Well, that did not take too long. The test firmware was just leaked yesterday, but today Samsung is pushing out Kit Kat 4.4.2 to the Galaxy Note 3 (SM-9005) in Poland. It is build number N9005XXUENA6, the same that was leaked yesterday. Before those of us in the US get too excited, remember that Samsung still has to build one for each carrier, then each carrier has to approve it, so we are still going to be waiting for a little bit longer here.

To me, the best news about all of this is the slight UI refresh that comes with this build. Love it or hate it, TouchWiz has looked the same for a long time now, and even a small refresh of the notification bar is very welcome. Samsung’s hardware is always bleeding edge, so it is nice to see some of the icons and software start to catch up to Kit Kat’s design. Check out some of the screen shots below.

Source: SAMMOBILE

The post Android 4.4.2 KitKat Rolling Out to Samsung Note 3 (SM-9005) in Poland appeared first on Android Fan Network.

Android 4.4.2 KitKat firmware leaked for Samsung Galaxy Note 3

Android 4.4.2 KitKat test firmware has leaked for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (SM-N9005). N9005XXUENA6 is the firmware build number and it looks this is headed for European region.

Change log of this firmware include increased over all performance of the device, lock screen functionality improvements, minor UI changes, transparent status bar with white colored icons and keyboard layout improvements in landscape mode.

You can download the test firmware from here and below is the complete build information.

Model: SM-N9005
Country: Open Europe
Version: Android 4.4.2
Changelist: 340325
Build date: Thu, 9 Jan 2014 23:09:09 +0000
Product Code: OXX
PDA: N9005XXUENA6
CSC: N9005OXXENA5
MODEM: N9005XXUENA2

Here are the screenshots of this test firmware, courtesy of SAMMOBILE. They claim this is one of the final builds based on Android 4.4.2 for KitKat for Galaxy Note 3 and Samsung will start rolling out this update in 1 or 2 weeks to all Galaxy Note 3 devices based on region.

Source : SAMMOBILE

The post Android 4.4.2 KitKat Test Firmware Leaked for Galaxy Note 3 appeared first on Android Fan Network.

These figures suggest strong demand for the Galaxy Note 3. In comparison, the original Galaxy Note took 9 months to reach this mark where as Galaxy Note 2 took 4 months.

The Galaxy Note 3 is available in 58 countries worldwide and Samsung stated sales still remain high in China, South Asian countries and in Europe. Improved S-Pen functionality, Air Command tool, Galaxy Gear, and huge (Note 3 sized?) marketing effort seem to be main factors contributing to this success of the Galaxy Note 3.

To keep the momentum, earlier this month Samsung also added 3 new color variants (Rose Gold White, Rose Gold Black, and Merlot Red) to Galaxy Note 3 line in selected markets.

Source : Samsung via PhoneDog

The post Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Shipments Hit 10 Million In 2 Months appeared first on Android Fan Network.

Hey Android Fans, the Bear Motion Premium Bumper Ring Case for the Galaxy Note 3 is first up for our giveaways during the next two weeks. We have three of them for you guys, one per winner.

While you are at it, visit our friends at Bear Motion on their Facebook page as well and don’t forget to checkout our review here and video review below.

To get your entry for the drawing, just like Android Fan Network on Facebook and comment in the contest post. That’s it! The drawing will close in 24 hours and winners will be picked from among our Facebook fans Tuesday, 12/10/2013, at 9:00 PM EST and announced shortly after.

Thank you again for being our #1 Android Fans and good luck!

The post Giveaway: Bear Motion Galaxy Note 3 Premium Bumper Ring Case appeared first on Android Fan Network.

The front and back of the Note 3 sit down in the frame of the case so you do not need to worry about it contacting a table surface but, being a bumper style case, the back is exposed so avoid setting it down on any surfaces that may be uneven.

In the bottom right of the Bumper Case is a recess in the TPU for the S-Pen. This is a bit of a tight fit and is very difficult to get a thumb in there, but my forefinger has no issues digging it out.

Something else I had not seen before was the volume and power button arrangement. On this Bear Motion Case, the TPU is bonded to the frame, but the button cutouts in the outer shell part were open with TPU button covers “floating” in the opening, which was a neat touch.

Overall, the Bear Motion Premium Ring Bumper Case does not add too much width to the Note 3, but it still provides good edge protection from accidental drops.

You can pick these up in black, white or pink from Pro Ebiz in their Amazon store.

The post Review – Bear Motion Premium Bumper Ring Case Samsung Galaxy Note 3 appeared first on Android Fan Network.

Samsung adds 3 new color variants to Galaxy Note 3 Line

Samsung has unveiled 3 new colored variants of the Galaxy Note 3: Rose Gold White,Rose Gold Black, and Merlot Red. It was initially launched in September with Classic White, Jet Black, and Blush Pink color options.

Here is what Samsung says on these new colored variants.

The new editions of Galaxy Note 3 integrate touches of premium Rose Gold finishes to its Jet Black and Classic White devices for a distinct and refined design. Both editions complement the iconic Rose Gold Galaxy Gear to provide users with a truly integrated and stylish Galaxy experience.

 

“At Samsung Mobile, we understand that consumers view their mobile devices as an extension of their personal style, and Samsung is committed to delivering fresh ways for consumers to express themselves,” said Younghee Lee, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing, IT & Mobile Division at Samsung Electronics. “By introducing these new editions of Galaxy Note 3, we want to provide our fashion-forward consumers with more ways to express their personality and tastes through our technology.”

There is no elaboration on the global availability of the new colors in the Samsung’s press note, however the Rose Gold White edition will be available in China starting this month while others will be launched according to each market’s preference.

Source : Samsung via engadget

The post Samsung adds 3 new color variants to Galaxy Note 3 Line appeared first on Android Fan Network.

Bear Motion has been knocking out some nice cases in the past year and it was a pleasure to check out their Premium Slim Back Cover Case – Sand (what a name) for the Note 3. At $5.99 on Amazon you really cannot go wrong with this one folks.

Pros:

• Slimmest shell case we’ve looked at to date
• Texture adds grip
• Multiple colors available
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Cutouts are not as precise as other shell cases
• Would prefer more protection around the camera lens

Amazon link

Thanks to Celltraderonline.com moderator davidusr for bringing this one by for me to check out.

The post Bear Motion Premium Slim Back Cover Case – Sand for Galaxy Note 3 appeared first on Android Fan Network.

Changes from the last two days are the option to relock using previously backed up files (happens automatically during unlocking) and support for multiCSC firmwares. The latter is the main reason it previously wouldn’t work for a lot of people.

Note that it still does not appear to work on Exynos Note3′s, and I strongly advised against using it on such a device !

Source : ChainFire

The post RegionLock Away updated to v1.3 appeared first on Android Fan Network.

5 million Galaxy Note 3s shipped in first month

JK Shin, Samsung Electronics CEO has revealed that Samsung has shipped 5 million Galaxy Note 3 in a month. Galaxy Note 3, latest in the much anticipated Galaxy Note series from Samsung was launched on September 25 and made available through all major carriers in the US and other markets.

In comparison Galaxy Note took 5 months to reach this milestone where as Galaxy Note 2 took 2 months.  It seems new features like Galaxy Gear, improved S Pen functionality, Air command tool, global availability and huge marketing campaign from Samsung contributed to the success of Galaxy Note 3.

via SammyHub

The post 5 million Galaxy Note 3s shipped in first month appeared first on Android Fan Network.

Samsung has updated the camera application in Galaxy Note 3 with some new features like Surround Shot.It works in the same way as Photosphere feature introduced by Google in Android 4.2. It stitches multiple individual images into a single spherical image.

This Surround Shot feature is exclusive only to Samsung Note 3. However LastStandingDroid, senior member at XDA has ported this camera app to Galaxy S4. App was tested successfully on Stock Samsung Android 4.3, Golden Eye, Angels and Demons v14.0 ROMs and and all features are reported working.

Head over to this post at Galaxy S4 forums- XDA for downloading the flashable zip file and instructions. You’ll need a custom recovery and make sure to perform nandroid backup to restore in case of any issues.

Source : Galaxy S4 forums

The post Samsung Galaxy Note 3 camera software ported to Galaxy S4 appeared first on Android Fan Network.