Samsung Galaxy Grand 2
Samsung Galaxy Grand 2Samsung

Smartphone leader, Samsung has reportedly released the Android 4.4.2 KitKat OS update to the company's mid-range handset Galaxy Grand 2 in India.

A XDA developer forum member, going by the name, Chirag  has said that his Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 phone has received the KitKat update (build number: KOT49H.G7102XXUBNG4). It is 361MB in size and is available  via OTA (Over-The-Air) and through Samsung Kies PC companion application for manual downloading. He has even posted a couple of screen shots to corroborate his claim.[to view the images, click here]

Galaxy Grand 2 Owners can check for updates on the phone:

Go to Applications >> Settings >> About Phone >> Software update >> Check for update;

[Note: Since the roll-out procedure is carried through phases, it will take some time for certain regions to get the updates and if history is any guide it won't take more than a handful of days to cover the country.]

This Chocolate-wafer flavored Android OS update is expected to bring in enhanced features such as smarter caller ID, more organized message grouping (Hangouts), , quick access to settings, colourful Emoji characters on keyboard, Voice search, Quickoffice word document app, wireless cloud printing (only with select HP printers) and many more improvements.

Key features of Android v4.4 KitKat OS update:

Location Menu:  This integrated location menu enables users to easily activate GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks, while simultaneously keeping a tab on the battery consumption by the location service based apps.

Enhanced Google Mobile Service (GMS) apps: This application helps user to automatically back-up photos and video clips. They also can create, view, share rename Google Docs and files.

Improved Caller-ID: If a user receives a call from unknown number, the phone will look for matches on the net with local listings via Google Maps.

Priority Contacts: The new OS empowers the phone to automatically prioritize contact list for easy access, based on the frequency of calls made to a number.

Immersive display: To enhance the entertainment factor, the new OS comes with immersive mode, where the status bar and navigation buttons disappear in to the back ground while users play music, games and read e-books. Users can just swipe the edge of the screen to bring back the utility buttons.

Enhanced Message grouping: Google has brought in some improvements to the new Hangouts app; now, users can find all their text SMSs and MMSs, audio and video call details all at one place. They can also share location and send animated GIFs.

Emoji Characters:  Initially users had to install third party app to use colorful characters in their SMS. Now, with KitKat update, the keypad comes pre-loaded with native Japanese Emoji emotion icons.

NFC and Wireless Printing: Google's new OS comes with a new Quickoffice app where-in people can create and store word documents in cloud storage as well as print files wirelessly on NFC-enabled HP printers.

Multi-tasking:  With efficient memory management, users can multi-task by opening multiple applications; Listen to music while you can browse through the net.

Performance: Like all software updates, the new KitKat enhances smartphone's performance as well as efficient RAM management, leading to an increase in battery.

[Image Credit: Samsung India]