Galaxy S4 Android 4.4, KitKat Update Rolls Out to Verizon and U.S. Cellular

By Vincent Funaro, Christian Post Reporter Friday, April 25, 2014

The Galaxy S4 Android 4.4 KitKat update is finally rolling out to U.S. Cellular and Verizon users.

Various customers have confirmed that the update is available on the Verizon network. The U.S. Cellular confirmation comes from the carrier's support pages.

The update will bring improved stability, a new camera shortcut on the lock screen and a better on-screen keyboard. The update can also be downloaded manually through Samsung KIES. T-Mobile suggests that those downloading KitKat to their phone should be running the latest version of KIES. The device should also have about 50 percent charge since installation can be draining. Smartphones must already be running Android 4.3 in order to get 4.4.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 price dropped to just $179 for AT&T customers earlier this week.

Users can purchase the device in either red or white at this price with no annual contract. This is a pretty decent deal as the smartphone normally retails for $200 with a new two-year agreement.

The only catch with the Galaxy S4 deal is that users will have to sign up for a new line before buying it. Those looking to just purchase the phone could sign up for a new line and cancel it once it ships.

The carrier is also offering a like-new version of the Galaxy Note 3 for $249. This is at least $100 cheaper than buying the handset brand new on contract.

The price slashing on these Galaxy devices is most likely due to the recent release of the Galaxy S5.

It replaces the S4 as Samsung's current flagship device and features what the company deems a "glam" design with a perforated back plate that shines in different lighting conditions. It will have full LTE coverage, Wi-Fi MIMO 802.11 to cut down buffering, and a download booster that will allow users to download 1GB worth of media in 30 seconds.