Update on Surface 2 Sound Issues

Well, it looks like someone at Microsoft was working hard on Thanksgiving Day. Late on Turkey Day, Microsoft pushed out a firmware update that looks to have fixed the reduction in sound volume issues for the Surface 2 I mentioned in this post.

If you don’t have updates set to automatically install you can check for the update manually by going to PC Settings, then selecting Update and Recovery, Windows Update, Check Now. If you want to see if the update installed properly you can select View Your Update History, or go to Control Panel and select Hardware and Sound. Under Sound select Manage Audio Devices. Then choose Speakers, then Properties. Once you’re in the tab for NVIDIA Tegra Audio Properties, choose the Driver tab. You should see a driver date of 11/26/13 and the driver version as 9.17.13.2774.

I can report that sound volume has returned to normal on my Surface 2 after manually updating the drivers as described above. As to the other issues reported in the post I’m not sure if they have been rectified by this update or not.

Thanks to GBM reader, Ryan, who spotted the update and let us know in comments.

Samsung Android 4.4 KitKat Update Rumor Breakdown (GS3, GS4, More)

Android manufacturers including HTC, Motorola and Sony have announced their plans for the Android 4.4 KitKat update. Motorola has even rolled out a KitKat update to the Moto X. That doesn’t seem to have phased Samsung as the company remains quiet about its Android 4.4 KitKat update for devices like the Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3 and more.

Several months ago, we started hearing about a brand new Android update, set for later in the year, an update that would replace Android 4.3 Jelly Bean as Google’s primary operating system. Several weeks ago, we saw Google make good on those rumors as it announced the Android 4.4 KitKat update in early September, detailed the update in late October and released it just a short time later.

Android 4.4 KitKat isn’t a massive update by any stretch of the imagination. Instead, it continues Google’s trend of incrementally improving the foundation that was left behind by Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and Android Jelly Bean. With Android 4.4 KitKat, users will get some new features and enhancements that work to improve the overall Android experience. The look and feel of the software remains the same.

In early November, we saw a number of companies uncharacteristically confirm Android 4.4 KitKat upgrades. HTC, Motorola and Sony were hot out of the gate with details and HTC in particular launched an ambitious Android 4.4 KitKat plan for its flagship HTC One. And while those companies were forthcoming, other companies remain silent. LG, and maybe more importantly, Samsung remain silent about Android 4.4 KitKat.

This isn’t surprising. Samsung usually doesn’t offer early details on updates and the company has been in the midst of a grueling Android 4.3 Jelly Bean process that has zapped a ton of its time. Still, that hasn’t stopped consumers from demanding information or, at the very least, being curious about when Samsung’s devices will see the update.

Make no mistake about it, Samsung will upgrade devices with Android 4.4 KitKat. It’s just a matter of which devices and when. Already, we’ve heard a few rumors about Android 4.4 KitKat updates for the likes of the Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 and today, we’ve seen new information emerge.

On the heels of this new alleged leak, it’s time to take a look at all of the Samsung Android 4.4 KitKat update rumors and break them down ahead of the start of thew new year.

Just because Samsung has been reluctant to release Android 4.4 KitKat update information to the public, doesn’t mean that the company isn’t going to release Android 4.4 KitKat. It also doesn’t mean that the company isn’t working on updates right now. In fact, rumors suggest that the company is currently in the process of doing just that.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen a couple of Android 4.4 KitKat rumors sprout up for Samsung owners. The first big one came back in November and it came in the form of an alleged document from Samsung India R&D. The site that leaked the document was the same site that claimed that the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.2 updates had been canned so there is certainly some credibility behind the leak.

This document alleges several things. The first, that the Samsung Galaxy S4 Android 4.4 KitKat update is being targeted for a release. The expected release date for the Galaxy S4 Android 4.4 KitKat update is, according to the document, January. Unfortunately, this rumor isn’t guaranteed to come true.

HTC, one of Samsung’s biggest Android competitors in the United States and elsewhere is going to be upgrading its HTC One flagship with Android 4.4 KitKat relatively soon. The software is expected to roll out for users in the United States by the end of January.

Samsung usually isn’t too far behind, at least not with its flagships. In fact, in recent years, it has beaten HTC to the punch. Android 4.4 KitKat has already rolled out to the Moto X as well and we can’t see Samsung falling that far behind the curve with its current Galaxy S flagship.

Keep in mind, target release dates often get pushed back or changed so while Samsung may be shooting for January, there is always a chance that it will have to move things back. At the moment though, given how quickly we’re seeing Android 4.4 KitKat updates and information emerge, early 2014 seems like the best candidate.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Android 4.4 KitKat update is also rumored for January. Again, there is really nothing to dispute this at the moment so for now, this is the only rumor that Galaxy Note 3 users have to go on. The only problem that we have with this timing is that Galaxy Note devices have always proved to be complicated when it comes to the timing of updates.

More often than not, Samsung’s Galaxy Note flagships are a little behind the flagship Galaxy S when it comes to software release dates so we wouldn’t be surprised if Galaxy Note 3 owners saw the update roll out a few days or even a few weeks after the Galaxy S4 gets its Android 4.4 KitKat upgrade. At the moment though, these two updates appear destined to land in the beginning of the year.

The leaked document alleges that the Samsung Galaxy S3 Android 4.4 KitKat update could be arriving in March or April. It’s a broader release window than the ones for the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 and assuming that it’s real, means that Samsung likely isn’t as sure about the release date. This is the only rumor that we’ve seen emerge for the Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update, something that helps to make the future cloudy.

Samsung is certainly going to make the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 updates its priority so the gap between the releases does make sense. Samsung also tends to offer around two years of software support for its flagship devices. The Galaxy S3 turns two in May. The release date rumor is creaky at this point given the wide range of dates but we would be surprised if the Galaxy S3 missed Android 4.4.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is in the same boat. Rumors point to a release in March or April. Again, Galaxy Note 2 users should temper expectations. Galaxy S updates tend to roll out first which means that the Galaxy S3 Android 4.4 update should come before the Galaxy Note 2's. There is usually a gap of a few weeks involved.

The rumor and the release window are flimsy but again, we highly doubt that the Galaxy Note 2 will skip Android 4.4. It has only received one major upgrade since it was released last year and its hardware is still up to snuff.

Samsung hasn’t said it but we’ll say it for owners. While Google may have optimized the Android 4.4 KitKat update for devices with 512MB of RAM and above, that likely won’t save the Galaxy S2. It’s more than likely not getting Android 4.4 KitKat.

For one, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean seems to be out of the picture. So does Android 4.3. And the leaked document that supposedly details the devices that Samsung is considering for Android 4.4 KitKat updates doesn’t even mention it. Galaxy S2 owners are likely going to remain on an aging version of Jelly Bean, something that isn’t surprising given how old this phone is.

Earlier today, the usually reliable SamMobile leaked a document that insinuates that Samsung is currently looking into Android 4.4 KitKat updates for a number of devices. On the list are the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini, Galaxy S3 Mini, Galaxy Ace 3, Galaxy S Advance, Galaxy Ace 2, Galaxy Core, Galaxy FAME and the Galaxy Fresh. These are all mid-to-low end phones though at least some of these seem likely given their age and the 512MB optimization that Android 4.4 KitKat brings.

While we haven’t seen anything yet, we would be shocked if devices like the Galaxy Tab 3 and the Galaxy Tab 10.1 2014 Edition did not get upgraded to Android 4.4 KitKat, even if their adoption rates are low. Keep in mind, it’s early and we expect more rumors to pour out of Samsung as we get closer to the actual release dates.

Something else to keep in mind is that these dates don’t pertain to carriers in the United States. In the past, U.S. carriers have been weeks, sometimes months behind the curve, so while some devices may see updates in January, March, April and so on, U.S. carriers may not adhere to that timing.

HTC DROID DNA Android 4.2 & Sense 5 Update Arrives

After Verizon posted the update details months ago regarding an upgrade to Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and the new Sense UI 5 for the DROID DNA, today we’re hearing it’s finally ready for customers handsets as both parties confirmed the news this afternoon.

With many of the newer HTC handsets getting updated to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean lately, and some even 4.4 KitKat, the DROID DNA certainly isn’t up to speed, but this is good news for DNA owners and fans. The DROID DNA has been waiting for this upgrade for months, and it will finally get many of the major tweaks and improvements introduced with the HTC One earlier this year.

Android 4.2.2 and the new Sense UI will deliver many of the awesome options and features available to the HTC One, as well as all the changes from Google’s OS. A couple of the important ones are the quick settings access, HTC Blinkfeed is a big one, as well as HTC Zoe and more.

HTC states that a first minor update is rolling out that should reportedly prep the device for this major upgrade to 4.2.2 and Sense 5, and following that will be the exciting OTA update with all the important new stuff. So users should be prepared to receive both files in separate update notifications from their device.

Read: DROID DNA Android 4.4 KitKat Update Coming in 2014

According to the Verizon Support Documents the upgrade should come in at roughly 600 MB, so users are recommended to use a WiFi connection to download and complete the task. Post update you’ll enjoy Android 4.2.2, Sense 5 with Blindfeed, as well as a new camera app, dialer, calender, and a large number of bug fixes for the handset. We’re already hearing reports of the update arriving today, otherwise you can head into settings > about phone > and check for software updates.

HTC EVO 4G LTE Android 4.3 Update Delayed, It Seems

Lately we’ve been paying most of our attention to the HTC One and Galaxy S4 lineup, but they aren’t the only ones waiting for a software upgrade. HTC’s popular EVO 4G LTE from 2012 is also on the wait list, and we’ve just received some new details from HTC themselves.

After initially hearing bad news for the EVO 4G LTE, HTC eventually confirmed it would receive Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and Sense UI 5 by the end of 2013. Back in October HTC made the promise, giving them a few months to sort of the details and release the update before the holidays, sadly however that’s now changed. It looks like HTC EVO 4G LTE owners won’t see Android 4.3 until the new year, and don’t even ask about KitKat.

One thing HTC is doing great lately is sharing update details with followers and customers over on Twitter. And just this week we received the latest bit of information regarding the update for the EVO LTE, and sadly it has been delayed. No longer will it arrive in December, and instead HTC is aiming to get the update in the lab by early/mid January, but that’s just the testing phase.

HTC is targeting January to get the HTC EVO 4G LTE update to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean in the lab for finishes and testing, which means it won’t make it to carriers until a later date. This means the update is still at least 2-3 months out, which isn’t what users were hoping to hear.

@jamesbryce_01 @JasonMacHTC Our target is to enter the lab in early / mid January..

— Mo (@moversi) November 27, 2013

As we all know with updates, once the manufacturer signs off the carriers have to approve the update as well, which usually isn’t very fast. Sometimes taking upwards of 4-6 weeks before giving an update the okay. As a result it appears the HTC EVO 4G LTE won’t start testing until late January, and likely won’t arrive until the tail end of February. At that point we’ll be talking about Android 5.0 Licorice (or whatever Google calls it) and be wondering if the EVO will ever see KitKat.

Is isn’t the best news we’ve heard, but at least HTC is working hard to deliver somewhat timely updates to last years devices. Stay tuned for more details.

Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 Update Release: 5 Key Details

The Samsung Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update has been rolling out for the past few weeks, however, the roll out hasn’t exactly been pretty. The Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 update has run into some problems overseas and we still haven’t seen the software roll out in the United States. Here, with anticipation running high, we take a look at five key details that Galaxy S3 owners in the United States, and abroad, should know about.

For much of 2013, Samsung Galaxy S3 users have been looking for their next big Android update. Since the arrival of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean last year, the only real big update came in the form of the Premium Suite Android 4.1.2 upgrade that arrived earlier this year for carriers in the United States and elsewhere. And while rumors suggested that the next big update would arrive in the summer in the form of Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, that update never arrived.

Instead, Samsung skipped over Android 4.2 Jelly Bean for an Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update that the company announced in September, confirmed for arrival in October, detailed in October, and rolled out just a few short days ago inside of November. Anticipation, then, like it is now, was running high, especially because the Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 update was supposed to hit the United States in a timely manner. Unfortunately, that still hasn’t happened.

As we’ve pointed out, that may be for the best as Galaxy S3 owners who have received the Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update are saying that the software is a complete and utter nightmare. That said, interest in this Android 4.3 update is extremely high at this point and here, we take a look at five of the latest developments that Galaxy S3 owners in the United States, and elsewhere, need to know about.

Maybe the most important thing that Samsung Galaxy S3 users around the world should know is that the update is moving out very, very slowly and it will likely continue to do so. The first roll out took place on November 4th, just a few short days after the Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 update started to roll out. Since then, the update has only been deployed in a few places around the world.

For those that are complaining or worried, keep in mind that this is how a Samsung Android update roll out typically works. We see the software roll out to a couple of smaller regions then we start seeing the company push out the update a little bit faster before the software arrives for every single model in every single region in the world.

Samsung has hundreds of regions and hundreds of different variants to take care of. This is a lengthy process and one that simply does not happen overnight. It’s going to keep moving out slowly, particularly if the company needs time to work on the Android 4.3 issues that are apparently plaguing the Galaxy S3 in the United Kingdom.

Over the past few days, we’ve heard from a number of Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 users in the United Kingdom who say that the software is plagued by an obscene amount of issues. One Galaxy S3 owner in the UK told us that his device is currently afflicted by no less than seven issues including:

Phone restarting itself.When phone is locked and asleep, press either home key or lock key and nothing works. Battery must be removed.During some incoming calls the screen doesn’t display caller and the ringtone is “spluttery”.Alarm works only sometimes.Heavy battery drain during a ten minute call. It dropped by 12%.Notification bar shows apps that have already been downloaded. Clear them and they reappear again.

That’s just one person. We’ve heard about these issues from others as well so it’s pretty clear that these are more widespread than this one Galaxy S3 owner running Android 4.3. Need proof? Look no further than SamsungUK’s Twitter account which is under fire from Galaxy S3 users experiencing these issues.

@Andre_Daniels At the moment we simply don’t have any more info that what we’ve stated I’m afraid. When we know more we’ll announce it.

— Samsung Mobile UK (@SamsungMobileUK) November 15, 2013

Thus far, the company has only offered a generic response in regard to the update, saying that it’s currently investigating the issues and that they will have an update on them soon. Whether that’s an upcoming bug fix or an update roll out that gets halted remains to be seen. There is speculation that the roll out has indeed been halted but Samsung, thus far, refuses to confirm anything.

We’ve heard from numerous Samsung Galaxy S3 users in the United States who are aware of the issues in the United Kingdom and are now wondering not only when, but if the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update will roll out in the U.S. Many users are specifically wondering if Samsung will skip Android 4.3 Jelly Bean on the Galaxy S3 and move to Android 4.4 KitKat.

At this point, we consider this to be highly unlikely, based on the fact that that change would likely push an update deep into the holiday shopping season or more likely, into 2014. Samsung’s big Android 4.3 push is predicated on the Galaxy Gear support, support that it hopes will spawn sales during the holidays. Carriers are also looking to get these upgrades out as soon as possible so that they can sell the $299 accessory.

Of course, they don’t want to release an extremely buggy piece of software and signs point to carriers going back to the drawing board, not with Android 4.4 KitKat, but with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.

A tipster pointed us to a new Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 build that appeared on Sprint’s website earlier this week, a sign that the company is currently in the process of testing another version. So while nothing is confirmed, we highly doubt that these issues are going to cause the Galaxy S3 to skip yet another major Android update.

Already, the Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 roll out has been thrown into disarray, thanks to two Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 updates that missed their rumored schedules. A leaked Android 4.3 road map, which has been dead on with Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 updates, pointed to a Sprint Galaxy S3 update on November 6th and an AT&T Galaxy S3 update earlier this week. Neither rolled out and it could, again, be because these carriers don’t want a repeat of what’s going on in the UK.

What this also means is that the rumored dates for carriers T-Mobile and Verizon could be out the window. The Verizon Galaxy S3 update is rumored for November 22nd while the T-Mobile Galaxy S3 update is rumored for November 25th. Neither is set in stone at this point and given the misses that we’ve seen thus far, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the Galaxy S3 update delayed into December in the United States.

Speaking of December, there is one carrier that claims that it will be upgrading the Galaxy S3 with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean in December. French carrier SFR released its updated roll out calendar earlier this week and the carrier says that the Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 update will be rolling out sometime next month. It did not provide a specific date but it’s a sign that some carriers won’t dish the update out in November.

At this point, the Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 update is extremely hard to predict given the roll out issues in the UK, but the key points that Galaxy S3 users in the U.S. elsewhere should hone in on are these:

Slow roll out will continue.Bugs could slow things down even more.It likely won’t be skipped for Android 4.4.U.S. carriers won’t announce anything and release dates are up in the air.Start looking at December.

Galaxy S3 Android 4.4 KitKat Update: early look at what to expect

The Samsung Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update is rolling out, right now, in several regions around the world. In the next few weeks, we expect it to be delivered to other Galaxy S3 variants, including devices here in the United States. And while many owners have their eyes on Android 4.3, others, are likely curious about a Galaxy S3 Android 4.4 KitKat update. Here, we take an early look at what to expect.

Earlier this year, it looked like the Samsung Galaxy S3 Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update would be the one coming to replace the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update that rolled out all those months ago. Rumors suggested that the software would be rolling out alongside the Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update in the summertime. Unfortunately, things didn’t turn out that way.

Instead of Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, Galaxy S3 users are now in the midst of an Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update roll out. Android 4.3 is a piece of software that will not only deliver Galaxy Gear support to Galaxy S3 owners but also offer up a number of different features and enhancements, including some of the software features of the Galaxy S4.

It’s a big update and one that, we, and Galaxy S3 owners are monitoring given that it hasn’t touched down in the United States and given the issues that have apparently sprang up in the update process. Of course, the Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 roll out is conflicting with another massive Android roll out, one from Google itself.

In October, Google announced Android 4.4 KitKat, its latest Android update and one that will be adding to the foundation that was laid by Android Jelly Bean. The update is rolling out to Nexus devices right now and we’ve seen Android manufacturers confirm updates for many devices from the the Moto X to the HTC One.

Samsung, however, has remained silent, possibly because it’s laser-focused on getting Android 4.3 Jelly Bean deployed. Its silence, however, has likely made users even more curious about its upgrade plans.

While we certainly don’t have all of the answers, we do have some ideas about what Samsung Galaxy S3 users can expect from the Android 4.4 KitKat update and its release.

First things first. Samsung Galaxy S3 owners should expect an Android 4.4 KitKat update at some point in the future. Awhile back, we reported on a rumor that suggested that a Galaxy S3 Android 4.4 KitKat update was in the works though since then, things have been silent from both an official standpoint and a rumored one.

That said, we would be shocked if Samsung decided to kill support for one of the most popular phones in its arsenal. The Galaxy S3 is approaching its two year birthday this coming year and that means that many users will be coming off contract. Releasing Android 4.4 KitKat for the Galaxy S3 will ensure that these owners keep a Samsung device around. It will also go a long way with consumers looking to upgrade knowing Samsung is committed to a device for just about two years.

Samsung likely won’t announce anything until it gets extremely close to the actual roll out which means that users will likely have to depend on leaks for information. If there is a Galaxy S3 Android 4.4 KitKat update planned, look for information to leak out soon.

Don’t expect the Samsung Galaxy S3 Android 4.4 KitKat update to roll out this year. We come to this conclusion based on what we are seeing right now with the Samsung Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update roll out.

It’s clear that the Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 update is buggy. Users are complaining about a ton of issues on board the Galaxy S3 update, issues that include battery drain, lag and more, and it looks like Samsung has its work cut out for it in the weeks ahead.

In addition, we’ve already seen two Galaxy S3 updates in the U.S., the updates for AT&T and Sprint, miss their target release dates. Not a good sign for Galaxy S3 owners on other carriers.

Considering that it’s now mid-November and we haven’t seen the Android 4.3 roll out reach a widespread level, we are pretty confident that the Android 4.4 KitKat deployment won’t start until next year. Assuming that there is one. These issues are not a good sign but again, we believe that Samsung will decide to upgrade it.

Samsung has a habit of releasing its flagship devices with the latest Android software. We don’t see that changing next year with the rumored Samsung Galaxy S5. It also has a habit of waiting until its new flagship is out to release the new software for its older devices. For example, the Galaxy S4 arrived with Android 4.2 on board and the original plan was to get Android 4.2 out to other Galaxy devices in June or July, right after the release.

Galaxy S3 owners should expect the same from the Android 4.4 KitKat update. Rumors suggest that the Galaxy S5 could launch in January with a release in February. If that holds, we’re potentially looking at a March or April roll out. Android 4.4 KitKat is a smaller update but that doesn’t mean that Samsung is going to change its ways. In fact, we don’t think that it will.

One of the nice things that we’ve seen with the Android 4.3 deployment in the United States is a much shorter gap between the international roll out and the U.S. roll out. We saw it with the Galaxy S4 update and we anticipate seeing it with the Galaxy S3 update if Samsung can get its act together and iron out these bugs.

We’ve speculated that the reason why Samsung and these carriers are pushing these updates out this fast is because they want to get Galaxy Gear support to as many owners as possible. The Galaxy Gear is the company’s $299 smartwatch accessory and it’s one that is being sold at the largest carriers in the U.S. The device will likely figure heavily into Black Friday plans and without support on the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2, it’s not as appealing.

So, in other words, there is incentive to get these software updates out. With Android 4.4 KitKat, we aren’t likely to see the same thing. Instead, we expect a much larger gap between the international and the U.S. roll outs.

That said, should the Galaxy S3 Android 4.4 KitKat update arrive, and we think it will, it will almost certainly be deployed to AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and Verizon customers. If one gets it, they all will. Of course, we also expect staggered release dates so while one carrier could get it early, Sprint is a likely candidate, others could potentially see it roll out much later in the year.

Finally, Samsung Galaxy S3 users should expect there to be Android 4.4 KitKat issues. What those issue are, we can’t say right now as we’re likely months away from a release, but we would be floored if a flawless update rolled out.

Our basis? Simple. Samsung clearly had problems with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and from the looks of things, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean isn’t playing nicely with the Galaxy S3 either. We should see fixes emerge in the weeks ahead but don’t be surprised when Android 4.4 KitKat delivers some issues of its own. Major software updates typically bring bugs with them and Android 4.4 KitKat should be no different.

Nexus 7 (Cellular) Android 4.4 KitKat Update: What Users Can Expect

The Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 Android 4.4 KitKat update roll outs have begun, though, Google still has work left before all of its Nexus devices are upgraded with Android 4.4 KitKat. Ahead of the final Nexus 7 Android 4.4 KitKat updates, we take a look at what owners of the cellular versions of the Nexus 7 2012 and Nexus 7 2013 should expect.

In October, Google finally debuted the Android 4.4 KitKat update, an update that it first announced in early September ahead of the iPhone 5s launch and the arrival of iOS 7. The company though waited two whole months before it decided to finally confirm all of the Android 4.4 KitKat details to its Android users base. As expected, the Android 4.4 KitKat update not only boasts a ton of things to like but it’s also going to be coming for a host of devices in the future.

At the time, Google announced that it would be rolling out the software to the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and the Nexus 10. It decided against updating the Galaxy Nexus with Android 4.4, something that peeved its owners and caused thousands to sign a petition demanding an update. We don’t expect Google to change its mind as far as the Galaxy Nexus is concerned.

It also hasn’t changed its mind in regard to the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 roll outs either. Earlier this week, Google announced that the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 Android 4.4 updates roll outs and said that they would be hitting specific devices. In the case of the Nexus 10, it’s everyone. In the case of the Nexus 7, it’s the Wi-Fi only versions of the 7-inch slate.

Indeed, Google has neglected owners of the cellular versions of the Nexus 7 for the time being, though, it has said that those updates will be coming soon. With Nexus 7 owners likely looking for answers, here, we take a look at what Nexus 7 HSPA+ and Nexus 7 LTE owners should expect from their Android 4.4 KitKat update release date.

Earlier this week, Google took to its @Android account and announced that the cellular Nexus 7 models would, along with the Nexus 4, be getting their upgrade to Android 4.4 KitKat in the near future. The company did not elaborate on the exact timing of these updates but as we’ve pointed out, we don’t expect them to be very far off at all.

There are a few reasons why these two Nexus 7 updates, the updates for the Nexus 7 HSPA+ (2012) and Nexus 7 LTE (2013) aren’t far off in the distance. One, Google needs every advantage it can get in its battle against the iPad mini with Retina Display. While Android 4.4 may not be a huge Android update, it’s still a marketing tool and one that it can use to promote the Nexus 7 this holiday season. With Black Friday coming up, now is the time to unleash the update.

Stay tuned, Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 versions with mobile data will be getting the update soon! http://t.co/TTRzORl4js

— Android (@Android) November 13, 2013

And two, one of the reasons that people buy Nexus device is to get early access to Android software upgrades. When people buy Nexus devices, they don’t buy in thinking that it’s going to take more than a month to see an update roll out. Google should realize that this perk is one that people really do count on and thus, we don’t see it waiting until December or 2014 to upgrade the cellular models.

Instead, look for the updates to arrive within the next two weeks. We wouldn’t be shocked to see them roll out after Google has completed the roll outs for the Nexus 10 and Wi-Fi Nexus 7. Those roll outs should take about a week.

We figured that the Nexus Android update roll out announcement would come out of the blue and sure enough, Google used its social media accounts to announce the update without any kind of a warning. This is to be expected from the upcoming Nexus 7 Android 4.4 KitKat update roll outs as well. We have no doubt that Google will do one of two things.

Use social media to draw attention to roll outs.Roll them out without any sort of publicity. It has done this before.

Point is, don’t expect any leaked dates to emerge. We fully expect that the roll outs will come out of the blue with either a quick announcement from Google or no word at all.

While Nexus 7 users with cellular data got the short end of the stick in terms of timing, they do get the benefit of knowing how their upgrade process is likely going to play out. When the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 updates first arrived, we saw the updates discovered lurking on Google’s servers, something that allows users to bypass the OTA update and install the software manually. It took a little longer than we expected but the updates were discovered within hours of the updates arriving on the scene.

We fully expect there to be manual upgrades for owners of the Nexus 7 HSPA+ and Nexus 7 LTE and we expect that those manual upgrades will be possible within a few short hours of the initial deployment. Again, when the time comes, we recommend that novice users skip the upgrade process and wait for the OTA. There is always a possibility that something could go wrong.

What would a Google Nexus Android update be if it wasn’t slow moving? The Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 OTA updates are pushing out but they are moving out slowly to users. We expect the exact same thing to happen when the Nexus 7 cellular data updates deploy. Users should expect the updates to roll out over the course of a few days, possibly up to a week.

Again, the slow roll outs make the manual upgrade process extremely appealing but we only recommend updating early if sideloading is something that you are familiar with.

Google Search Update Brings a Smarter Google Now

Last week reports suggested Google was preparing to update the Search and Google Now app for Android with a serious overhaul and additional features. Today this update arrived right on schedule, rolling out late last night to Android devices, and users can now expect a smarter and more chatty experience.

Google Now is already one of the most powerful and best features of Android, and today’s update detailed by Google is making it even smarter. All the usual goods will now include a conversational experience similar to Siri, bringing one more feature to the digital assistant. On top of that the Google Now Cards have been added to with “What to watch,” News topic,” and “Website update” joining the growing list.

Website cards will share the latest post from blogs and sites you frequent, all automatically before you even ask, if you’d like. The What to watch will give you movie and TV recommendations based on previous history, searches, and more. Last, news topic cards will give you the latest and breaking news from around the web. I’m already automatically getting sports and NFL news delivered right to Google Now on the Nexus 5. It’s quite powerful and accurate.

The chatty experience mentioned last week also arrived, and now when users tell Google Now to “Call Chris” or send a message, Google Now will give you an audio response when needed, asking “which Chris” then re-enables the microphone to listed to a more detailed request. Below you’ll see a simple search to text Chris turned up multiple suggestions, and asked who I’d like to send a message to.

This latest update adds one more hidden feature. The Google Experience Launcher exclusive to the Nexus 5 can be added to your Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and above smartphone after this update to Google Search. The launcher still isn’t available from Google, even though reports suggest it’s headed to the Play Store, but read on below to get it yourself.

Read: How to Get Android 4.4 KitKat Nexus 5 Launcher

Last but not least, the “Ok Google” voice commands from the Moto X and Nexus 5 are now available for all Jelly Bean devices with the new Google Search app. You’ll have to be on the homescreen or in Google Now, as it isn’t completely a hands-free always listening mode, but should help users ask Google Now questions and commands with ease, more hands-free than before. Get it today from the Play Store.

iOS 7.0.4 Update: Hold off Say Jailbreak Developers (Update)

The iOS 7.0.4 update is now available for all current iOS 7 devices as a free over the air update, but if you want to use the iOS 7 jailbreak to run Cydia apps and tweaks on the iPad mini 2, iPad Air, iPhone 5s and other iOS 7 devices you should avoid this update until jailbreak developers give it an all clear.

Update: The iOS 7.0.4 update is safe to install.

The iOS 7 jailbreak is still a ways off according to the small shared progress updates we see from the Evad3rs, but small updates like this bring a potential to block certain security holes that the team was planning to use for the update process.

Like with the iOS 7.0.3 update, we are hearing warnings to not install the iOS 7.0.4 update until the iOS 7 jailbreak developers give an all clear. With the last update MuscleNerd shared the warning, and gave the all clear about four hours later.

If you want to use the iOS 7 jailbreak, hold off on the iOS 7.0.4 update for now.

This time the JailbreakCon shares a warning, to avoid the update for now. The initial tweet says iOS 7.0.3, but there is an addendum noting that it should say iOS 7.0.4.

RT PLEASE. DO NOT UPDATE TO 7.0.3 UNTIL WE GET THE ALL CLEAR FROM JAILBREAK TEAMS. #WWJC2014

— JailbreakCon (@JailbreakCon) November 14, 2013

7.0.4*

— JailbreakCon (@JailbreakCon) November 14, 2013

In all likelihood this small update will be safe to install later today, but if you are following the iOS 7 jailbreak progress with a hope of jailbreaking your iPad, iPhone or iPad as soon as it is released, hold off on this update.

In general if you plan to jailbreak or once you do jailbreak you should not install nay new updates until there is an all clear. The iOS 6 jailbreak worked for iOS 6 through iOS 6.1.2, but iOS 6.1.3 and higher requires a new tool that is in the works right now. Small updates bring the potential for big roadblocks.

There is no iOS 7.0.4 changelog yet to look at so we will need to wait for the iOS 7 jailbreak developers to take a closer look at this update and then give an all clear. At the most we know iOS 7.0.4 fixes a FaceTime call issue and other,”Bug fixes and improvements.”

Speculation suggests the iOS 7 jailbreak will not arrive until iOS 7.1, which logs show Apple is likely testing. We’ve seen iOS 7.0.4 in testing from the same areas, so this could be the next update.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 Update in US: 5 Final Details

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update has been rolling out in the United States over the past few weeks. And while we’ve seen a majority of the major Android 4.3 updates arrive, there are still some final, important, last minute details that Galaxy S4 owners in the U.S. need to know about as the upgrade process moves forward.

All the way back in September, Samsung offered up a clue as to what would be next for the Galaxy S4 from a software standpoint. While the company didn’t call out the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update by name, it was clear that it would be next in line for Galaxy S4 owners due to the Bluetooth enhancements that it has on board. Samsung said that the next update would bring support for the Galaxy Gear and the Bluetooth LE support that comes with Android 4.3 fit the mold.

Sure enough, in October, Samsung announced that it would be outfitting the Galaxy S4, Galaxy Note 3 and the Galaxy S3 with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean in the future. And while the updates for the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 would be fairly substantial, the Galaxy S4's update would be relatively incremental.

Several weeks ago, we saw the Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 update land outside of the United States. However, fortunately for U.S. users, a leaked road map leaked out pointing to very specific dates across U.S. carriers. Sure enough, that road map panned out for updates for Verizon Galaxy S4 and  Sprint Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean updates, both of which rolled out at the end of last month.

Several days ago, the U.S. Cellular Galaxy S4 joined those two and owners now have access to the features of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean as well as support for the Galaxy Gear accessory. Since then, we’ve seen even more activity for Galaxy S4 owners in the United States and here, we take a final look at the Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 roll out in the United States in an effort to help users set expectations.

Late last night, we received word that the AT&T Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update was rolling out. And today, we can confirm that the update is indeed rolling out to owners of the AT&T variant of Samsung’s flagship. For AT&T owners, there are a few things to keep in mind during the roll out process.

One, the update could take a day or two to show up. Carriers often stagger updates before pushing them live to a wide swath of users. Users will want to remain patient and be on the look out for an update prompt. Second, the roll out is random. There is no way to predict where the update is going to land.

Just know that AT&T is going to be doing its best to ensure a smooth delivery of the software and that it will arrive in the near future for everyone.

The AT&T Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean roll out is important to AT&T Galaxy S4 owners but it’s also important to another group of Galaxy S4 owners. The last remaining big name Galaxy S4 on Android 4.2 is the T-Mobile Galaxy S4. And while T-Mobile hasn’t announced anything yet, there is a very good chance that the update is going to land on November 18th.

Why? Simple. The road map, that has accurately predicted the Sprint, Verizon and now the AT&T Galaxy S4 update, says that the T-Mobile Galaxy S4 update will roll out that day. Things could certainly change but at this point, given that it’s batting a thousand, T-Mobile users should be on the look out for the update in just a few short days.

Here are a few T-Mobile Galaxy S4 release date tips for those who are getting anxious. First, assume that the update isn’t going to hit everyone on day one. T-Mobile, like other carriers, staggers its updates. So, there is a good chance that many users won’t see the software roll out for a few days. Be patient, it will be released soon.

While we don’t anticipate any major issues, we do suggest that users start looking around for a good forum for up-to-date information about the software. Users will typically post feedback after upgrading, something that is important considering these updates have a chance to foul things up. Don’t believe us? Take a look at the Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 update.

So far, things have been smooth, but we suggest waiting a few hours, maybe even a few days, before installing, just to see if the software plays nicely with the Galaxy S4.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 isn’t just on the five largest carriers in the United States, it’s also on smaller carriers like C Spire Wireless. Because these carriers don’t offer the Galaxy Gear, at least not yet, and don’t have as many customers as the big five, we don’t expect there to be as much hoopla surrounding the Android 4.3 updates.

Instead, look for carriers like C Spire to quietly roll out Android 4.3 Jelly Bean in the weeks ahead. These smaller carriers typically don’t announce anything ahead of time so users will just want to assume that they will be in the dark until Android 4.3 arrives. And yes, we expect the Galaxy S4, across carriers to get updated, Galaxy Gear or not.

Finally, as the Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 roll out comes to a close in the United States, many users are now setting their sights on another big time Android update, Android 4.4 KitKat. Unfortunately, Samsung hasn’t announced anything just yet, for the Galaxy S4 or otherwise, but we fully expect the company to relay details once the Android 4.3 updates are deployed.

Of course, we don’t expect the Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 update to emerge until 2014 due to the fact that Samsung loves to outfit its brand new flagships, in this case the Galaxy S5, with the latest Android software. Point is, Galaxy S4 owners should start getting cozy with Android 4.3 because there could be a little bit of a wait for Android 4.4.

Nexus 7 Android 4.4 KitKat Update Hitting More Users Soon

The Nexus 7 Android 4.4 KitKat update is in the midst of rolling out to the Wi-Fi only versions of the Nexus 7 2012 and Nexus 7 2013. Google said that the Nexus 7 Android 4.4 KitKat update for the cellular models would be coming soon and from the looks of things, the company is going to deliver on that promise to its tablet owners.

Earlier this week, Google announced that it would be rolling out the Nexus 7 Wi-Fi and Nexus 10 Android 4.4 KitKat updates ahead of the updates for the Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 HSPA+ and LTE updates. The company delivered on that promise as the Nexus 7 Wi-Fi and Nexus 10 KitKat updates are in the process of rolling out to their users.

Google promised that updates for the Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 HSPA+ and LTE would be coming soon though it did not specify a date. From the looks of things, users are looking a release date right in the face as the company has posted the Android 4.4 KitKat factory images for not only the Nexus 4 but for the cellular versions of the Nexus 7 as well.

The Nexus 7 Android 4.4 KitKat update factory images, which appear on the company’s developer website, are for the HSPA+ version of the 2012 Nexus 7 and the LTE version of the Nexus 7 2013. These images allow those with the ability and know-how to update their devices with stock Android 4.4 KitKat right this very minute.

Those that aren’t familiar with how to install the software will want to sit back and wait for an OTA update, an OTA update that is likely going to be touching down very, very soon. Google hasn’t announced anything but posting the factory images is as good as releasing the software to the public. So, we expect an OTA to touch down soon.

Once it does, Google will have put the finishes touches on its Android 4.4 KitKat roll out. However, these aren’t the only devices getting the update in the near future. The HTC One Google Edition is also expected to get Android 4.4 KitKat in the near future as HTC promised to deliver the software within 15 days of the announcement.

We should also see the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition get its update soon as well though we haven’t seen Samsung announce anything just yet.

iOS 7.0.4 Update for iPhone & iPad Rolls Out

Apple has rolled out its latest iOS 7 update in the form of iOS 7.0.4, a bug fix update that will replace iOS 7.0.3 as the most current operating system for users of the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

For weeks, we’ve seen the iOS 7.0.4 update appear in server logs, however, we hadn’t seen anything confirmed for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users. Apple is notoriously secretive about its incremental updates and typically does not offer any official information. With iOS 7.1 also appearing in logs, we didn’t know which update would roll out to replace iOS 7.0.3. Today, we have our answer.

After several weeks on iOS 7.0.3, iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners on iOS 7 can now upgrade their device to iOS 7.0.4, a small bug fix update that checks in around 17MB in size and should only take a few minutes to download and install. The update features bug fixes and improvements and Apple calls out an issue with FaceTime calls specifically.

The update is now available Over-the-Air through iOS 7's Settings and those who can’t or simply wish to bypass the OTA method can install the software through iTunes.

For weeks, users have been complaining about issues inside of iOS 7.0.3. Those issues have ranged from minor issues like text disappearing to major issues like random reboots. It’s unclear if this update is going to tackle all of the issues that we’ve heard about in recent weeks, there is a laundry list of them, but we imagine that it will help more than it will hurt.

An iOS 7.1 update could be next.

iOS updates also have the chance to introduce new bugs to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners and users will be hopeful that iOS 7.0.4 is relatively bug free. Those who are skeptical will want to hold off on the upgrade for the time being.

With iOS 7.0.4 now out, we imagine that the next update could be iOS 7.1, an update that figures to deliver bug fixes in addition to new features. Apple typically packs in a new feature or two to its iOS x.1 upgrades, though, we haven’t heard anything specific just yet.

Update of Apple's iPad on the cover: mini iPad Retina supplies probably tightened

Meeting of the Apple media on October 22 in San Francisco it is likely that they have an update to the iPad - potentially a mini iPad with Retina Display - and MacBook Pro with processors from Intel as well as new smart covers.

Most importantly for the analysts on Wall Street, Apple event on Tuesday will provide investors and fans with a roadmap of product for the rest of the year. Until Apple pushed their latest iPhones last month, the company had been largely silent.

Some analysts even expect that an Apple TV SDK can be announced to set the stage for this next to the mythical iTV which in theory justify a market value of $1 trillion a day.

Above:Apple to reveal new iPads, MacBooks in October 22nd event: here's what we know so far | For the new iPad from Apple, is the (r) evolution, baby | What I hope the iPad' 5'

This is what analysts are committed to:

A mini iPad with Retina Display that will be available in theory in the December quarter, but sources will be very tight. Jefferies analyst Peter Misek said in a research note:

Our checks indicate that the mini Retina is having production problems, but I think that Apple is likely to launch in [calendar 2013 fourth] with fewer units of delaying it to [first calendar quarter 2014].

BYOD and Consumerization.

Special report: phenomenon bring your own device is reshaping the way is bought, managed, delivered and secured. We look at what it means, how to handle and where to go in the future.

Misek is also thinking that the mini iPad that retina will go for $329 and the current mini iPad will run $229 to $279. Those price points are likely to do some damage in the market of tablet low end, which is where Android shines.

Analyst Ben Reitzes Barclays said that Apple is likely to ship a mini iPad Retina later in the quarter. "We hope that there will be some restrictions of main products for the new retina screen mini on the initial launch of the product and not be surprised if it was shipping later in the quarter," said Reitzes.

An iPad 9.7 inches which is thinner and lighter: Mix in some smart covers that can make the biggest iPad over one laptop replacement. Analyst Piper Jaffray Gene Munster has been observed where the majority of buyers of iPhone you are planning on upgrading from their iPads are for the smaller version.

New cases for the iPad: REITZES said covers they are critical to the profit margins of Apple and the company likely that reveal covers colorful with a built-in keyboard is a risky bet.

MacBook Pro is updated with new chips from Intel Haswell: With the latest Intel processors, it will greatly improve the life of the MacBook Pro battery. A release of data for OS X Mavericks with the MacBook Pro are also highly probable.

iTV suggestions: Misek said Apple could introduce an Apple TV software development kit. This SDK could create applications for Apple TV, but the real step would be for a possible iTV.

Tips on the iWatch: Analysts expect an iWatch launch in 2014 and said that Angela Ahrendts, hired away to Apple in Burberry, focuses on view at Burberry retail.

Apple dominates the low range of the Tablet market: Must set the mini no-Retina Apple iPad $229 to $279 band is likely to be devoured, according to Misek. In the quarter of December, Misek projects that Apple would sell more than 5 million mini iPad Retina devices, 15 million iPad mini no-Retina units and 7 million iPads of 9.7 inches.

Adoption of iPad ramps more company: It should Apple move to a 64-bit for the iPad architecture with a fingerprint sensor, cases of use of the company are likely to balloon. Analyst from Deutsche Bank Chris Whitmore said:

We believe that the combination of increased security and 64-bit will facilitate greater absorption of company of iPads in the coming years and increasingly profitable corporate notebooks.

Microsoft Update Skype to new Kindle Fire, 7 iOS devices tablets

Overview: Microsoft is releasing new versions of Skype for Android tablets, including new lighting fires, as well as for 7 iOS devices.

Microsoft has updated Skype for Android and iOS in recent days, with support fire HD & HDX, comes to new Kindle tablet as well as current support for Apple device running iOS7.

Skype for Android version 4.4 is for Android tablets of all kinds. The biggest change, according to an October 8 blog entry, is that tablet users "will now see a new interface that puts first, talks showing their recent calls and chat." The post added that the new update benefits version 4.0 "total rewrite" for phone users.

Microsoft post notes with "good network conditions," Tablet Android users can get up to four times the video resolution of previous versions. Users of Kindle fire HD and HDX will still be able to make use of accelerated by hardware HD-quality video, they said that Microsoft executives. Non-Kindle fire users can get the update 4.4 from today in the game shop. Fire Kindle users will be able to get the update "more later this month".

On 7 October, the Skype team released version 4.13 Skype for iPhone and iPad. The new version offers a "fresh" look for iOS 7, in addition to improvements in accessilbilty, audio and video call, according to a blog post. The update is available on the App Store starting Monday.

Mary Jo has covered the technology industry for more than 25 years for a variety of publications and websites and is a frequent guest on radio and TV, podcasts, talking about all things related to Microsoft. She is the author of Microsoft 2.0: how Microsoft plans to stay relevant in the era post Gates (John Wiley & sons, 2008).

Microsoft releases out-of-band Outlook 2013 update

Summary: An update from this month's Patch Tuesday updates caused the folder pane in Outlook 2013 to disappear for many users. Microsoft has released a new version of the update that fixes the problem.

Microsoft has released a fixed version of an earlier update to Outlook 2013 that had been pulled from distribution.

The update was released originally as part of September's Patch Tuesday updates. But within a few days Microsoft acknowledged problems caused by the update and pulled it from their distribution systems. Users reported that, after applying the update, the Outlook folder pane disappeared. Removing the update reversed the problem.

The update affects only Outlook 2013 and is not a security update. According to Microsoft, it contains "stability and performance improvements."

This was not the only problem with this month's Patch Tuesday updates, and it was in fact part of a longer pattern of code quality problems in Microsoft updates.

Larry Seltzer has long been a recognized expert in technology, with a focus on mobile technology and security in recent years