Android 4.4.2 KitKat Google Edition ROM For Samsung Galaxy S4 I9505 Now Live: How To Update

While Google may have released the Android 4.4 KitKat update some time back, manufacturers take their time to adopt the update. Such devices receive Android 4.4 KitKat depending on their manufacturer and model type. Often, international versions can be updated manually ahead of the OTA through custom ROMs. This time, Samsung Galaxy S4 I9505 unit owners can now update to Android 4.4.2 KitKat Google Edition ROM. 

Reuters
A Google Android figurine sits on the welcome desk as employee Tracy McNeilly smiles at the new Google office in Toronto, November 13, 2012.

Flashing custom ROMs has become the trend, especially for the users who wish to work with the latest OS updates. Custom ROMs allow them to upgrade their devices even without official rollout. Samsung has rolled out the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update for its Samsung Galaxy S4 series in November 2013. However, the company has not divulged much how they plan to roll out the Android 4.4 KitKat update. 

Users can thank third-party providers because they choose from a range of custom ROMs to start their updates without waiting for Samsung. Among the available custom ROMs for Samsung Galaxy S4, some sources agree that the AOSP Official Android 4.4.2 KitKat Google Edition ROM is one of the best custom ROMs around. 

Features of the S4 Google Edition ROM include:

• ROM based on 4.4.2 - KOT49H
• New 3.4.0-Alucard added for best device performance
• ART support for the few applications like Whatsapp
• Busybox installed
• ExFat Support
• Zipalign, sqlite3, run-parts, nano and bash
• Removed unnecessary Touchwizz Libs
• Fully functioning ROM, no bugs
• Phone runs faster
• Included SuperSu

According to the users, they have not experienced bug problems with the ROM. It should be a good upgrade for Samsung Galaxy S4 users. Before users can update with the ROM, they should satisfy the following requirements:

• Ensure the device is a Samsung Galaxy S 4 GT-I9505 unit.
• Battery should be charged around 70% to 80%.
• Install a CWM/TWRP recovery for backup.
• Device should have enabled "USB debugging."
• Computer should have required USB drivers, including "Samsung Kies."
• Create a backup of the existing ROM.
• Download S4 Google Edition ROM: AOSP Android 4.4.2 KitKat ROM 

How to update:

1.   Download the ROM file provided to the computer.

2.   Connect the handset to the computer through USB. Copy and transfer the files to the handset's root directory. Disconnect the phone.

3.   Boot the Samsung Galaxy S4 to Recovery Mode. Press and hold Power, Home and Volume Up buttons at the same time.

4.   When in CWM Recovery main menu, do the "Format/Wipe Data" and "Cache Partition" tasks. This will remove existing date. Choose "delete Dalvik cache" from the advanced section after.

5.   Go to the CWM Recovery main menu, select "install zip from SD card" option > choose the ROM file > confirm "Yes" and the installation process will start.

6.   Following completion of installation, choose "reboot your device." 

Disclaimer: Update providers cannot be held responsible for whatever happens to the device after. Users can update at their own risk.