Samsung Galaxy S3 gets updated to KitKat on AT&T's network

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The Galaxy S3 might be a couple generations behind now, but it’s still a solid device and more than capable of providing a decent Android experience considering its age. For AT&T users of the GS3, a good thing is about to get even better, as Android 4.4.2 KitKat is beginning to roll out!

Unlike KitKat updates for newer devices like the Galaxy S4 and Note 3, the GS3 update includes a lot more than just new KitKat features, with several Samsung specific changes that affect Touchwiz’s look and feel. Additionally, there’s Beats Music pre-loaded with 3 months of free service, and the list goes on.

Here’s the full change-log for those looking to learn more:

  • Android OS Version upgraded to 4.4.2
  • New Lock Screen Access
  • Media Controls – full-screen album art and media controls when listening to music
  • Camera Shortcut – access the Camera application right from the lock screen
  • SMS App Chooser – select a default application for sending and receiving SMS text messages
  • Restyled Status and Navigation Bars – status and navigation bars are translucent and can sit on top of apps, along with simplified status bar icons
  • AT&T Drive Mode is changed to DriveMode
  • “Beat Music” Pre-loaded
  • Video player closed captioning Settings > My device > Accessibility > Google subtitles (CC) and Samsung subtitles (CC)
  • Unified Location Menu: Settings > More > Location Location Settings is same as Location service in JBP. User can set the Locating method and check the recent location requests
  • Expanded Emoji Icons
  • Wireless Printing is added. You can add printing support to your apps or develop print services to support specific types of printers. Apps > Settings > Connections > More networks > Printing
  • Prevention Information pop-up message is suppressed.
  • Copy & paste improvements
  • Email allows inline editing
  • Phone/Dialer user interface enhancements
  • Settings changes
  • Bluetooth enhancements
  • Immersive mode addition
  • Keyboard enhancements
  • HCE (Host card emulation) Enabled
  • UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card ) is set as default
  • GMS apps update (GMS 4.4.2_r2).

Not that most of you are likely out of their contracts or at least close to being finished, it remains unseen whether or not KitKat is enough to keep you from switching to a newer device. Regardless, it’s still a pretty welcome change.

As always, the update will be rolled out in stages, so don’t be too surprised if you’ve yet to receive a notification prompting you to update. If you’d like to check manually, you can always do so by heading to Settings> More> About Device> Software Update> Check for Updates.

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