Android 4.4 KitKat Update: Verizon Galaxy Note 3 Now Receiving New OS; Only Wired Installation Available

Verizon Galaxy Note 3 owners can now rejoice that the Android 4.4 KitKat update is now available for their handsets.

The update became available on Monday; however, is not an over-the-air install. Uses can access the update through Samsung Kies or Verizon’s Upgrade Assistant with handsets connected to their PCs. Currently there is no change log from Verizon for the update. Users have reported that the computer installation took approximately 30-minutes and some have suggested this may be why Verizon has opted to release the update in this fashion. There is also no indication as to when the update will be available OTA.

This update comes several months after the Android 4.4 rollouts for Galaxy Note 3 models on other major U.S. carriers. Verizon is known for holding its software updates until after other networks in order to avoid any bugs or other issues that may arise.

The Galaxy Note 3 N900VVRUCNC4 build software will likely include the standard Android 4.4 KitKat features such as a restyled status and navigation bars, a new full-screen mode, color emoji support, improved closed captioning support, stronger security and smarter power use; the update will also feature a new phone dialer app, a new gallery app and the “touch to focus” option. There probably are other Verizon specific changes included in the update.

The Verizon Galaxy S4 began updating to Android 4.4 KitKat on April 25.

Days ago Samsung confirmed that it’s Galaxy S3 I9300 and the Galaxy S3 mini 3G models would not be receiving the Android 4.4 KitKat update due to limitations in RAM capacity. Samsung explained that the devices containing just 1GB of RAM prevented the manufacturer from effectively implementing the new software onto the older devices. Most other Galaxy devices, which have already been confirmed for an Android 4.4 KitKat update, appear to still be on track for a rollout. The Galaxy Note 3 includes 3GB of RAM and was one of the first Galaxy models to begin receiving the Android 4.4 KitKat update.

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