Here is what you get in the update
(Of course I am not including the usual fun NSA “Features & Benefits“ that are added by our beloved Governmental Advisors for “Our Safety“):
New Operating system (From 4.3 to 4.4.2 – KitKat) But please set aside about 20 minutes for the update, it is MAJOR!
THE FOLLOWING ISSUES HAVE BEEN FIXED:
• Shortcut Folders on Home screen (Never had this issue)
• Contact issue when using messaging and dialer apps (Never had this issue either)
• Backup Assistant Plus contact sync (Don’t even know what this issue is)
• Bugs when using KNOX app (Don’t use Knox so irrelevant for me)
THE FOLLOWING “IMPROVEMENTS” HAVE BEEN MADE:
• Phone book and contact syncing to some Bluetooth car kits (Oh Yeah? Prove it!)
• “Locked up” display and device heating (I get that sometimes, Hope the heating issue is still there, it comes in handy on cold nights ;-)
• Group messaging performance on the messaging app (I hope this works better now, that would be an improvement)
• Stability and power cycle issues (I would say the S4 has been a champion over the S3 that I had, so this might be making the unit outstanding)
• Wi-Fi connectivity (This is already great, so I am excited if they can improve it)
• Bluetooth audio disconnect when using Music/Navigation app (You can Karaoke all you want now, even when the witch inside the GPS is talking)
• ISIS activation issue (What? What is that?)
• Now supports roaming to Canada (TELUS) network (Thank God! In case I go to Canada someday! Nottt! Ay?)
• Improvements to Accessibility (subtitles) settings (?)
MULTI-WINDOW FEATURES
• More applications are available on the Multi-Window tray
– To access Edit mode, open the Multi-Window tray, touch more and edit
• Help Tip now offers pop-up
– Long-press on back key to access
• ‘Create Multi-Window Combination’
• Trip Advisor app has been added
THE FOLLOWING crAPPS ARE NOW PRE-LOADED:
• ISIS Wallet
• VZ Protect (version 2.0.0)
• Verizon Cloud
• Audible app (version 1.5.4)
THE FOLLOWING CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE (Repurposing and Rebranding):
• Google+ Photos is now Photos
• Play Magazine is now Play Newsstand
• VZ Security is now VZ Protect
THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONS HAVE BEEN MADE:
• SMS to Google Hangouts
• Google Printing framework (Now this could be interesting, I have to look into it)
• Google+ User Location widget has been added (I don’t like this)