14 DAY TRIAL // Owners of the Samsung Galaxy S4 (GT-I9505) smartphone can now download and install a new leaked test firmware for their devices, which will bring all the features and enhancements included in Android 4.4.2 KitKat to them.
The leaked software was spotted online as build version I9505XXUFNAD and shows some of the changes that Samsung is preparing to push to its users, as SamMobile notes.
Apparently, there will be a series of small UI modifications, such as the KitKat style white status bar icons, along with a performance boost when compared to the previously released firmware for it, which results in an increase in benchmark scores.
At the same time, the update is said to feature a series of improvements for the lock screen, through the addition of a camera shortcut for quick access. Another change in this build is the fact that album art will show in full screen when playing music.
Following the update, users should also see that the Samsung keyboard layout has been improved when in landscape mode, and that gesture typing works faster and much easier than before.
There is also a series of other code enhancements included in the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update, such as wireless printing, the possibility to switch between the stock messaging app and Hangouts for SMS/MMS, and support for new emoji.
At the same time, the update will allow users to change the default launcher under settings, in addition to providing them with a great deal of other improvements.
Those who would like to take the leaked test firmware for a spin will find it available through SamMobile, with support for all Galaxy S4 (GT-I9505) devices in Europe.
Before proceeding with the download and installation, however, users should keep in mind that the firmware will wipe all data on their smartphones and that a backup will be required so as to ensure that nothing is lost.
There is no guarantee that the software won’t damage devices, so those who install it will be doing so at their own risk. Also, keep in mind that this is a test build and that it could include bugs that won't be present in the final, official release.