Even though Samsung haven’t released the 4.4.4 update for Android for Galaxy S3 owners, those who’re eager to try out the new features in the OS can do so by installing a custom ROM manually. Of course, the procedure isn’t exactly straightforward and requires a bit of technical knowledge, but those who’re feeling confident with modifying their devices definitely have a lot to gain from the procedure.
Team Android have now released a new, custom AICP ROM for the Samsung Galaxy S3, which allows users to install Android 4.4.4 on their devices. With the ROM, users will get the full set of features of Android 4.4.4 KitKat, plus a few extra ones designed by the community. The most important details are there though – lock screen notifications, customization of system components, extra eye candy like special animations, and extra options for the lock screen themes.
The user interface has seen a significant improvement as well, with better gesture support and various other special features. It’s a recommended improvement for power users who like to get the most from their use of their devices, as the 4.4.4 version of Android definitely offers an improved user experience as far as usability goes.
The procedure for getting Android 4.4.4 on the Samsung Galaxy S3 should be familiar to those who have flashed custom ROMs to their devices before. It does involve a complete data wipe of the device though, because this is a prerequisite for the installation of the ROM. Users should of course do a full backup of their data before proceeding with the installation, and make sure that they know what their options for recovery are.
Nowadays, flashing a custom ROM to an Android device is not as scary as it once was though, and the likelihood of “bricking” a phone like the Samsung Galaxy S3 through an improper flashing procedure has become very slim. Even if something does go wrong during the flashing, there are various recovery options available nowadays, and Android in general has become quite sturdy in allowing its users to play with it on a deeper level.
It’s expected that the customization community is going to release even more ROMs in the coming weeks, as there have been some very active developments in that scene lately. Users of older Galaxy devices would probably be happy to know that they can expect custom ROMs for their own phones soon, although nothing concrete has been specified yet. It’s not known which versions of Android will be released as custom ROMs, nor when these releases would occur, but the rumors around the custom ROM scenes have been getting very active lately.