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Sharing KitKat update complaints, there should be plenty

Wanted to open up a new discussion for those of us unhappy about the forced "down" grade to KitKat. I am using a droid RazrM and was highly satisfied with the Jelly Bean OS. I have not noticed anything good or beneficial about the move to KitKat.

My biggest complaint is the loss of Swype input. This was one of the major reasons I went with Android rather than Apple. Now texting is tedious.

Secondly, also regarding messaging, the layout is now white on white and is nearly impossible to read a message thread without eye strain.

I am extremely unhappy and dissatisfied with the 'terms' of Verizon services. Users should be allowed to choose to upgrade or not.

NOTE TO VERIZON SUPPORT and MANAGEMENT: You have a large number of unhappy customers and are not, as of this writing, giving any alternative to the KitKat upgrade. This is not how you gain loyalty.

Comments

sliight

I'm still having issues with the Droid DNA. Fortunately it's not a complete bricking like half the phones out there. Hopefully we don't get a "I know how you feel, I use that everyday and know how important it is" canned response.

Short version - I see three options for me

1. Verizon gives us a realistic ETA for fixing the untested KitKat rollout, then I make a decision.

2. Go into store and give them the option to give me a new free comparable or better phone, or move to a new provider (zero shot of me paying for another's mistake - ultimately if I thought it would have an impact I'd leave just to provide a valuable business lesson to corporate. However, I have a feeling it's cheaper to skip testing and have the customer base do it for you... probably lose very few, but get free beta testers)

3. Just root the phone and go with a solid TESTED XDA app. (Verizon should really figure out a way to hire even one of those guys over at XDA developers... would be less issues when you "upgrade" ... yes I laughed out loud saying upgrade.

So, what will be it Verizoners? 1, 2, or 3?

Dune1969

My motorola droid razor maxx hd recently downloaded the kitkat update. Now my Google Navigation (blue arrow)
does not open into navigation mode. Instead it opens up Google Maps, which is inferior and not user friendly.
I need the old Google Navigation blue arrow back with the speedy navigation features it offered. No joke, this
kitkat update is broken! It changed my text background to white, making it harder to read. It removed my alarm
snooze button and makes it harder to snooze my alarm. It made Hangouts my primary IM tool. Etc, etc, etc.

Motorola and Google should make a "revert to previous OS" button when a new OS is pushed out for those of us
that either do not want to update for personal reasons (as consumers that is our right) or to allow us to
revert back in order to fix our phones so we can use them!!

Help! I need to revert back to my prior OS. How can I do this?

Verizon needs to:

1. Restore my original navigation (blue arrow) since that is the GPS app of choice.

2. Restore all of the IM background defaults to usable colors.

3. Restore my notification lights....it only uses white lights now!

4. Restore my phone so that the keypad automatically pops up when I have to enter a number. Right now when I am going through a voice menu on a call I have to pull the phone away and manually select KEYPAD before I can enter any numbers!

Bottom line: Verizon needs.....NEEDS....to allow paying customers the ability to revert back to the previous OS version their phone was using if the customer decides the new OS changes makes their Verizon experience worse. Kit Kat sucks and I want to revert back to the previous version of Android that I had.

Akivar

I am extremely disappointed with the Messaging Update the Login Screen (pass code entry) and the Keyboard Update.

First off the Messaging -

It is blinding and not the "Dark Theme" I had before. I liked that and want to have the option to have it back...
The whole theme and way of doing things in messaging has changed and I do not like the changes...

Second The Login Screen..

Why in the hell would I ever swipe left or right from there... It has caused me to fail putting in my proper pass code due to it thinking I wanted to change my screen from the only panel there has ever been... >_>

The only upside to this is the Alarm System is nicer looking and easier to use when you get used to it...
However the first time I received a call since the Update I was perplexed as how I was supposed to answer the call.the

I do like the ability to dismiss future alarms. So pretty much the Alarms is the only Good Thing I've Seen.

FINALLY THE KEYBOARD...

Oh I am furious with this... There are 2 things that I used to use all the time that I can no longer use properly, or as I intended to use them in the past...

The [ ! ] Key is now replaced with the [ * ] Key... What? That doesn't make sense...

Then the ^_^ face i used to do all the time is now ^°^... I now have to go from just 3 quick key presses just like asa or dsd or dfd to Left Shift + Symbol Key + [ ^ ] - Left Shift + Symbol Key [ _ ] - Left Shift + Symbol Key + [ ^ ]... This frustrates me like no other...

What's worse is I cannot Re-Program a Key or change to another Key Board.

WHY ARE YOU FORCING A COMPLETE CHANGE INSTEAD OF IMPLEMENTING AN IN ADDITION TO... I thought you were supposed to be the best Wireless Carrier and were supposed to look out for your customers interest... not Mega Corp Force People to do things a certain way... the people like options and choices not sudden changes....

Sincerly a person considering alternative options due to this situation.

TheJoeG

I'm experiencing issues with texting. Over the last couple days, every text message I send fails at least once before successfully sending. The behavior is consistent. I've had no issues before this. I have a Galaxy Nexus.

nls3327

I agree with customers having the option to revert back to the original operating system. I now have to charge my phone as many as 3 times a day, at least 2 times every day! Tech support was no help. We supposedly backed all of my data up and then did a factory reset, I lost so much stuff it isn't funny! It didn't help the battery life at all. I unplugged my phone from the charger the other night and put it on battery saver and by the next morning it was down to 70% with NO use at all! By noon it was back on the charger because it was completely dead with very little use. We tried to not download the update into my husband's phone because of the problems that I was having and it finally quit asking and just downloaded anyway. I want my old OS back---this one stinks! The alarms suck, the missing alphabet by the my contacts makes it take longer to find a contact, my battery life or lack there of, and all of these stupid Google apps that I don't want. When I disabled them they still updated! WTH is that? Apps with a life of their own! And a phone that turns itself on and off at will, really? This was an UPdate? I think not! FIX my PHONE!

samhandwich22

I miss the recent days when I could go into my list of contacts and immediately jump to the letter of the name I was searching for. I dont understand why anything calling itself an upgrade would take away function in a device. The blinding white light of texting is horrendous. The only improvement I have noticed is that the touch screen sensitivity seems to be improved, however I am still unsure if this is just me.

dylismith

You know, I remember that for many years Microsoft had terrible press with Windows updates. Updates were rolled out and Microsoft was just as surprised as all those millions of users when the OS acted up or broke. It seems that the Android folks are learning the same lessons. In their rush to get out a new thing, they don't fully test the new version and get burned. My DROID RAZR MAXX HD is having its share of problems with 4.4.2. I suspect that eventually it'll be fixed, but it would have been better had the OS update been better tested before they rolled it out. Just saying....

stephanie11

oh my gosh!! I didn't realize it was a downgrade. I completely agree with your statements. I am not happy and feel "handicapped" without my swype and the white on white is awful.

Tidbits

Its been said multiple times...

Verizon and Motorola has nothing to do with Swype being missing. Nuance revoked the license of their beta keyboard and are now selling licensing for their keyboards on the play store.

The warning you get all keyboards give the same warning and even the preinstalled ones.

stephanie11

I agree that taking away the letters on the side is ridiculous. You spend too much time trying to figure where the letters are, but it is almost as fast to scroll to the letter.

stephanie11

This was my first time on the boards because I haven't had any issues with verizon or my phone. If I want to download the app for swype what would you suggest I type in to find it quickly.

Tidbits

Open the Play Store and then search for Nuance or Swype.

You can use this link here.

Swype Keyboard - Android Apps on Google Play

Don't worry at the warning. Any keyboard is required to give that message including preinstalled ones. It is somewhat sad that Nuance revoked the beta licensing imho, but they are out to make money on something they spent a lot of time developing.

nannyx6

I hate this new update! I can shut off the mobile data yet suddenly instead of being connected to my wireless it's jumped back without me knowing to mobile data. I can't get rid of text messages I've read without shutting the phone completely down. Sometimes I get a text message alert - sometimes not (by the way I hate the white alert now). I also don't like how you have to keep going back and back within you text messages to text someone new. Sometimes it saves pictures I'm sent thru texting sometimes not - what's the deal??? Sometimes auto correct works in texting sometimes not - if I want to use it I have to shut down AGAIN and then "maybe" it will work. Battery drains much to fast now - wish there was an UNDO button!!! I don't get it, why fix it if it doesn't need fixing?? Please give us the option of going back to the old operating system!!!!!

b2d

I would like to update my problem list from recent update. I now receive repeated text alerts from messages I've already read. Also I will join the folks who have noticed a significant decrease in battery life. I used to be able to go more than one day on a full charge. Now I have to charge midday and usually again at night. This is with using the phone only to text and make calls. I have also noticed that my screen will brighten randomly no matter that I have set the brightness lower.

Once again I'd like to call out Verizon management and customer care. YOU HAVE A MANY DISSATISFIED CUSTOMERS who are requesting the option to choose the operating system that we use on our personal mobile devices.

cwk-az

I got the notice about the OS update this morning and delayed it for 12 hours. Phone tells me to be sure I'm plugged in and have a good data connection. But wait, 4 hours later, I'm on my way home and the phone vibrates. It's updating all by itself. Without being plugged in. And presumably using my 4G data, which I'm already a third of the way through for the month since losing my "grandfathered" unlimited data plan. I tried turning it off, but the progress bar just kept marching as I rode down the highway in my carpool with no WiFi in sight.

I'm less concerned about other cosmetics, although the texting screen contrast is, as noted by others, marginal at best. I haven't used it enough to form any other opinions..

Scoobyshack

Add my name to the list - Factory Data Reset, no change for the good. 1) Battery life is crazy bad - lose 1 percent every 2-3 minutes. Used to go 24 hours without needing a charge. 2) Battery overheats constantly 3) Phone shuts down (see battery overheats) 4) Widgets disappear from home screen 5) Signal strength on ALL radios are degraded - 1x where I got 3G, 3G where I got 4G, 1 bar where I got 4 bars, bluetooth disappears at 10 feet where it used to be 30 feet 6) touch screen unresponsive 7) minor but inuslt to injury annoyances like can't read battery metere because of green to white change, etc. etc. Stop giving us platitudes, Verizon. When will it be fixed?!?

Choiceadvocate

I have been happily eating jelly beans for several years, and the shop keeper (verizon) said "try this new thing we have called a Kit Kat." The first bite was exciting simply because it was new, however, after a few bites I realize that Kit Kat is far too sweet for me, or maybe I am chocolate intolerant. I tell the shop keeper thanks for the Kit Kat, but I would rather buy another bag of jelly beans, and this is what he tells me: "Sorry kid, once you have tried a Kit Kat you can never eat jelly beans again... this is for your own good, now get out of my store unless you want to buy something else I tell you is good for you."

The booting driod animation was actually loud enough to hear, with all the clicks and whooshes and fun stuff I want from my pocket computer of the future. Unfortunately the amazingly intricate pattern I use to open my phone (I use all the dots) required several attempts to open as the pattern of dots is smaller, but my fingers did not shrink when I updated "my" phone, is there an app for that?

Home screen opens, and my live wallpaper colors have changed, try as I might I cannot achieve the same cool relaxing pallet with glaring white icons on top, my screen is either too dim, or the status bar icons (like battery wifi etc) are too bright, no happy medium.

So I think I can learn to live with some minor aesthetic changes and get over the fact that I cannot see the pale white icons with my screen set the way I like it...

And then I get a text message... Wow, it is like preschool all over again, reading some drab boring book made for people who have poor vision or something. So I check the settings, comfortable with the fact that this is not i-phone, this is android, open source, and synonymous with choice where customization is king... So the shop keeper buts back in and says "it's for your own good, that other one was bad for your eyes and will give you tumors..."

Just because Verizon did not make this version of the android software does not excuse them from the responsibility to make sure their customers want are happy. Those of us brave enough to try this new OS are not rewarded for our bravery, we are punished to be sequestered in this drab, unpleasant, zombified version of our old phones. Even the snootiest restaurant will take back a meal if it does not suit your pallet, allowing you to try new things without having to suffer through the same ill ordered meal every time you want to send and/or receive communications and information from our fellow humans.

Verizon Shame on you, we are very disappointed in your lack of even the most common service to your customers. Time to grow up and take some responsibility for your actions instead of giving us the "It wasn't us, it was Google." line. Many other devices that have been downgraded to Kit Kat can be wiped and re flashed with the much more pleasant jelly bean OS. Get your act together, you are supposed to be a multimillion dollar company, not some street vender that disappears like a cockroach as soon as the lights come on.

Impress us...

Tidbits

All the changes... are from Google, and anything put on top is the manufacturers. That's a FACT... You people need to make up your minds. Do you want updates and newer OS improvements? Yes then the bad comes with it and it comes from Google as they OWN the operating system. Anything on top of that is at the discretion of the manufacturers as marked my ASL provisioning.

Manufacturers do the updates on top of what Google does. All manufacturers have already admitted many times before that carriers don't touch the code only test the code. Google also backed off the line "It's the carrier's fault" as soon as they did the Sony/Google joint AOSP project. A lot has changed because of that as they finally realized carriers were the least of the problems.

Here's some reading materials. When the next major OS change happens you can often find the changes here and you'll find them in all devices as they are being update with manufacturers twist. Remember Touchwiz isn't owned by Verizon... or any carrier for that matter for example. It's owned by Samsung. Samsung is the one that bars downgrading not Verizon. All versions of Samsung devices regardless if they are unlocked, unbranded, or carrier branded can't be downgraded at all unless you are willing to void your warranty to do so. I would link a website where things could be done but it violates the terms of these boards. You will find the same information to do what you want to do and you'd find it affects all Samsung devices that were upgraded to 4.3 or higher.

Android Developers

Patience_Gone

I used to like eating Jelly Beans too. I didn't mind changing and trying something new. I thought I was going to like Kit Kats, oh but no. My store owner (Verizon) was selling bad Kit Kats. Too bad Kit Kat completely changed the Know security kernels so that it is impossible to ever enjoy Jellybeans again. If only I could go back in time and have a phone that still had Jelly Bean on it. I would then quickly gain root access to that phone (who cares if it ruins the manufacturers warranty, i still have insurance and my phone would still work) I could then have access to the 2 system files that open the door for Kit Kat to be installed, and I could rename those files so that the phone did not recognize them, and I would never ever have to install Kit Kat. I could enjoy Jellybeans again.

Tidbits

Actually it does affects insurance. There is a clause within insurance that you can't deliberately void your warranty. So if you brick your phone and they find out your hacked your phone you actually voided your insurance. To gain root you have to Intentionally/deliberately do it.

I would be careful with that :smileyhappy:

Patience_Gone

You are correct Tidbits, but it only applies for warranty coverage. You still have insurance coverage for theft or lost phones. But when and if I need to send the phone in, everything done can be reversed. That's why I only rename files, not delete, and I download the latest updates and save them, I just don't install them.

b2d

Well said. I want to add that now certain apps don't recognize my sd card, and yes, I have restarted my phone unmounted and then mounted the card. No luck and the list of complaints grows.

A note to tidbits... please read the original post again. This is for folks to voice complaints and problems. Clearly you have some affiliation with Verizon. If you'd like to start a discussion listing all the things you like about kitkat, please do. Otherwise please keep your excuses to yourself.

This update has brought to light a complete failure of customer service. Verizon is the carrier and last time I checked we are billed by Verizon, not Google

Tidbits

those changes are set by Google... People said SDcard changes are coming since 3.0 Honeycomb, and it didn't go full effect until recently. People were complaining over and over and over I want XYZ update. If you want changes take it up with Google as it's their OS, and manufacturers. All these changes are WORLDWIDE. To think Verizon has enough power to affect the world industry... Sorry it's going to happen. Google can because it's their OS, and manufacturers will comply because well putting Android on their phones are lucrative.

No I do not have affiliation. I am willing to bet my house, and my car on that. Including my current job too. I say the same thing on OTHER user forums whether it's XDA, T-Mobile, and AT&T forums.

You pay Verizon for services, not what goes onto your phone or any "real" support for your phone. Verizon doesn't touch any of the code, and only requests things to the manufacturers. This has already been said by the manufacturers themselves MULTIPLE times.

Choiceadvocate

I get it, now I have a couple questions,

Why would someone come into a thread that is describing all the woes we have with a new operating system just to tell us "I am so sorry your porridge tastes like dirt, here is a bigger spoon, and once you finish that bowl I have another one for you with real crunchy dirt inside!" :-)

Why would someone who does not work for a company not only tow the company line but bet all their worldly possessions on company policy?

My grandmother loved to tell people they were wrong, sometimes she would even make up facts right on the spot... When their shoulders finally slumped after her barrage of disappointing facts often full of fiction, you should have heard her cackle, it was an evil sound that still brings me chills to think of it.

The trick to getting warranty service on a phone that you accidentally bricked is not to tell them you bricked your phone. duh. I never paid for or needed a warranty but most of the warranties I have read that cover breakage also cover loss... The story about George Washing never telling a lie, was a lie. If George can do it... Oh and Verizon is not watching you use your phone, the voice that tells you this in your head is called paranoia.

When oppression turns a lion into a sheep, the sheep becomes a dream stealer, feeding on the misery of others. Recapture your dreams, become a lion again, look for reasons we can, not reasons we can't...

deadnote3

After OTA- "mobile network not available"- can make 1 call out of 30. Very dangerous and 100% unacceptable.

Random reboots

Running hot

Short battery life

Phone was perfect before OTA- now junk. VZW customer support having a hard time admitting they're aware of this problem. VZW rep at corporate store said it's a huge problem and offered me a refurb. Why would i want a refurb? My phone is perfect, at least it was until i took the OTA. I see this all coming to a very ugly end unless they get this fixed pronto.

Silverpodgirl

I now literally consider my Galaxy S3 USELESS. I have to now charge it so often that I am literally afraid that I will be out somewhere and have an emergency and the phone will be dead. I used to be able to go more than a day without charging and I now have to charge 2-3 times a day with VERY light use. I unplug my phone in the morning and get ready and by the time I get to work about an hour later, it has lost at least 20% of the charge. I am so PISSED OFF My phone is now unreliable and may not be functional when I really need it. This is UNACCEPTABLE. Easy fix...let people go back to the previous version. Problem solved Verizon.

Tidbits

Talk to Samsung. Samsung made the RULE not Verizon. There are 0 samsung devices worldwide that can't downgrade once upgraded to this version.

LRVassar

I would suggest that many of you do more research into custom ROM's for your devices. While they are not supported by Verizon, they make the mobile experience so much better.

CoolV300C

I suppose going the custom ROM route would work if there weren't so many security patches issued locking the bootloader and such. I have been a subscriber here since the bag phone days and can't recall such an epic failure in customer service. I was offered the edge plan as the only solution, when clearly a non android replacement under contract should have been offered. I didn't break the phone the update did. Due to design changes functions I used are gone from the os and I was told everything from the update didn't apply cleanly to I should switch out the radio in my car. At this point I'm considering leaving Verizon altogether. I shouldn't have to pay extra to swap a phone I didn't break, plain and simple.

deadnote3

Tidbits please answer this question for many here. Who will fix this Kitkat issue? Forget your love of vzw for a moment and give your opinion of what will be done to fix this widespread problem. And by whom- and when. Thank you that's it.

Tidbits

It is Samsungs job to to so. Some things are changes made by Google(owner of the OS). Your problems runs through a lot of Samsung devices around the world not just on Verizon.

It's not about love for Verizon. It's the fact people can't fathom the fact that Samsung is the MANFACTURER of the product, and it's THEIR programmers working on the software. Manufacturers ADMITTED to this for the past 2 years.

Pressure Samsung much like Europe does, and let's see what happens. They must be doing something right if they get updates first, and more updates more often... When you think RATIONALLY about it... But of course... Been saying this for years.

bbdec1

Galaxy Note 3 was sent OTA update for kit kat 4.4.2 March 17, 8:10 am after that update the phone battery started dropping, the screen started freezing up and lagging, home button no longer was working, worst of all I can not send or receive text messages, phone call reception is poor and get more dropped calls in areas that use to be very solid reception. I did everything samsung and verizon told me to do, battery out and back in , sims card out and back in, empty cache, etc.... nothing worked!

My battery use to last a full day with heavy use and a day and a half with minimum use . . now it is only lasting 3-4 hours! I have replaced the SIM and no change. I pay $280 a month for service and my phone went from a great phone to a piece of poo. I change batteries every day. Used to, I only had to change when I used WIFI a lot or played games using the screen a lot. Now, I can lose 50% in just a couple hours of standby.

I get missed calls and texts. I drop calls and get no signal in areas that used to be 5 bars. I have calls that ring once and stop. I hang up, answering the phone. I get muted in the middle of conversations even though I am holding the phone. What does Verizon say? The local people say all they can do is change the SIM. I can't get to the phone help since everyone else is calling too about these issues. This is madness and after 15 years of faithfully doling out huge sums of money (now, $280 a month), VZW does not seem to care if my phone works or not. Other companies may not have as wide a coverage area, but if it works, who cares? I am done with VZW.

Tidbits

Best of luck at your new carrier. IF you ever have problems with your device I will gladly talk to you on their forums about the exact same thing as this one...

Contract or no contract. EIP, EDGE, and whatever what not means nothing to device support. Manufacturers are the ones that need to support their products. United States consumers have been giving manufacturers a free pass for a long time now. Europe is doing it right, and We are doing it wrong.

NickIzk

I actually filed a complaint with the FCC regarding the bootloader locking Verizon is doing with their phones and I urge you to do the same. The complaint was actually forwarded onto a higher up in Verizon from the FCC and I received their bogus response that they are locking it because it could "negatively impact the wireless experience for other customers." I'm waiting for the FCC to respond back. But ironically, its their own Kitkat update that has done this to everyone.

Anyways, its an FCC regulation in the LTE network to "not deny, limit, or restrict the ability of their customers to use the devices and applications of their choice on the licensee’s C Block network." If the bootloader was unlocked, we could all go back to Jelly Bean and live happily ever after.

Patience_Gone

There's nothing Verizon can do about what OS system Google decides to rollout on their Android phones. Kit Kat belongs to Google, not Verizon. When you buy an Android phone, you buy whatever Google decides to give you and they can change the OS anytime they want...they own it.

Don't like it...buy an Iphone. I hear the Blackberry Z30 is real nice too.

Tidbits

NickIzk wrote:

I actually filed a complaint with the FCC regarding the bootloader locking Verizon is doing with their phones and I urge you to do the same. The complaint was actually forwarded onto a higher up in Verizon from the FCC and I received their bogus response that they are locking it because it could "negatively impact the wireless experience for other customers." I'm waiting for the FCC to respond back. But ironically, its their own Kitkat update that has done this to everyone.

Anyways, its an FCC regulation in the LTE network to "not deny, limit, or restrict the ability of their customers to use the devices and applications of their choice on the licensee’s C Block network." If the bootloader was unlocked, we could all go back to Jelly Bean and live happily ever after.

It's not their own... That's why the FCC fails. Also applications is not OS. There's a difference... Why do you think FCC doesn't bother even though it has been brought up?

doyling2

Picked up Kit Kat on GS3 a few days ago. Finally found a way to stop being bothered to link Picasa to my phone. How many photo update systems do I need? Dropbox does it just fine. Then MS OneDrive got in on the act, shut them off because it keep rotating my photos. Now Picasa.

Go to settings

Accounts

Your Google account

You Google account again
Uncheck Sync Google Photos

Uncheck Sync Picasa Web Albums

Count me in for battery life. Phone was plugged in over night. I come down and start reading this thread, now at 77%. I know I am not the fastest reader but wow.

Beachbird

I agree with you. My phone (Galaxy S3) no longer functions anywhere near as it did when I got it in July of 2013.

I've gone out and bought portable power units so I can charge the phone on the go, an extra battery and charging unit for that battery so I can swap when the one in the phone dies (for example today, while NOT USING THE PHONE it lost 50% of it's juice in just under 2 hours). I have a car charger in my vehicle, my husband's vehicle, and carry an extra in my purse.

They took an awesome navigation tool (THE MAIN REASON I BOUGHT THE PHONE) that was able to find me where I was, and give me directions to the nearest version of whatever coffee shop or business I wanted to find on my regular 600-mile journeys up and down the state. I can no longer depend on the Google Maps Navigator, and it takes WAY TOO MUCH THINKING and way too many steps to get the information that was once at my fingertips.

I just got my SD card fried today by the latest update.

They have broken my phone and my memory card, not to mention my trust. They allow Google to push these updates, they should have to shoulder part of the burden of making it right.

I should not have to pay for a new phone, and I should not have to take a used/refurb when I was not the one who broke a brand-new, perfect-condition instrument. THEY broke it.

"Angry" does not do justice to how I feel right now.

Prelude670

4.2.2 has been absolute poison to my phone. (Motorola Razr Maxx HD) I went from consistently enjoying, to consistently hating my phone. Every facet of every app, now has some small detail which now does not work!!!! Wifi constantly shuts off, home screen constantly does not respond. Wait or close? Wait or close? Wait or close? Wait or close? Wait or close? Wait or close? Wait or close? THIS IS WHAT MY PHONE HAS BECOME. Why should I keep paying the monthly charge for this garbage???????? Want to open facebook.....nope, back to home screen. Want to return to homescreen? Nope, google search opens. ******I PERFORMED AN FDR****** LET ME SAY THAT AGAIN BEFORE IT'S SUGGESTED***** I HAVE PERFORMED A FACTORY DATA RESET AFTER THE UPDATE, THIS EXPENSIVE USELESS PIECE IF TRASH IS THE RESULT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have read countless articles and suggestions, tried them all. Everything that is wrong with my and your phone is a result of kit kat 4.2.2. Can't wait for my contract with Verizon to end. I'm done.

Katydid777

We have been having serious issues with our Razr M phones after the 4.4.2 upgrade as well. Not much help from Verizon and VERY frustrating. We are unable to use our phones as promised, and as we had happily been doing for several months prior to this "upgrade." Issues are many.

1. WiFi is nearly non-existent now, even when only a few feet from router.

2. Battery life is terrible! Must charge units several times during the day or NO PHONE!

3. Unit HEATS UP (almost too hot to hold!) for no reason, either in use or not, plugged in or not.

4. Cell service downgraded to the point that we can no longer use our phones in the house. Must go outside for even a little signal. Not convenient.

5. No longer able to transfer files to SD card because none of the apps I have tried since the upgrade will work. My previous app was working fine, and now, nothing will work.

6. Weird messages about apps not working correctly (such as Kindle) keep popping up.

7. Don't care for the new color schemes.

8. Unit is very slow to receive or send texts, providing there is any service available to send them.

9. Ring tone and vibration don't work half the time, so I miss calls/texts.

10. Unit is very slow on internet, even after removing several apps and clearing other things that usually slow a unit down. In the past, this has not been a problem, just since the "upgrade."

11. Data use has more than doubled since the upgrade because we can't use our WiFi IN OUR OWN HOUSE!

There are probably more issues, but this is what I can think of on the fly. Have tried going to the store we purchased the unit at, but since Verizon has chosen to remove all tech support staff from their stores, we are reduced to the impersonal and frustratingly tedious on-line communication OR sitting on hold for embarrassingly long times in order to get anything done. Please don't try to ask us to "reboot" or do "factory reset" because it DOES NOT WORK!

We have been customers of Verizon and their predecessors since the mid-1990's and up until now have been pretty satisfied. But we are seriously considering switching to a different company now! There is no reason to pay for service we are not able to use. The only answer I am willing to accept, after speaking with Verizon staff as well as reading tons of information on line about this issue is a new, upgraded unit that functions properly with the operating system and any other OS in the future. Up until now, we had been perfectly happy with our phones, but this is ridiculous.

LRVassar

The best option is to perform a hard reset. It's inconvenient, but the best option.

Katydid777

@LRVassar: Problem is that it does not seem to work, from what I can tell reading other people's responses.

Katydid777

And I have been trying to get through to verizon to get some assist. On hold on phone for long time, trying twitter and not getting anywhere either. Frustrating. Just what are we paying for?

CoolV300C

The customer service system was down for a day and a half just this past weekend, and all of the Kit Kat issues pretty much have them busy. I was able to talk to someone very helpful in some respects, but I haven't made my mind up if I'm staying or not.

tonyd1

I don't know what all the issues you're seeing but turning off multi window and moving apps to internal sd then moving them to external may help.

The bulk of apps do not have multi window coding and the sd card seems more protected in kitkat.

My S3 has had some multi window bugs and has locked up once since the upgrade.

Reply back if any of this helps.

buffalochick1

I too, am among the Note 3 lovers turning into haters. My beautiful large phablet phone doesn't get a signal half the time now, or shows 1X at best. No more 4G or even 3G most places. My husband's 2 year old S3 gets reception everywhere and there I sit, getting NOTHING. This is enough to make me check out the large iphone on AT&T coming out.

I've been a Note/Verizon user for years, update to the new one each time, but if having this beautiful phone and not being able to use it is the best Verizon can do for me, it's time to move on. My kids' tracfones get better reception than I do. Very frustrating.

LRVassar

It worked when I received the 4.4.2 update, but I've moved to a custom ROM since.

stef7

buffalochick1, did you contact Samsung and discuss the situation? Tell them you need a patch. Your device is not working post-update. That or a new phone.

JustMaddi

Mine turned into a brick. It won't turn on after they made me "soft reset" it.....after the power button stopped working. Thanks Verizon.

Daverawks

Since the kitkat VIRUS was forced onto my phone, it's been almost rendered useless. I'm a truck driver and frequently use Google maps/navigation which causes my phone to overheat..thus shutting down apps that I'm currently using. If I don't keep an eye on it, it will eventually shut the phone down entirely.

I'm due for a phone upgrade but until this issue is fixed, Verizon won't be seeing a new 2 year contract from me!

At the LEAST, let us all roll back to jellybean!

deltabond

I had more and more issues since the upgrade hit my phone in late May. The most recent, which might not even be a software update issue, was the charger cord not working. The phone gave a message to use to original charger cord or the charging would be very slow. Since the phone had so many other issues, tech support sent me a new phone. Samsung Note 3 (it was still under warranty).

Now I know that the cord WAS faulty, but when I was setting up the replacement phone, it downloaded a software update. I stopped it from installing the update, but I had to choose WHEN it would install - I couldn't go days in the future, so I set it for 7pm this evening. I hope I can delay it again, as it seems from these forums there is no fix sent out yet to repair the damages of the kitkat 4.4.2 installation.

The issues I was having before replacing the phone were...

My texts not reaching my friends/family.

Calls to me were not going to voicemail.

Photo quality had decreased.

Camera wouldn't always work.

The phone would freeze a lot when I tried to use it.

Alarm settings would change without me initiating them to change. Not fun losing sleep.

Wifi would no longer stay connected

Mobile network would no longer stay connected either

(I don't use swype, navigation or an SD card, so I can't comment on those issues)

Hardly any bars for normal verizon connection in areas where I always got connection.

I might as well not have a phone, really. I'm curious, if this happens again on this phone, will they give me the option for a different phone - iPhone, Windows or Blackberry? Not that those are great, but they are better than THIS.

CoolV300C

All,

If you have posted a complaint here, be sure you also open a ticket with Verizon Customer Support. They are compiling the issues to feed back to the manufacturers. You may also open a ticket with the manufacturers (as I have), and if your problem is with Kit Kat, spell it out and report it to Google.

The reason for this is I got way more traction by complaining to Verizon than going it alone and I think the sheer number of complaints regarding Kit Kat is starting to turn the tide.

It may seem as if nothing is happening but believe me, things are being worked, they (all of the above I mentioned) need to hear from you to keep it going.

deltabond

Where does one file a complaint with Google? I couldn't find anything online. If you can post a link that would be great help!

LRVassar

deltabond wrote:

Where does one file a complaint with Google? I couldn't find anything online. If you can post a link that would be great help!

Let me google that for you

CoolV300C

deltabond,

you can go to code.google.com and login with your g+ login. You can hit the "New" button to raise your issue, however, be very specific with you condition, including which phone, service provide, software release, and exactly the issue you are having. If you have them, provide any screenshots of the error.

I actually found my issue had already been raised so I add the findings of my bluetooth packet capture to that issue thread.

BigKitty

Verzion see what you have done. B2D your right stupid should hurt and this is a clear case of one thing. Poor customer service right? Ok so let put the blame were it belongs Verzion has a signed agreement with Google It is not verzion but Google who makes this sort of thing happen. So blame google and verzion (removed) this can make that contract null and void. mean while get this thing off my Droid max's and S3 and my Not3. Or lets just call it a day and I will go to walmart family.

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Tidbits

Verizon has signed no such agreement... Where'd this FUD come from?

BigKitty

I swear who do you think makes 99.9% of the droids os? It is google. You have to sign an agreement with them to use there os systems. almost everyone knows that jellybean is googles os.

PS OS = Operating system.

Tidbits

That's absolutely wrong. Carriers sign no such agreement. They do not manufacturer devices. Manufacturers have to sign an agreement to use Google services. They don't have to sign an agreement to use Android(see Amazon Kindle Fire and their new phone). Like I said earlier. YOU have more power than the manufacturers.

PeteM1

I'm also very disappointed with the KitKat 4.4.2 update on my Motorola RazrM phone. This update is a big step backwards in terms of features and usability. Many great features were taken away and certain other features were made very complicated to use. And changing colors to black and white is not a breakthrough so stop advertising such silly things as innovating features. At the end of the day we would like to control more settings for the look and feel, and behavior of our expensive phones. We would also like updates/improvements to built-in apps such as Messaging to take place more frequently and not require a whole OS upgrade that can take more than a year.

Here are my specific issues with KitKat:

Notification LED was changed from Green to White which makes it hard to spot when the phone is sitting on a table.
Too many issues with the Messaging/SMS app:
1. The new white on white color is horrible and makes it hard to know which messages are from me vs. others.
2. Only shows up to 3 lines of text when typing a new message which requires scrolling when writing something longer.
3. What happened to the Enter key?
4. What happened to the Comma key?
5. The boxes for the keyboard letters seem smaller and lead to many typos.
6. Voice recognition accuracy is worse.
7. Word prediction is not that good.
8. I would also like to remove the photo icons from the message listings (too much wasted space).
Circles Widget does not clear the Message notifications even after reading a message. Same with Voicemail and Missed Call notifications
After the update all my Bluetooth pairings were gone. In addition, all sounds were changed to the default sounds.
When I click on a Picture in the Gallery app another picture opens up.
White only notification bar is not very functional. It used to show white if there was a connection issue and blue if the connection was good. Hard to know if Wi-Fi or 4G is being used.
Phone keypad looks awful.
All the good features of the lockscreen are gone. When the phone rings I have to guess whether to scroll right or left.
The listing of contacts under People no longer has the alphabet line which made finding contacts much easier. I would also like to be able to remove the photo icons from the contact listings.
Calendar app no longer displays birthdays even though the Birthday Calendar is configured to display and synchronize.
On occasion, the volume level for the Ringtone changes to a much lower level.
Alarm app in the Motorola Circles Widget is badly designed with too much wasted space.
Phone keeps losing GPS signal.

syren483

I came on here to find out why I'm having issues with text messaging.

Sending anything and receiving text-only replies still works, but it takes at least 12-24 hours, if ever, to receive picture or group messages.

The Message Icon shows an "alert" (right now I have 5) but no messages to read. Very frustrating. Turning the phone off then on only erases the alert and I never know what I was sent.

Otherwise, everything's good. I'm not having any of the other issues described. Razr.

stef7

Some people with LG G2s are also having MMS issues. Some people have tried the SMS/MMS app replacement called Textra with success. You might want to give that a try. Otherwise, it would seem the KK operating system needs to be patched.

heyiwasherefirst

Just wanted to add my 2 cents, but not going to take a long time to detail it. The main problems with the update for my Note 3 is that the screen lock freezes and it takes a variable amount of time to unfreeze that can run to a minute or more, the battery life went to hell, and I could not pick up my VM due to the number pad freezing so that I could noenter my password. Basically it just made my phone unusable. I contacted Samsung and they gave me the standard reply other got with suggestions to "fix it" after stating that "there were no known problems with my model". What a steaming load of [removal required by the Verizon Wireless Terms of Service] . It has been useful to put the phone in safe mode which gets rid of above problems. However it also kills the aps you have load. I have few aps so the safe mode is the lesser of evils for me. I refuse to do a factory reset since that has not worked for others and that has caused other problems though Samsung says that will solve all problems. Samsung no longer responds to my emails inquiring to whether they have developed a fix yet. The Verizon Store employee were of little to no help with their best suggestion being that I could sign up for a contract (I'm month to month) and get a new Apple phone.

I won't be getting a new Apple phone from Verizon, but that may be the ultimate fix. I had an S4 for work and liked it and it never had a problem after a software update. I think it is our duty as consumer to vote with our feet. If I get an Apple phone it will be in conjunction with switching to a different carrier since Verizon has much more leverage on Samsung than I do and they apparently just don't give a [removed] . I won't be buying any other Samsung products since do to their lack of response I know for certain that they don't give a [removed].

Tidbits

That's wrong... You have more leverage on Samsung than Verizon does.

See HTC and European sales numbers and then look at what they changed in the past 2 years. Yes they have contracts in Europe and Asia just like we do. Yes they ALL blame manufacturers and not their respective carriers. Yet they get updates more often. Think about it... They are doing something right if THEY are getting what YOU want... Right?

stef7

You have more leverage on Samsung than Verizon does.

How is that exactly?

buffalochick1

I don't get the Samsung thing. I PAID VERIZON for a phone, I PAY VERIZON for a service. Who purchased the phone from Samsung? Right. VERIZON. Therefore, WHO SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PHONE AND THE SERVICE? Right. VERIZON. Have already visited the other carriers in my area. They're getting back to me with a plan that compares to mine. Can't wait. Had enough bad service for a premium price.

Tidbits

Just look at Europe... How are they getting updates and you are not? It's as simple as them blaming manufacturers for non support.... What are we doing? It starts there. Even if we buy devices through carriers it's the manufacturers making the money off the devices sold to us.

HTC was very poor about updating their devices. The sales numbers don't like over the past 2 years. Now explain how HTC can update their devices faster on ANY carrier in the US the past 2 years? Simply because sales numbers affects their business.

b2d

Thank you for the advice 'CoolV300C'.

My thinking in starting this thread was to compile complaints in one place in order to alert Verizon, assuming they monitor these discussions, that there is widespread problems with the KitKat update. This is not a problem limited to a certain manufacturer or device model.

My hope is still that if enough people ask for Verizon to assist in this matter they will act on our behalf rather than shrug their shoulders and say, not our problem.

To add to my list of complaints I now have several apps that will not open and I receive the message "___ app will not open, please download this app again from the Amazon app store". So now I can't even use certain apps on my phone. Also I am still receiving alerts from text messages I have already viewed.

CoolV300C

No problem. But for sure this thread is a good idea. Verizon is well aware of the problems with Kit Kat as they're receiving higher than normal call volume as phones get the update.

I had the very problem you are referring to regarding apps not loading. I went to app manager, cleared cache and data, force stopped, then disabled the app, then enabled the app. After that I didn't have any more issues with that error.

I never found a solution for the notification problem. Again, I managed to get Jelly Bean back on my device so I don't have to deal with the issues anymore.

niikcole

Duplicate post - please see: My Droid Ultra is consistantly sending itself a picture through my text messaging.

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jedi9131969

I have the Note 2 and after my update my battery life is cut in half. Also places where I got great reception and a strong 4G, I no longer get. I'm lucky if I get 3G with one bar. And a buddy of mine at work has the same phone and the same problems.

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