Finally Samsung Galaxy Note 2 update is here. Android 4.3 jelly bean N7100XXUEMK4 in India for N7100!!

The wait is finally over!!!! The 4.3 update for Samsung galaxy Note 2 has started rolling out. As of now I am downloading the update and it is 700.62 MB in size, so on my slow network it will take some time to download. Will keep updating on the development and what the update means for us.

Sammobile reports that the changelog of this update is as follows:

• CHANGES AND IMPROVEMENTS IN ANDROID 4.3 UPDATE
  - GALAXY GEAR Support
  - TRIM Support (Makes the device much faster)
  - Samsung KNOX
  - Samsung Wallet (Pre-loaded)
  - Better RAM management
  - Core UI elements updated to the ones on the Galaxy S4 (Galaxy S4′s theme all over)
  - New Samsung Keyboard
  - GPU drivers have been updated (Higher GPU benchmark scores)
  - New Lockscreen: Multiple Widgets, improved ripple effect than Android 4.1.2, ability to change clock size and set a personal message
  - New screen modes (From S4): Adapt Display and Professional Photo
  - Daydream
  - Driving mode
  - Actionable notifications
  - Move-to-SD-card feature
  - New Camera mode : Sound and Shot
  - New Additions in Notification Centre
  - Completely revamped Settings UI (Tabbed interface – Exactly like the Galaxy S4)
  - Implementation of Voice controls (Let’s you control various parts of the phone using voice commands – Galaxy S4 feature)
  - New Samsung Apps: Calculator, Clock, Contacts, Gallery, Music
  - Full screen Samsung apps
  - New S-Voice (from Galaxy S4)

To update your Galaxy Note II to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, connect your device to your computer and use Samsung KIES or simply use Samsung’s OTA service. To download and install the firmware via OTA, go to Settings > More > About Device > Software update > Update.

Model: GT-N7100
Country: India
Version: Android 4.3
Changelist: 2099172
Build date: Sun, 10 Nov 2013 14:55:01 +0000
Product Code: INU
PDA: N7100XXUEMK4
CSC: N7100ODDEMK1
MODEM: N7100DDEMJ9

4.3 Download started Size 700.62mb

  

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 : Android 4.3 firmware update for India expected soon (Sammobile leaks N7100XXUEMK4)

All users of Samsung Galaxy Note 2 have been waiting endlessly for an update. We waited for a long time for a 4.2 update after the 4.1.2 stability update and realized later it was not going to happen and we are to move to 4.3 directly.

Both S3 and Note 2 users got hopeful last month after clear news of the update being near. After release of S3 update in several countries news started pouring in of S3 users from Europe complaining of unresponsive handsets, poor Wi-Fi connectivity, poor battery life, and a system hanging that required battery to be pulled out to start updated Note 2.

This report led to the speculation that Samsung might stop the Android 4.3 update for Galaxy S III which would eventually lead to delay in Android 4.3 update for Samsung Galaxy Note 2 .

Earlier this month, one user reported that he got his Note 2 updated to Android 4.3 from a service centre in India.

Yesterday Sammobile has leaked an Android 4.3 test firmware with build number N7100XXUEMK4 for Samsung Galaxy Note 2. 

Note 2 Samsung Walet Added

Knox added to Note 2

Model: GT-N7100

Country:  India

Version: Android 4.3

Changelist: 2099172

Build date: Sun, 10 Nov 2013 14:55:01 +0000

Product Code: INU

PDA: N7100XXUEMK4

CSC: N7100ODDEMK1

MODEM: N7100DDEMJ9

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 4.3

The site speculates that the Samsung will roll out android 4.3 update this week.

As per the site, In the Android 4.3 update, Samsung has updated the core UI elements to more like Galaxy S4/Note 3′s interface, including the tabbed settings. Samsung has included many new features in the Android 4.3 update, many taken from the Galaxy S4/Note 3. Features like Samsung Knox and Samsung Wallet are also present in this build.

Some other features expected in the update for the Galaxy Note II include OpenGL 3.0 support; improved RAM management; improved display colour reproduction; improved TouchWiz launcher; new Samsung keyboard, and new camera firmware, apart from minor UI tweaks for contacts app, flashlight widget, dialog boxes among others.

All this time the internet was afloat with rumours of all sorts but with the release of android 4.3 test firmware N7100XXUEMK4 specifically for Note 2 (GT-N7100) users in India it seems that the wait for 4.3 update is near its end!!!

Disclaimer: All images have been taken from http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5645227727152457645#editor/target=post;postID=3535877825543034648

Glossy or matt finished screen guard for Samsung galaxy note 2? Tips for smoother touch screen experience!

We all have always wanted better touch experience on our smartphones and have tried various mods and apps to change the sensitivity of the screen. But once we have applied a screen guard over the phone none of these help a lot and we have to face the problems of screen guards. Whether its the glossy one or the matte finished screen guards both come with their own sets of problems.

For some time many people have started using matte finished screen guards as they are very smooth to glide fingers over and does not end up with finger prints. They are also anti glare so reduce the amount of glare on the screen caused by reflection of external light.

But these matte finished screen guards make the screen look pixelated, unclear, less sharp and also less colourful. While using the S pen most of these matte finished screen guards don't allow for a smooth flow of the S pen. Hence the charm of having a touch screen mobile phone like Note 2 is lost.

The glossy screen guard on the other hand is a finger print magnet and doesn't remain much smooth after some time.  The screen though looks great with glossy screen guards. The colours are vibrant, clarity is superb and sharpness is maintained.

So how to get best of both worlds. A simple home grown solution will make our touchscreen experience as good as the newly purchased phone without any damage to the original screen.

Get a glossy screen guard installed on your note 2 or if you already have a glossy screen guard installed clean it with a moistened soft cloth. Clean it to dry using a soft dry cloth. Now sprinkle a very small amount of talcum powder or boric powder on the screen with glossy screen guard. Spread it on the screen using your finger. Wipe gently with a dry soft cloth and voila the screen is smooth as butter and looks as good as new.

DISCLAIMER: Whatever you do with your phone is your own responsibility.  The author and blog are not to be held responsible for any damages. 

Rumours confirmed: No 4.2.2 for Samsung Galaxy Note 2!!

Rumours that started floating a few days about Samsung skipping android 4.2.2 update for Note 2 ago have been confirmed by Telstra. As per latest info by Australian carrier Telstra, "Samsung have elected globally to skip the 4.2.2 update for this device and will instead go to a newer version of Android. No schedule has been provided for this update." 

This news talks of a newer update but doesn't mention whether it is talking about 4.3 or 5 and the biggest deal-breaker is that there seems to be no schedule for update promised for this device.

Customers have been waiting for a long time for this 4.2.2. Delays kept creeping up and now this particular update has been skipped. This shows how serious Samsung is about older flagship devices. Note 3 has brought incredible sales figures for Samsung and is an example of this giant MNC trying to save its latest flagship (S4) by making its previous flagships less desirable.

The thing to note is that this piece of news does not come directly from Samsung (not ready to face the flak of customers). So this is not to be considered as official statement but carriers always seem to have first hand information.

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Skips Android 4.2.2: Telstra

Source:
1. http://www.androidcentral.com/galaxy-note-2-skip-android-42-go-straight-newer-version-says-aussie-carrier
2.  http://www.gottabemobile.com/2013/07/18/samsung-galaxy-note-2-android-4-2-update-cancelled/
3. http://crowdsupport.telstra.com.au/t5/Device-Updates/Handset-updates-18-July/td-p/172420

Stability update DDDMG1 for India is out for Samsung Galaxy Note 2

Since today morning my note 2 showed that an update is available. It automatically got downloaded with an approximate size of 88 mb. 

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Update Available for download

This just is an stability update which got available few weeks ago in Europe. The update is N7100DDDMG1 dated July 1st 2013.

Some guys reported on xda forum that the RAM improved after the update (could have been  due to restart  after update also). 

There have been no major  changes appreciable visibly. 

Will take some time to judge the actual changes but battery life improvement is something I am looking forward to.

Samsung Note 2 Updated to 4.1.2 N7100DDDMG1

Updates appeared today for India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh.

SamKiesUpdates Twitter N7100XXDMG1

N7100XXDMG1

Base Firmware: N7100XXDMG1(4.1.2)

Modem: N7100DDDMG1

CSC: N7100ODDDMG1

Build Date: 01.07.2013 

Changlist: 1071214

Rumour mills working: Android 4.3 for Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and S3

Get ready to be Shocked!!! This rumour at Sam mobile says that Samsung may skip with Android 4.2.2 update for note 2 and S3. They ask us to take this with a pinch of salt but I think Samsung is going to do exactly the same.   Looking into the delay in the update to 4.2.2 (and no leaks for 4.2.2 for note 2) it is highly likely that Samsung will skip this update. Most of the people haven't even got the latest 4.1.2 stability update.

Sam mobile have quoted Temefy as their source for this rumour.

Sources also confirm that Samsung S4, S3 and Note 2 all will get updated to Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie but looking into the delays into 4.2.2 and if it does gets 4.3 directly S3 & Note 2 seem to be last in Samsung's priority list.

This translates into more delays for Note 2 in getting any updates and it seems likely that Note 2 users may have to wait till November.

Sources:
1. http://www.sammobile.com/2013/07/16/rumor-samsung-may-skip-android-4-2-2-on-galaxy-note-ii-galaxy-s-iii-for-android-4-3/

2. http://temefy.com/samsung-might-skip-4-2-2-update-for-galaxy-s3-and-note-2-plans-jelly-bean-4-3-instead-along-with-galaxy-s4

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.2.2 Update Release Dates Seem to be Out !!!!

It was earlier rumoured that Samsung would provide the 4.2.2 update for Note 2 in May or June 2013 but now we know that it will be happening in Q3 2013. This is how it always works out with updates, we as customers are always eager to have the updates and rumour mongers do the rest of the work.

But now it seems that we do have something substantial as far as the release dates for Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is considered. This recent article at gottabemobile.com says that "Australian carrier Telstra claims that the update’s submission slipped to July, a sign that Samsung is having problems with the software. The carrier expects a submission on July 8th and one round of testing before it’s ready to roll out. It expects to roll the software out at the beginning of August or right in the middle of the third quarter."

This is the closest we have till now as far as the 4.2.2 update for Note 2 is considered.Carriers are usually late in getting the updates than the international unlocked mobile phones as we have seen in the past. So, if Telstra is planning on for an update in August, we can assume that the international version of the device may get the update in July itself. 

Could Samsung be deliberately delaying the 4.2.2 update on Samsung Galaxy Note 2 GT N7100?

On 17 Jun a news item in Times of India caught my eyes saying that sales estimate of S4  has been cut down by 30%. Each Samsung flagship device has met with incredible enthusiasm in the market along with incredible sales. The sales of S4 seem to be good but this time it seems that Samsung is not going to meet its expectation. And what seems to be creating stiff competition for S4 are its own brothers the S3 and Note2. 

Yesterday I read a comment at xda forums about deliberate delay of updates and started thinking out about it and it did make sense. Though Samsung brings in some differentiation with each flagship device in terms of better hardware and some definite new features and better software (class leading hardware, lots of new features, new touchwiz interface and android 4.2.2 in this case) the gap between newer flagship device and older ones seem to be narrowing. With newer updates the differentiation gets narrower still. And the price difference seems to be growing (S4 at approx INR 40,000/-, S3 at approx INR 25,000/- and Note 2 at around INR 27,500/-. With such huge price difference factored in delaying the update would make sense to push the sales of its current flagship.

Though, overall sales make Samsung the market leader but as I said earlier the earlier flagships (S3 & note 2) may be denting S4 sales. Someone may argue that a deliberate delay may create losses and potential customers could move to other brands but Samsung holds the market leader position and S3 & Note 2 are still great phone at current price points.

Disclaimer: This article is just making a point for deliberation with no factual basis on whether Samsung is actually deliberately delaying the release of updates for S3 or Note 2.

Sources:
1. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-17/hardware/40027185_1_samsung-galaxy-s4-the-s4-smartphone-market
2. http://www.ubergizmo.com/2013/06/samsung-slashes-galaxy-s4-order-by-50-for-july/
3.http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=42693592&postcount=473

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Stability update XXDME6 (still 4.1.2): 4.2.2 release date still long away

Samsung has started offering a new update for Galaxy Note 2 GT - N7100, build version XXDME6 for its international version. Each update brings some happiness and excitement to the mobile phone users but it doesn't seem to be the case today. Despite all the hype about the latest 4.2.2 update being just around the corner, this update clearly shows that the 4.2.2 update is going to take its time. Though the reports were around that the 4.2.2 update was delayed till June end it seems that it will not certainly happen in June but Sam mobile has reported that it will happen sometime in Q3 2013. 4.2.2 seems to have been delayed as Samsung is taking more time for incorporating the new Touchwiz interface on the S4 and the new features on S4.

This update is available in Europe right now to be updated over the air (OTA) or through Kies update. As of now it is not available in India. XXDME6 is a 4.1.2 stability fix mostly fixing bugs relating to battery issues and other minor issues.

So don't expect much as of now from this update and keep your fingers crossed for the 4.2.2 update for S3 and of course Note 2.

Details of the update:

Model: GT-N7100

Country: United Kingdom
Version: Android 4.1.2
Changelist: 1071214
Build date: Fri, 31 May 2013 02:18:10 +0000
Product Code: BTUPDA: N7100XXDME6CSC: N7100OXXDME2MODEM: N7100XXDME4

Source:
1. http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/480525/20130619/galaxy-note2-gtn7100-android412-xxdme6-jellybean-update.htm
2. http://www.sammobile.com/2013/06/18/samsung-start-stability-update-galaxy-note-ii-still-android-4-1-2/

Best weight loss app and perhaps one of the best apps for Samsung Galaxy Note 2

Noom weight loss coach is definitely the best app for me to help lose weight. I would go to the extend of saying that it is the best app for me to have on my phone.  Though I have used a lot of apps, most of them have been for fun (games), some for them productivity but this is one app that has changed the way I use my phone.

Noom really does what it claims to do. It really helps lose weight!!!!!!!!! I have lost 5.5 kgs in 1.5 months and am still hopeful of losing more. It has really helped bring a lot of positive change in my life. (UPDATE: HAVE LOST 6.5 KGS IN 2 MONTHS. COULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT NOOM)

This app begins by entering your profile i.e. your sex, height, weight and target weight and the ease of tasks to be offered.This app helped me by tracking my weight, exercise and logging the food I had.

This is how a typical home screen of this app looks like -

Note 2 : Noom Weight Loss Coach Home Page

It has four sections - Coach, Logbook, Forum and History.

The coach section tells about your noom level which keeps increasing by doing tasks (reading articles, logging meals & exercise, walking, recording weight etc.)

The Logbook section helps by logging meals, workout, weight and waist(only in pro version). Logging is  exhaustive, quite effective and easy compared to other apps.

Note 2 Noom Weight Loss Coach Logbook

Note 2 Meal Logging in Noom Weight Loss Coach

The forum section provides support and lot of information esp. success stories, about how people overcame common problems and also great diet recipes.

Note 2 : Noom Weight Loss Coach Forum

The history section helps monitor workout and tasks done in past. In past while exercising I would skip a few days here and there and still think that I was exercising fairly regularly, but know I know exactly how much I am exercising (consistency is more important than anything).

Note 2: Noom Weight Loss Coach History
Exercise Summary

Noom keeps the motivation going by

•        tracking your weight changes graphically.

Note 2: Noom Weight Loss Coach
Weight Graph

•        tracking the exercise done.
•        providing relevant, factual and interesting information everyday.
•        forum provides the human aspect of support

     
It is not as if the app is perfect. In my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 the pedometer does not work when the phone is on standby. The pedometer works perfectly well on my wife's Sony Xperia Sola. But still, till now apps would be fun and helpful, but this app has made my mobile really fruitful for me.

A word of caution to the developers - who would buy a pro version when the free app works so well!!!!!!!!!

Taking screenshot on samsung galaxy note 2: three great ways

There are a host of sites that tell you about taking screenshot on Samsung Galaxy Note 2. But some tell you about one, at most two, but most of them fail to tell about all three ways of doing it, especially the most coolest way of doing it.This blog will tell you all the ways to take the screenshot on your note 2.

1. The commonest way is to press the power button and the home key simultaneously.

2. The second way is to pull out the S pen, keep the S pen button pressed and long press anywhere on the screen and you will get the screen shot.

Everyone knows one or both of them but if you want to impress others with a cool way to get the screenshot keep reading ...

3. The best way for me to do it is to swipe the screen from right to left or vice versa from the side of your hand and voila you have your screen shot and everyone around you is amazed including yourself.

All you need to do is to go to settings, select motion settings, under the heading of hand motion select palm swipe to capture and you are ready to go.

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Motion Settings

Note 2 Palm Swipe to capture

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Learn About Palm Swipe

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 S Pen use is practical or just an expensive gimmick: usefulness for daily average user!

When I was reviewing the note 2 before buying I was instantly attracted to the S pen. The number of features devoted to the S pen is not only amazing but something that only Samsung has been able to pull off.

Pulling out the S pen from its slot launches a page exclusively dedicated to S pen apps and also the s note. Small things like this make the smartphone use a lot convenient and minimises the number of steps to open a relevant app.

Using the S pen with the browser is really very convenient and allows navigating the page just by hovering at the edges. My fingers usually get sore after lot of touching /flicking the touch screen and after using the Note 2 for few days those problems are gone.

THE THINGS FOR WHICH I USE S PEN ON A DAILY BASIS AND LOVE IT ARE:

• Navigating through web pages: no more touching the screen or rubbing or flicking over the screen just the S pen hovering over the margin of the page will do the trick. In a few minutes only one gets so used to it that it becomes difficult without it.

• Going through several areas of the phone without touching it e.g. phone book /contacts no need to touch for scrolling.

• While talking to someone when I need to note down something e.g. taking down addresses or phone numbers I don’t have to rush to find a pen or paper. Just pull out the S pen & the note app opens on its own. Start writing man!!

Note 2: Pulling out S Pen activates S Note

• I wrote my first blog entry completely with the S pen and that is something. It was convenient and fast and I could not have typed that much just by the standard android touch keyboard. But since then I have started using my wireless keyboard through OTG cable and I love every bit of it. Any long word documents and I don’t need to start my PC, my note 2 attached to the OTG cable does the trick. (More about OTG cable in another bog).

• Air view for hovering over video and images is something that I use sparingly, more so when I already have the S pen out for some other reason. Not something for which I pull out the S pen often. But is indeed helpful when you are reviewing email or messages.

• Selecting text for copy paste is something very difficult just by touch. With S pen you just press the button on the S pen and highlight the text and you can easily copy and paste the selected text.

• S pen also offers a lot of customization in terms of pen gesture command.You probably won't pull out the S pen for pen gestures but they are a great help if the S pen is already out. Pressing the button on the S pen and making different gestures e.g. swiping up or down follows a specific command. These commands are customizable and you can create custom gestures for any application or function. Go to settings, open S pen menu, select Pen gestures Quick Command Settings to create custom gestures.

Note 2 Pen Gesture Command

Obviously the S pen has a lot more uses than mentioned above. Some are for specialized users e.g. formula match, drawing. But the good thing is that it offers something for everyone and once you start using it, you probably can’t do without it. And you will end up using it more than you ever imagined.

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 owning & First Thoughts

After lot of thinking I finally got myself a marble white Samsung Galaxy Note 2. Had it not been the EMI & Cash back offer last month I would not have got myself this Mobile. Was really lucky that my father had the right credit card for the offer. 

In the next few weeks I will share my experience with this mobile &  how good or bad it really is.
Immediately after buying the mobile I was in dilemma whether the size is too big but soon realized that it is comfortable to hold & use though it is huge in size.

The other thing that I noticed was that all other mobile phone screens (Xperia sola, Xperia J, lpod touch & Samsung wave I) at my home started looking extremely puny. You have to have this mobile for only few hours to experience this.

This mobile is really fast & does what it says it will.

The next post will be about the s pen & its practical use.

This post was written completely using the S pen.