Verizon Updates the Galaxy Note 3 to Android 4.4.4
Samsung’s Galaxy Note 3 might not be getting Lollipop on Verizon this week, but users have been getting an update to Android 4.4.4 KitKat, with a number of changes and fixes thrown in. Originally, the build number reported as going out was N900VVRUDNJ6, since then Verizon have updated their support page with a build number N900VVRUDNK1. Both changelogs appear to be the same though, so if you have either I’m sure you’re fine. The update’s changelog is listed above, and you can read it in full from Verizon here. This appears to preload some more apps and fix a few bugs here and there, which is always nice to see.
Sprint Sends Out Updates to the Galaxy S III, Galaxy Tab 4 and Galaxy S5 Sport
The updates keep on coming for Samsung devices this week, and now its Sprints turn. Updating a few devices at a time, these three are only getting small updates, but it is nice to see Sprint starting the New Year with some clean updates. We’ll start in chronological order, with the Galaxy S III being the oldest, it’s getting an update to software version L710VPUDNJ2 which adds “HD Voice Icon support” and “Google security patches”. Moving on to the Galaxy Tab 4, which is getting updated to T237PVPU1ANL1 adding the Kids Mode app. Rounding things out is the Galaxy S5 Sport which gets an update to software version G860PVPU1ANK2 and an extremely detailed “Minor User Interface enhancements” is all that adorns Sprint’s changelog.
Verizon Updates the LG G2 With Advanced Calling Option
Verizon is updating yet another device this week, this time an older one of LG’s. Software version VS98027A adds a number of new things, but the headlining feature is the ability to use the Advanced Calling function and HD voice and video calls are now more stable, as is roaming in Puerto Rico, apparently. The changelog is pictured above, but for more info you can head on over to Verizon.
DROID MINI, ULTRA and MAXX All Receive the Same Teeny Update
The boring, safe updates for the Verizon phones keep coming it would seem. All three of last year’s DROID’s have been updated with “Advanced Calling bug fixes and stability improvements”. That’s it. For the DROID Mini, you can get the changelog here and for the DROID ULTRA and DROID MAXX you can look here.
Sony’s Xperia Z3v Gets Small Update on Verizon
The Xperia Z2 that’s not a Z2 but is a Z2-for-Verizon has gotten a small update this week. Interestingly, it keeps the same update build number structure as other Sony devices, with this latest being version 23.0.E.1.44. This doesn’t bring Advanced Calling 1.0 unlike every other Verizon update this week and instead just tweaks things here and there. The full changelog is here.
XOLO One Gets Android 5.0 Lollipop Update
XOLO’s Android One handset, the One, has recently been updated to Android 5.0 Lollipop. One of the first devices in India to see the update. This is a pretty sizable update and it comes in at 557MB. As this is a stock Android handset, there’s little more to say other than you’re going to see a big change in terms of overall user experience, for more info you can read our Lollipop review. You can download the update from XOLO’s software center and instructions can be found here.
HTC One (M8) Unlocked and Developer Editions Get Android 5.0 Lollipop
Continuing with the Lollipop love this week has been HTC, able to beat their initial target by a few days. Those using an Unlocked or Developer Edition can now download the update to Android 5.0 Lollipop on their devices. Coming with a software version of 4.16.1540.8 comes in at 584MB and the changelog is pretty scant for such a big update listing just:
Android 5.0 Lollipop update
Lock screen and notification: New Lollipop UI style with enhanced privacy features
Recent apps: Supporting multiple pages
Addition of search function within settings
Now, these two devices have come before devices on networks because the update isn’t subject to carrier testing and staged rollouts. Having the update complete however, is good news for all other HTC One M8 users that’s for sure.
Google Posts Android 5.0.2 Factory Images for Nexus 7 (2013) and Nexus 10
No, there’s still no Lollipop for 3G Nexus tablets (seriously Goog, where’s the hold up?) but they have posted factory images for Android 5.0.2 for the Nexus 7 (2013) and Nexus 10. Before now, these two were on Android 5.0.1, so if you’re desperate for the update you can now flash the factory images if you’d like. This sort of thing is for more experienced Android users, and those users perhaps already know where to find them, but here’s a link just in case.
Samsung Gives Galaxy S5 Users in the UK Android 5.0 Lollipop Update
Samsung users in the UK have been receiving the sweet gift of Android 5.0 Lollipop this past week on their Galaxy S5s. The update is Android build LRX21T, which is bizarrely an Android 5.0 build rather than a 5.0.1 or 0.2 build, but it’s still Lollipop. The Samsung software version is G900FXXU1BOA3 and as is typical with Samsung this is a massive update coming in at 1.4GB. We’re not sure why Samsung’s updates are so much bigger than everyone else’s, but there is the option to download and install this using your computer if you like.