Android 4.4 Update for Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Disables Support for Third Party Cases

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 users, take note! If you are using the official S View cover or a third party case with similar features, do not update your device to Android 4.4 KitKat when you receive the notification to do so.

According to Ars Technica, Samsung has acknowledged that the Android 4.4 update for the Galaxy Note 3 disables the support for some third party accessories. Here's the full statement from Samsung:

Samsung - "We have currently identified a software compatibility issue with the Galaxy Note 3 update to Android 4.4 (KitKat) and select 3rd party accessories. A software update will be available shortly. We are committed to offering a diverse and reliable mobile experience for all customers, providing continued support and solutions for any issues that arise with product updates for both Samsung manufactured and third-party accessories."

Samsung initially denied that the update caused this problem when some users claim that their cases no longer worked. In its previous statement, Samsung said that "a correlation between the Android version 4.4 and the supposed incompatibility of third-party accessories does not exist".

We did a check on Samsung Mobile Singapore's Facebook Page and found four Galaxy Note 3 users facing this problem. The official S View cover is also is reportedly affected by at least two users.

A week ago, we reported on the battery issues faced by Galaxy S III and Note II users after they updated their devices to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. It seems that Samsung needs to do more thorough testings of its software updates to uncover bugs before issuing them to users.

Sources: Ars Technica (1) (2) and Samsung Mobile Singapore Facebook Page (1) (2) (3) (4)

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