you cannot use it in another country.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use it in another country without issue... So long as that country is part of the region your phone is meant for!
You can use a German Note 3 in France without any fear of region lock issues. Just don't try to use it in the US.

Alright, OP: if we are going to make this thread work, we've got a lot of editing to do.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

CZroe said:
So media players not being able to access media files on the SD card is not a "significant issue?!"
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on kitkat on my N9005 stock and unrooted, i never had this issue. Just took my SD card off my 9100 and plugged it in and i was playing all my songs/vids off my SD all the way from shipped 4.3 to kitkat...
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

N1T15H said:
I am on kitkat on my N9005 stock and unrooted, i never had this issue. Just took my SD card off my 9100 and plugged it in and i was playing all my songs/vids off my SD all the way from shipped 4.3 to kitkat...
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I said, it works with existing files as read-only but doesn't work for cloud downloads. For example, Google Play Music and Amazon MP3 can't share downloaded media libraries unless one is a system app. They can share what's already on the card but they can only download to their protected folders which the other app can't see/access.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

CZroe said:
First of all, it ships with 4.3, not 4.2.2. Next, there are other root options, like Kingo root. Where you talk about what the phone's are called on these forums, you forgot a major distinction: quad-core versus octa-core. Also, it's extremely misleading to say that those are the only reasons not to upgrade to 4.4. Haven't you seen all that drama about apps not being able to access the SD card?!
Please edit this information in quickly. As it stands, I think this post is doing more harm than good.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Updated the CPU cores part, the root part (Though Klingo and vroot are still banned from XDA for being malware)
The SD card issue was sorted in the OTA updates of Kitkat.

CZroe said:
Alright, OP: if we are going to make this thread work, we've got a lot of editing to do.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Corrected.

The combination of KNOX, Kitkat 4.4.2 Symmy negative features, the apparent region-lock issue not resolved and the inability to revert back to 4.3 is a pretty big reason to look for another brand, anybody agree? What do I need a Ferrari for if the speed limit is 50 Km/h ?

koskhandeh said:
The combination of KNOX, Kitkat 4.4.2 Symmy negative features, the apparent region-lock issue not resolved and the inability to revert back to 4.3 is a pretty big reason to look for another brand, anybody agree? What do I need a Ferrari for if the speed limit is 50 Km/h ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Switching to another brand won't help reverting to 4.3 with Sony or LG is the same thing I know cause I own both of those phones along with my note 3
Sent from my SM-N900W8 using xda app-developers app

Tab 3 8 Kit Kat. What's new?

I just got the kit kat update for Tab 3 8. I live in LA California. Wifi only and I had to force it using the check for updates option. So I can list a few differences I'm noticing. I'm pretty sure all this stuff is new but some of it might be stuff I missed with 4.2.2.
Transparent notification bar.
New multiwindow experience. Now it does not have that little tab hanging over the side. Now you swipe it in from the side. I haven't played with it, I still find it unusable.
You can customise the toggle ribbon more now. You still have to have tons of icons but you can pick the order and take a few out.
The lock screen has a now playing type widget that looks nice.
On-screen keyboard toogle for bluetooth keyboards. I actually am trying to write a screenplay on this tablet and I had to buy a stupid app to fix the stupid keyboard the stupid way it worked be stupid fore and now it works better and I bought a stupid app for stupid nothing. But I'm glad it works better now.
That's all I've noticed so far. I also don't use touchwiz, I use nova.
Tell me what you guys are noticing or if you find an official list of changes let me know. Thanks everybody
- Matt

Jacksonville, FL here and no update available yet.

Cosmetically it's hard to notice the difference on the firmware, but under the hood there are some serious changes to the firmware, but all for the better.
The "Transparent Notification bar" was there on JB 4.2.2,
And "Multiple windows" is very functional now.
● TouchWiz is lighter and smooth now...
(I'm so happy with it's performance now, to the point I didn't bothered to install the Google Now Launcher yet...)
● Third-party apps can't write to External SD card anymore...
(There is a way if you root the device)
● Some extra new Wi-Fi settings.
● The keyboard is improved and the "Picture gallery" and other factory apps also received some TLC for the better.
But for me, the "Multiple User capability" is definitely th e Icing on the cake.
Sent from my SM-T310 using Tapatalk

I wish samsung would have given us the new touchwiz. but of course they won't..

NJ_RAMS_FAN said:
I wish samsung would have given us the new touchwiz. but of course they won't..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[emoji25] One year old device and already considered 2nd class and outdated by the manufacturer...
This is likely the first and the last update this device will see from Samsung.
I like Samsung devices, but I finally lost interest in buying any Samsung devices in the future.
Sent from my SM-T310 using Tapatalk

Smokey Mc Pot said:
[emoji25] One year old device and already considered 2nd class and outdated by the manufacturer...
This is likely the first and the last update this device will see from Samsung.
I like Samsung devices, but I finally lost interest in buying any Samsung devices in the future.
Sent from my SM-T310 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you and me bro.. look at my sig.. tons of samsung product.. but no more!!! unless its super cheap, i wont another one..

NJ_RAMS_FAN said:
you and me bro.. look at my sig.. tons of samsung product.. but no more!!! unless its super cheap, i wont another one..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Head on over to the Apple forum. They update their clunkers ...well basically forever. ..LOL.

DigitalMD said:
Head on over to the Apple forum. They update their clunkers ...well basically forever. ..LOL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[emoji57] Is that comment meant to be an attempt in sarcasm ?
[emoji23] It come out just plain silly instead!
Please do not attempt a career as a comedian,
[emoji39]You will fail miserably!!!
There is more to Android than just Samsung devices!!!
Sent from my SM-T310 using Tapatalk

"OK Google Everywhere" works like a dream on the Tab 3
Sent from my SM-T310 using Tapatalk

auto brightness sucks.
I was hoping the autobrightness would get fixed. For me it's always way too dim. Where is the light sensor?
PCycle said:
I just got the kit kat update for Tab 3 8. I live in LA California. Wifi only and I had to force it using the check for updates option. So I can list a few differences I'm noticing. I'm pretty sure all this stuff is new but some of it might be stuff I missed with 4.2.2.
Transparent notification bar.
New multiwindow experience. Now it does not have that little tab hanging over the side. Now you swipe it in from the side. I haven't played with it, I still find it unusable.
You can customise the toggle ribbon more now. You still have to have tons of icons but you can pick the order and take a few out.
The lock screen has a now playing type widget that looks nice.
On-screen keyboard toogle for bluetooth keyboards. I actually am trying to write a screenplay on this tablet and I had to buy a stupid app to fix the stupid keyboard the stupid way it worked be stupid fore and now it works better and I bought a stupid app for stupid nothing. But I'm glad it works better now.
That's all I've noticed so far. I also don't use touchwiz, I use nova.
Tell me what you guys are noticing or if you find an official list of changes let me know. Thanks everybody
- Matt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

PCycle said:
I was hoping the autobrightness would get fixed. For me it's always way too dim. Where is the light sensor?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Autobrightness is horrible on the Tab3, it's fine on my S5 as well as previous S2 and other Android devices I've used. But the Tab3 Sucks, I'm always taking it off auto especially durring the day, dim as hell lol