Samsung Note 2 - NZ Updates Android 4.3...when?

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M2MS

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#138278 28-Dec-2013 11:13

Hi all,

New here and have searched and searched the google and on here to no result. Have been gifted a nice new Galaxy Gear watch - however cannot use with my Note 2 until I get the 4.3 update. Any ideas if / when this is available?

Seems via Kies the update is available but because my phone is a GT-N7100T and not a GT-N7100 (minus the T) - the update isn't available for my hand set.

Not a huge tech whizz - just want to play with my new gadget!

Any feedback much appreciated.

M2MS

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19282 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#958246 28-Dec-2013 11:25

Where was the handset purchased from?

MightyApe

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M2MS

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#958247 28-Dec-2013 11:26

Noel Leemimg...for this reason I assume I cannot goto Telecom (my Telco) and ask...

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#958248 28-Dec-2013 11:30

If the handset was purchased from the Telecom stand then Samsung need to provide the 4.3 update to TelecomNZ and they test approve / decline the update and then Samsung Korea pushes out the update which can take a few to weeks to a few months once it's approved by the mobile carrier

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#958249 28-Dec-2013 11:32

This is how it works for all carriers

M2MS

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#958250 28-Dec-2013 11:32

I think the phone was "unlocked" or whatever...it was brought off the Samsung stand - not the Telecom / Vodafone stand. Just purchased and through existing sim onboard

kingjj

1725 posts

Uber Geek

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Trusted

#958252 28-Dec-2013 11:34

johnr: If the handset was purchased from the Telecom stand then Samsung need to provide the 4.3 update to TelecomNZ and they test approve / decline the update and then Samsung Korea pushes out the update which can take a few to weeks to a few months once it's approved by the mobile carrier

Most of Northern America and Europe already has the update (pushed out in November), although there have been delays in France that are pushing the update back until early-mid January. Can't say I've heard any updates from NZ based carriers, even Telstra is being tight lipped on an update. At least knowing that it was in the pipeline would be nice I'm sure.

M2MS

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#958255 28-Dec-2013 11:49

Disappointing... just spoke to Samsung via online support... Gear at this stage will only work on Note 3 and S4 with 4.3. Also not prepared to tell me whether 4.3 will even make it to NZ for Note 2.

I guess its back to the shop for this shiny new watch gadget :(

M2MS

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#958272 28-Dec-2013 12:05

Or on another note - is it worth playing around with manual installs?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxQQSmrY2BA

charsleysa

597 posts

Ultimate Geek

#958295 28-Dec-2013 13:38

Just a handy suggestion for those who don't want to wait.

There is a tool from Samsung called Odin that can manually update the Android version on your phone but you need to obtain the firmware file yourself which is easy.

To obtain the firmware file just google for carrier unlocked UK firmware.
No, there is no problem using UK firmware for NZ.
No, using non-T firmware won't damage your phone at all.

Just to reiterate, using firmware for the GT-N7100 on the GT-N7100T is completely fine as there is no hardware difference in the phones.

Regards
Stefan Andres Charsley

M2MS

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#958313 28-Dec-2013 14:02

Thanks mate! Very helpful...I also discovered a way to make the Gear work on 4.1.2

Just download a readily available APK file for Samsung Galaxy Gear Manager - copy file into a folder on your handset - ta da - watch is working with what so far seems like full features. No need to update to 4.3...although I will do the above upgrade if 4.3 doesn't arrive here anytime soon.

Antzzz

190 posts

Master Geek

#958799 29-Dec-2013 21:15

Just got 4.3 tonight here - although that was on a Note 2 from PB Tech, so guessing it is a parallel import device from somewhere in Asia.

1eStar

1604 posts

Uber Geek

#959284 30-Dec-2013 21:32

I got 4.3 on my parallel imported note2 today. It is from einfo and of German origin I believe.

s.joseph

568 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#961830 6-Jan-2014 12:27

Have telecom rolled out any 4.3 android updates? I'm still waiting for an xperia z1 update that was released to most carriers branded and un-branded in Novemeber. Considering flashing an unbranded Australian Firmware. Telecom seem to be slow off the mark for this stuff.

muppet

2322 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#986687 13-Feb-2014 12:14

Samsung have rolled out the Galaxy Note II 4.3 Firmware for the VNZ branded handsets (That's Vodafone)

Working really well. I like the new settings layout, the Daydream mode when it's in the dock is awesome.

The best thing is that HD Voice has been enabled with this update, so calls to other HD Voice enabled phones are really nice.

Not too sure what I'll use Knox for, if anything.

I hate you.

stevenz

2798 posts

Uber Geek

#986701 13-Feb-2014 12:53

Given Telecom's past history of major updates, I wouldn't hold my breath. Cost of resource allocation versus potential to sell the new model instead.

A manual update of a generic firmware is safe & easy as long as the guides are followed, you then get the more frequent "open" updates OTA rather than hoping the telco will eventually make them available.

They will try and tell you that it voids your warranty, whether you'll be willing to argue the fact if it ever comes to it is up to you.

Knox is more of an annoyance than a benefit unless used in an enterprise environment.

@KnightNZ

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