Will Verizon be the last to get the KitKat update?

You won't get many straight answers from VZW as I have ask the same question to 3 maybe 4 different people at VZW and have got 3 to 4 different answers.

VZW you have to be very beware of the answers you get. You are best to see what other users experience is and then take your chances with your action.

bearone21

be careful what you wish for, being 1st isn't always a good thing.

You are SPOT ON with that statement. I am not really that upset with being last but more upset with VZW adding the enormous amount of bloat and even some removal of features being looked forward to in the update and not even explaining why. If there is a good reason it is one thing but they don't even tell us why.

Its all about dollars and increasing their bottom line. VZW will eliminate a feature from Android and then resell that feature with one of their own applications which you pay for on a monthly basis, there by increasing their revenue stream. Look no farther than the features removed from 4.2.2 the given back with minor updates and 4.3 because of customer pressure.

johnembe

(removed) we are frustrated waiting until LAST once again with Verizon!!! (as usual)

>>Discussion of moderation removed to comply with the <<

Message was edited by: Verizon Moderator

Exposing the VZW Corporate Greed!

bborst3

Pretty sad that Verizon is the last carrier to give us the 4.4 update, if at all.

Verizion has never failed to release an update from a phone manufacturer, that I know of. They might be last but they always finish.

Yes, it is a matter of when not if. It is just many of the human race waiting for what may seem like an eternity is not one of their best attributes. Many of those that complain about the waiting will be back after the update about now my battery life is horrible after KK 4.4.2 update or some such issue.

James425

Well I'm in IT and I like new (and old) systems so I can pack all the knowledge I can into my little brain :smileyhappy:

I don't bash Verizon - I have been on other carriers and I do like that I almost always have signal with VZW.

One problem people have with a big OS Update is they don't backup and do an FDR (There is know way a OS maker can test all Programs/Apps).

When I was a IT Tech for Cable Internet Company they didn't like that I wouldn't install there software on customer computers, but they would rather have the customer very happy than there software on systems (As long as the customer was happy they where happy).

Also all the computers I have I've told the manufactures that I will dump there systems and put just the OS without there stuff and they don't have a problem with it at all (They just want me to by there next brand system).

Again I love Verizon speed and coverage - I just think that the best Wireless should have there best on the newest OS as fast as it can be put out.

No need to be sad bborst3! We always support our phones and ensure they are up to date. I apologize for the delay in release, however, we want to be confident the update will only enhance your phone's function and all kinks are worked out. We appreciate your patience.

AdaS_VZW

Follow us on Twitter at @VZWSupport

We do want to make sure once the update is released that it is working at the highest level possible johnembe. We thank you for your patience and be sure to check this site for all our software updates http://vz.to/1bCKL5B

-PeterV_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

ajnevares1

Someone has to be last, lol.

Malithorne

VZW seems chronically late, or last to market basically, with OS releases on a consistent basis. I think it has less to do with quality control of the OS and more to do with quality control of installed bloatware and other unwanted tweaks. Love the service. Love the speed when its good. But otherwise, pricing structure changes and always late software patches are enough to seek out other options. VZW has lost the customer service fire that got them to #1. Inevitable with any successful service providers out there.

Jasonsfi

>Comment removed to comply with VZW ToS. Discussion of moderation is not allowed. If you have a concern about moderation, please contact the moderation team or the Sites Administrator<I will say I am happy that Verizon is prolonging the release of KitKat to make sure that if functions properly before pushing it out to their customers. I have been a customer for 15 years I can't tell you how many updates have been push to my phones and how many of them have been rendered useless after the updates.

Message was edited by: Verizon Moderator><

I've been with Verizon for about 12 years and I have never had a problem with any update pushed to my half dozen phones I've had in those years. Even the dreaded 4.3 came out clean.

I work in the industry with all the big four carriers. Verizon is ALMOST ALWAYS last to get a ROM update. It is making me seriously consider moving to another carrier for my personal account.

I think by now you have figured out we are the last ones. Verizon is great at supplying us more signal but when it comes to updates for the customer, that is where they fall short. This will be another 4.3 update as they will not announce anything, it will just be there if you check one day.

WalkGoodPhil

Newbie here to smartphones..... just a few days in fact.

What is KitKat? And why is it so desired?

KitKat is Andriod's latest software upgrade to the operating system on your phone. If you are using a S4 smartphone then your phone's latest upgrade is Jelly Bean. The software upgrades are named after desserts. There has been a number of desserts served since Android was launched years ago.

Why is it so desired? Well all upgrades to the phones operating system are susposed to make features on your phone work better and to correct minor flaws in previous upgrades. The last upgrade created a lot of headaches with people's phones and most who have those problems believe that KitKat will be the fix all. Others want it because they have to have the latest and greatest.

To get a detailed picture of what Android is just google it and there will be a ton of information.

WalkGoodPhil

Thanks for the reply and info! :smileyhappy:

Thing is the trend that Verizon has is not a good one.

Yes, they have the "most reliable network" or at least that is why I switched. Who knows now. But

a) They don't carry many of the popular phones ATT and T-Mo do. Perhaps this is because of their CDMA roots

b) They are always last to get a ROM update

c) Their 4G speed lags the competition, although they have done some AWS changes to help -- but they will eventually be leapfrogged.

Pretty sad state of affairs.

Jasonsfi, being sneaky isn't how we do business. You deserve to hear the truth. Software updates are pushed over the air by the manufacturer. However, these updates may be delayed due to the complexity of the manufacturers' customizations and the potential for performance issues on our network. It's our goal to ensure that you have the best experience on your device. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Trust us, its for the best.

LasinaH_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

bborst3

How do I turn off reply notifications for this thread? I'm getting tired of getting an email every time someone replies to this thread.

Well, it's so great that after one month of the 4.4.2 update came to the first carrier, Verizon still has not yet managed to release it to it's customers.

There have been many custom ROMs out now for a while using 4.4.2. If the custom Rom developers can get problems fixed, why can't Verizon?

I can't see the staggering of the new update by Samsung to be prolonged over a months time.

So how long does Verizon plan on testing this until releasing it?

Fine if we(VZW customers) are not the first to receive new firmware updates right away. But already one month since first U.S. carrier got update to it's S4, and still nothing. Not even an ETA of update.

I've been with Verizon many years. And I have many services through Verizon. But while many other carriers are improving their networks, devices and customer service, Verizon seems to just want to deprive or shut it's customers out of any advances.

With all the times new updates came, I tried to maintain my loyalty to Verizon. Although, like many very frustrated at the untimeliness of it's corporate decisions.

So, maybe this update will come out to us before Android version M is released.

Verizion will release the update when they are 100 percent satisfied with it, and not one second sooner, no matter how much and often people complain about always being last at providing updates. I for one would sooner wait awhile longer knowing that what I will receive and installed on my phone was throughly tested and works like it is susposed to do. So far Verizion has a perfect track record on providing me updates that work 100 percent.

Sigh. This is more than about the ROM update. I work in the industry. Their selection of cell phones is far less than other carriers. And just me -- Cnet echoed that.

This slow ROM udpate is just another symptom in their issues. If I wasn't semi-locked in by the cost of replacement hardware I would be so out of here.

And yes, since I work in the industry I work with multiple smartphones across multiple carriers, and not just the Big Four or even U.S carriers, either. Verizon is always trailing. Why? You can't expect me to believe Verizon is more stringent in their test practices (in fact, in my position, i get to see their pre-release ROM updates).

And that's YOUR opinion! We all have our opinions! We are free to express them as we choose. You have yours, I have mine and many othes all have their our own opinion whether you like it or not.

I very well know Verizon will release when they are good and ready to. That's been the case for years with them. That is something not new to me. Verizon can really give two craps about it's customers anymore. Just look at the new firmware updates prolonged releases and the forcing off unlimited data plans of long time customers. I know that the once great 4G signal they had is always dropping in areas where I had never had issues before. That's due to failure in maitaining the towers that shoot the signal. They're supposed to be be resetting them every so often. But, the process is seldom done unless people complain.

Don't think for one second that Verizon cares about you as a customer.

The only reason I stay with them is because I still hate the fact of switching carriers.

I faced the fact years ago that we(the customers) mean crap to them anymore.

Have a nice day!:smileyhappy:

I totally agree with this. This is ridiculous honestly! Its time for Verizon to step up their game and start producing these updates. The LEAST they could do is send out an announcement saying where they are at with the update and what seems to be the trouble they are having, so THEIR customers know what is going on. I would totally be okay with a slow update if I knew what was going on. Since I don't know what's going on, I'm very frustrated with Verizon.

They've had time to fix what was wrong with the kitkat update, like you said. Its pretty sad that a non-major carrier released kitkat for their S4 customers before a major carrier who has yet to do so.

Tyyrael

Verizon Wireless Customer Support wrote:





We do want to make sure once the update is released that it is working at the highest level possible johnembe. We thank you for your patience and be sure to check this site for all our software updates http://vz.to/1bCKL5B

-PeterV_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

No, you want to add a ton of bloatware that we will never use. Just give us the base update and we are happy!

(Rooting discussion removed as required by Terms of Service)

Totally opposite of Verizon's support.

I bet they drag this update out until April. Not too much longer now! You got to keep saying that month after month anymore.

I think that's when S5 comes out for sale. That is on sale for a few othe carriers other than Verizon so far from what I read here http://www.gottabemobile.com/2014/03/14/samsung-galaxy-s5-release-price-features-everything-we-know/.

Message was edited by: Admin Moderator

I don't know if anyone saw the news out of Google, but come April 14th, Google Wallet will no longer have its tap to pay functionality if your not on Kit Kat. I, for one, use that functionality and would be remiss if I lost it because Verizon is dragging there feet with the Kit Kat update.

Don't get me wrong here, but it's not Verizon's job to know if a software update will enhance my phone. That was Samsung's and to some part Google's job.

in reality, Verizon's only job here should be to make sure the phone still works after update. They should be making sure the end user can still make a phone call, send a text message, and browse the web after a software update is made available.

This is a big reason why carriers and vendors need to stop messing with phones. Third party guys can make efficient Roms because there base off the stock Android code.

I am firm believer that Android handsets need to all be sold with stock android. Samsung should just concentrate on making and eye pleasing piece of hardware and Verizon just needs to ensure the phone works.

I have a Note 3 because it's a sexy phone with good hardware. My decision to buy Samsung has nothing to do with the god awful Touchwiz UI. In fact, I have Go Launcher EX installed to make the phone more useable.

I think the first vendor who would abandon their UI in favor of a software package that would facilitate the changing of custom roms would be sittingo n a gold mine.

At the present time, I stay with Verizon solely because nobody else can match there signal strength in my area.

This amount of time to get this update has made me realize a couple of things. First, If I want timely updates, I need to buy an iphone. Second, if it want no bloatware, I need to buy an iphone. Apparently, next time I need to buy an iphone, since a particular company cannot get its act together with timely Android updates. The largest carrier is the one that gets the update last. I doubt that is by coincidence. Apparently, this S4, will be my last Android device. Time to move on.

It's unfortunate the amount of clout that Apple gets. When compared to high end androids like the Note3, I think Apple's phone is subpar. Android's come with better processors and more ram. Even the screens are better. My wife has an iPhone5 and when I look at it, I feel like I'm looking at a small version of the flat panel in my living room.

I really wish the vendors would make their devices available in both stock Android and there enhanced UI.

That way you could choose what's best for you.

Placebo effect. Apple isn't immune to carrier testing. Carriers do testing alongside app developers in the ADC program. Apple waits until all testing is done and does all OTA by their own servers roughly a month later which gives the perception its all timely. There is no middle man either(OS and hardware done by the same company).

I've been thinking the same thing. I went into a corporate store just the other day and checked out both the iPhone and the Windows phones. My contract expires 12/2014. I have plenty of time to decide.

gpeterden

I haven't figured out what the big deal is with getting 4.4.2 KitKat for the S4. After seeing a lot of reviews with the S4 and KitKat there isn't a big improvement. Now if I had an Nexus 5 it would be a different story, there is a lot of improvements and enhancements. Of course the Nexus is a true Google device and I think that will be my next phone.

The reasons people may want the new update can vary. There's people like myself, that do want the new update. I want it for the new minor features and bug fixes of course, but that's was the main reason. When the update comes out for the first major U.S. carrier over a month ago, and Verizon still does not have the update out, that makes people like me, frustrated. Not only do we want the minor features and bug fixes, we also want the newest software on our phones, especially when all the other carriers who have the same phone, have a new update out. And this becomes the want when the update take months to come out and still aren't out.

To be completely honest, I'm not worried about the minor features and bug fixes now. I want the ability to say, "Yes, my phone has KIT KAT 4.4.2" not "Oh.... I still have Jelly Bean 4.3." Its just something that bugs some people, including myself.

pavilion99

You are definitely not alone in that. I have been checking every day for the last month, and I'm tired of telling people that I haven't yet used KitKat when they ask me what I think of it.

RalphRoberts

I check every day also and every day it says "Your SAMSUNG SCH-1545 is up to date."

No, Verizon, it is NOT up to date.

Being last is not doing right by your customers.

>>>You can't expect me to believe Verizon is more stringent in their test practices...

And that right there is what grinds my gears when it comes to Verizon. They (Verizon) know when Google released the latest OS update. Verizon just hopes that their customers don't know when KitKat was released. I have news for you Verizon. I know when it was released, and my math tells me that it's at least 4 months since KitKat was released.

Presuming that the Verizon employees responsible for giving OS updates the green light work 8 hrs a day 40 hrs a week, you (Verizon) have had more than enough time to get your act together.

Which is exactly what I am talking about. There are no useless Verizon apps & extra bloat on an iphone. All Apple devices that can receive the update, do so at the same time from Apple. All the Android devices get staggered rollouts. The users are not informed as to what the rollout schedule is, either from the manufacturer or the carrier. Now we end up in situations like this where every other carrier has rolled out the updatess except for Verizon. We sit and wait. Meanwhile, articles are cropping up online indicating that the previous generation phones, S3s in this case are being soak tested for KitKat 4.4.x. Not all the S4s are upgraded yet, why do we have to wait? It's a problem, and its alienating Android users who pay attention and are growing tired of it.

gpeterden

I'm thankful that it hasn't been released. Two of my friends are on T-Mobile and ATT and told me that they have lost 30% of the battery life on the SG4 and they have to wait until Google release a patch to fix it. The Samsung Note 3 is having GPS issues with the upgrade. Just think if it was released with a bug like that everyone would complain about the issues with the upgrade. I can see why Verizon isn't the first out they want to make sure what they push out isn't going to cause more problems.

Not so fast. There were problems with 4.3, and that was after extensive testing by vzw.

lando13

gpeterden wrote:
I'm thankful that it hasn't been released. Two of my friends are on T-Mobile and ATT and told me that they have lost 30% of the battery life on the SG4 and they have to wait until Google release a patch to fix it. The Samsung Note 3 is having GPS issues with the upgrade. Just think if it was released with a bug like that everyone would complain about the issues with the upgrade. I can see why Verizon isn't the first out they want to make sure what they push out isn't going to cause more problems.

Two of my friends have the S4 on Sprint - they've had the update for like a month. They have reported 0 issues.

Looked today for the KK 4.4 update... sure enough, nothing yet still... what great service Samsung GS4 users are getting in comparison to the other US carriers...

I'm in no great hurry for it. The HTC One got their KK update and now there is a whole lot of people on that site crying the blues because of all the problems. I'll stay with a very stable 4.3 for awhile, and see what happens to the S4 once users start downloading it.

mcarr

One of the reasons is Verizon has a lot of bloatware in their customizations, getting these to work with the vendors devices/software is a tedious task (like ensuring the bootloader is locked and trying to PREVENT owners of devices from customizing THEIR devices).

With that said, Verizon also has a very thorough testing process (been involved with integrating services with them in the past) to make sure everything works as designed and to their specs.

I am not aware of how long it takes to test the NSA channel, after all I am sure they need to make sure the government is able to record and track our every move, this must take some time.

That isn't going to happen... That would violate open source in on itself, and it isn't up to carriers to put it forward themselves. Another thing... It has been expressed multiple times, and even Google found out that FCC approval takes longer than carrier testing(average of 6 months). They found out the average testing time was 1 month, and that's without them finding any bugs, but if they do then it extends the time because it gets sent back to the manufacturer(carriers doesn't touch ANY CODE what-so-ever).

This is why I said pressure manufacturers, and change how the FCC does their testing, and times would improve. Pressuring the carrier does almost NOTHING because their testing times tend to be the shortest(Google/Sony AOSP project). This is why Google changed how they release code to shorten the time between FCC testing and actual release.

Of course it's easier to blame the carrier because they are the closest and everyone believe they are entitled to something because they sign a 2 year contract for a phone(which the carrier didn't even manufacturer which I can never understand). Europe gets it and they get updates quicker, and their governments are more hands off(Google/Sony AOSP project).

mcarr

Not everyone gets the "free" phone deal, some people pay for it up front. I

am one of them and I want the latest and greatest on MY phone.

That will never happen. Euro also makes the phones an investment and therefore the service costs much less. So far, only T-Mo has been willing to try this business model. All other carriers continue to subsidize phones & charge outrageous fees for service. They tried to present an Euro style opportunity with Edge, charging,you more a month but allowing quicker upgrades than 2 years. I'm ready to ditch the subsidy for cheaper service fees. It's a better deal for most consumers in the long run.

Okay Tidbits.

What if you pay full price for the phone. The last two phones I've owned since Verizon brought forth the Share Your Wallet plan have been purchased at full retail.

Am I not entitled to updates sooner than April the 41st during a quadruple leap year?

The T-Mobile model will never happen at Verizon.

Fran Shammo himself said at an investor's conference that Verizon is out to make a profit and Share Everything was vehicle that would get them there.

Verizon has testified before congress explaining that a portion of the service cost pays back the carrier subdidy (a fact mentioned in SEC filings as well) of a two contract, but refuses to drop that fee once a contract is complete. I've been out of contract since November, but pay the same still.

Talk with your money and not your mouth. I have said that COUNTLESS times. People are treating a LUXURY(which cell phones always will be. We can live without them).

Like I said multiple times. I only have Verizon because my work place pays for it. I personally use T-Mobile with OK coverage.

They can get 2 year contracts as well which it T-Mobiles model.

The reason why carriers are on the fence about using this model... See T-Mobile forums. People don't, and can't fathom the new model. I explain it there often on those forums.

Same here! I paid upfront for mine too. I want the newest firmware without all Verizon's B.S. with not releasing it to the very model that every other carrier has already released it to.

If Verizon would stop screwing around with the updates and let them roll out, they would gain more respect from it's customers. Coz how it stands now, they are continuously aggravating the very people who make them a major wireless carrier.

As I have said b4 this is just one symptom of -- what, Verizon cockiness? Why is the no. 1 wireless carrier in the U.S. the only one of the big four without a Nexus 5, for example? That makes absolutely no sense.

They also don't have a Sony Z1 or variant (I do understand T-Mo has an exclusive but I wouldn't expect Big Red to carry the device anyway).

Meanwhile they shove silly things like the Casio Commando down our throats.

edward_f

I wanted to add my 2 cents; I called Verizon customer service and they put me on hold to call Samsung; they said that Samsung said "the Kit Kat 4.3 update would be out in 3 weeks. UGH!!!! Then I call Samsung customer service and they said tthat the carrier pushes out the update; which when I was on the phone previously with Verizon they said the manufacturer pushes out the update. I cant take this any more...give me a Nexus or an iPhone. When you buy a premium device you expect premium service.I dont know if Kit Kat 4.3 update meant we are now going to have to wait for 4.4.3 or what.

dboyyy88

I have been patient for two months. And now, i created a login account to put my 2 cents in. Ever since i heard about the new operating system kitkat about a year ago. I was so excited about it, after all, its not every day a new Android OS is developed and pushed out RIGHT? I bought my s4 in November, and was told by a Best Buy associate the update was coming soon.

Ill just cut to the chase. ..

Verizon wants to use the excuse that they're ensuring that it works properly and that we get the "best experience" and I say, YOU'RE VERIZON, THE MOBILE CARRIER THAT'S SUPPOSEDLY THE BEST, SURE IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE. YOU'D THINK WITH ALL THE MONEY WE PAY FOR OUR PHONE BILL YOU'D JUMP ON THAT ****, HIRE A SKILLED INTELLIGENT ANDROID DEVELOPER TO GET ON THAT BEFORE ALL THE CARRIERS, AND HAVE OUR UPDATE READY SO WE CAN SHOW SOME **** PRIDE IN OUR MOBILE CARRIER THAT WE ARE ENSLAVED TO PERIODICALLY EVERY 2 YEARS!!

THE BEST EXPERIENCE IS NOT months and months late after its all ****** old and everybody has already been there done that. Its like seeing a movie at the 99 CENT dollar theater when its in between the theater and DVD downtown near the liquor store and the homeless shelter.

The seats are played out, the popcorn is old and STALE the hot dogs are rubbery. and the soda is flat!

GET WITH IT, OR UNLOCK THE BOOTLOADER. PERIOD!

I for one will not be signing another contract with VERIZON when my contract is up.

dboyyy88

Exactly

http://www.androidcentral.com/why-you-ll-never-have-latest-version-android

Here's an interesting read from androidcentral.com

It's titled: Why you'll never have the latest version of Android.

That article has said what I had said earlier and in multiple other threads... Go figure...

johnembe

Weeks behind your competition......really verizon??? Weeks behind!!!! Where is our KitKat??? ALL the other carriers have it in the US. Where is it??

edward_f

I spoke to a Verizon rep yesterday about where or when this update would happen; she put me on hold to call Samsung; and, when she came back on she told me the "4.3" update will come in 3 weeks. I am beginning to think with news of 4.4.2 having lots of bugs that Verizon is waiting for 4.4.3 to update our beloved S4's. Though this article does not confirm my suspicions it helps to give it a little more validity. See this link: http://global.christianpost.com/news/android-4-4-3-kitkat-update-to-roll-out-to-galaxy-s4-galaxy-s5-nexus-5-and-other-smartphones-116710/

May the Force of a quick update be on us soon.

I suspected the same thing as Verizon has done this in the past with the S3 (over a year before that phone received an update) when I saw this article yesterday. You could be right but it would be nice if Verizon would keep their money, I mean customers informed. A simple update as such would be nice but I know... they won't...

Meanwhile on other US carriers...

Well, if that's what she said.. I believe it. My girlfriend has another carrier but in the same area as me, one of the major U.S. Carriers. I can't say which one because I'm sure it will go against the terms of service here or whatever, but she recently got her S4, and does not have the option to update to 4.4.2. She's currently on 4.3 like we are on Verizon. I'm assuming this specific carrier removed the kitkat update because of the bugs and is waiting/testing out 4.4.3 for the bug fixes, etc.

So thinking of it in that way, makes me believe Verizon is actually waiting for 4.4.3 or is currently testing it right now.

Which means many more months of waiting since that update hasn't finished being tested by Google as well... So the S4 is now the S3, in terms of how the phone was forgotten when it came to updates...

Bingo. If you communicate and keep your customers informed as to what is happening, they will be a lot more understanding as to why there are no updates when others are getting them. It's like communication is a forlorn subject when it comes to wireless carriers, which happens to be very ironic, since that is what customers are paying for -- the ability to communicate. Perhaps the carriers should be better at this? I know, everyone can wish and have a pipe dream!

Jason_Kirk

So Verizon has yet to release Android Kit Kat.. Which doesn't surprise me Big Red is always the last one behind when it comes to software updates.. So I guess I'll have to wait until Android launches 4.5 Lollipop.. Then I may get Kit Kat...

Verizon must be having a problem with the Bloatware.. It's a darn shame that I can't play Let's Golf 33...

Seriously Verizon.. This must be the reason Verizon Edge was created so that way instead of waiting on new software updates.. we can run out and buy a new phone..

Get with it.. and leave out Let's Golf 33..

tommyleeruiz

I do want to remind everyone that the 4.3 Update came out first with Verizon, although the fact that it opened Galaxy Gear ability more then likely influenced the fastest update time of all the US Carriers with the S4 4.3 update... Money moves Verizons world and it is terrible how all customers are always the butt of the joke...

Sparky13

tommyleeruiz2001 wrote:
I do want to remind everyone that the 4.3 Update came out first with Verizon...

That is true. I had forgotten about the one time Verizon came first with an update, cause at the time I still had the S3 and was waiting in the cold for 4.3 while all the other carriers got it first on their S3's...

I think that was done because that version was need on the phones to get the watch and other things to work together and there was a big chance that they would get to sell more accessories. I don't think it had anything to do with VZW/Samsung being nice to its subscribers. VZW was thinking of the VZW bottom line only.

Yeah, they don't make any money if they keep our phones up to date but when you trade in your old phone, instead of selling it yourself, you not only pay them for a new phone but give them something to refurbish and sell to some other sucker. Then, by the time you pay off the "new" phone, it's out of date and time for you to trade in for another. And the cycle will keep going as they turn a profit, your phone never is up to date, and you have paid more than double for the service. It's a very evil money scheme that places you into more debt.

Sounds better for the manufacturer than the carrier. Doesn't matter what OS you are on the make the same amount of money regardless.

dposey001

Not very good PR when you claim to be the best carrier. You should be period. Means you should have the phones first and the first with with updates. If not don't let your reps say false claims and your ads should say we try to be the best even if we aren't. Sad thing how big companies take care of there customers

T1geRKat086

I am beside my self as well, but I am legitimately scared when I hear people saying please please and begging for a software update. Absolutely ridiculous. I think you are going to make it through this SOME HOW.

I would like to know what is so important about this update that some can't live without it. I'm starting to believe that there might be an OCD developing. Your are correct, absolutely rediculous.

Some people, like me, like to have their phones on the latest version. We bought these phones, contract or not, they're ours. And we chose Verizon as a carrier. It is Verizon and the manufacturers job to keep these phones updated, like they said. So no, its not a big deal. Do I want my phone upgraded? It better be updated to the latest version. Its quite ridiculous that its not updated, to be completely honest.

http://www.android.com/versions/kit-kat-4-4/

The issue, in my mind, is more a symptom than an issue itself. The fact that Verizon always seems late to release ROMs and is missing devices that many other carriers have -- no G Flex, no Xperia Z1 (though understand T-Mo has exclusivity with Z1S) -- is a bigger issue, but the ROM update complaints are just part of the bigger overarching problem.

zmas

I grow pretty tired of paying the highest price for wireless service in the industry and receiving our updates last. If we are being charged a premium shouldn't we get premium service?

T-Mobile probably going to get my business when this contract is up.

Being charged multiple times for the same thing.. (Voice, Data, Text... it is all just data).

gpeterden

Most likely KitKat notice will be released April 1st and will be the biggest April Fools Day joke because it isn't going to happen.

rcschnoor

KevKevKev147 wrote:
Some people, like me, like to have their phones on the latest version. We bought these phones, contract or not, they're ours. And we chose Verizon as a carrier.

Then you should most likely choose another carrier if you want the latest version of the phone OS. Wanting to have your phones on the latest OS and choosing Verizon as a carrier would seem to be 2 mutually exclusive choices. Kind of like saying you want a luxury car and being surprised when a Honda Civic does not meet your expectations.

edward_f

T-Mobile is offering to buy you out of your contract if you pre-order the S5 before March 31st....very tempting.

gpeterden, let's be optimistic! Stay tuned for upcoming software updates here: http://bit.ly/n5snpq

LasinaH_VZWFollow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

rcschnoor

Optimistic? How bout realistic. Once ALL other carriers have pushed out an update, simply add another 3-6 months before you can expect it from Verizon. Actually, that is both "realistic" AND "optimistic"!

Problem is we've been optimistic.

We were optimistic as the major carriers started releasing the update. We were optimistic as the last major carrier released the update. We have been optimistic in the weeks since the last major carrier rolled out the update.

We are tired of being optimistic.

What we are looking for is action on Verizon's part.

Prove to us that you are the #1 carrier and worth the exorbitant excess we pay you as compared to other carriers.

mule0331

weren't you just on another post ranting to customer service, telling them there was nothing they could do for you because you had already ordered phones from another carrier? You should have got it by now, so what does it matter what VZW does at this point?

pavilion99

And so goes by another disappointing week of "Your SAMSUNG SCH-I545 is up to date." Stop lying. Now.

I just love how long the Verizon website was down as well. I was trying the support forum for a long time and it was down almost 24 hours... A sign? Perhaps... optimism is not a trait of Verizon customers with android phones.

24 hours is not a long time to be off line for maintainence. Your car even has to go in sometimes.

They are not lying, If you have 4.3 it's up to date for Verizion Phones.

pavilion99

I realize that it's up to date for Verizon phones, I simply meant that I have been waiting for several months for this update to come to my phone and the "up to date" screen has been the bane of my existence for the last few weeks, while all my friends on AT&T have the update already.

I agree. Anytime there is a new release of the OS on my phone and my phone has been designated for the update, then I expect the update to be timely. If after several months a release of an update has not made it my phone, then my phone is not "up to date." I don't care if Verizon, or who ever the carrier is, has not had time to load their bloatware onto it, I expect the update to arrive timely. Seeing that the last carrier updated our GS4 on the 10th, and we have yet to receive it, does not invoke confidence in my carrier. It makes me wonder what exactly they are doing with all this time and what they are doing to alter the update that should have made it to my phone. It makes me worry about how they are messing it up and what it will do that I do not want it to. Since my area is getting 4G by other carriers, as well as solid signal strengths, it might be time to change as this is getting old. If anyone has the link to another carrier that will pay for my early termination fees, please post the link for us.

I sure hope I don't get this affliction. You know you can just stop pressing that "Check for Update" box for awhile and some of your missery might go away.

BigSteveO

Typical Verizon bull $h! T.. GN3 is a great phone but Verizon is absolutely terrible when it comes to updating phones.. Had nexus before this phone and was consistently months behind on updates for a phone that's supposed to be updated first... I would leave and never think of coming back if I had another service provider in the area.. And Verizon there is no scripted BS response that one of your customer service people can post here that would ever change my opinion of your garbage company!!!

alias73

I think everyone would calm down if Verizon would just keep them posted on their plans. "Can you hear me now" NO Verizon, no one can hear you because you aren't sayong anything! Someone in PR needs to go back to school or just plain and simple be fired. And shame on Verizon Wireless management for allowing business to be run in such a way to treat customers like this. I guess the concept of the valued customer is foreign to them.

pavilion99,

Phew! Glad to hear it's running smoothly, as it should. Please let us know if you have any specific concerns with the phone's functions or your service. Once the software upgrade is ready, you will be notified; you can also register for alerts about new products here http://bit.ly/1pyBQXd .

AdaS_VZW

Follow us on Twitter at @VZWSupport

rcschnoor

This is untrue, unless the plans coincided with what people thought was appropriate. If Verizon came out with a statement that put the schedule of KitKat being released on October 1, 2014, people WOULD NOT calm down!

Putting out information about an update that Verizon has scheduled to release 4-5 months AFTER everyone else released the update would do nothing to stop this type of thread.:smileyhappy:

medic_a53

OK I have a gs4 and vzw ellipsis 7 and both have supposed updates But I called vzw tech support and got the run around like everyone else got to love being screwed twice thanks vzw