Galaxy S4 software update brings Kids Mode and Knox 2.0

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Samsung is in the process of rolling out a new software update for the Galaxy S4 (GT-I9505) that brings features previously exclusive to the Galaxy S5: Kids Mode and Knox 2.0.

Kids Mode offers a child-friendly UI and allows parents to whitelist apps their kids can access on the Galaxy S5. The app also comes with a dedicated store called Kids Store that features an assortment of learning apps and games. As for Knox 2.0, Samsung is actively rolling out the latest version of its enterprise security solution to other devices after offering it exclusively on the Galaxy S5.

In addition to these two features, the update improves battery life and features general UI tweaks. The 130 MB software update (I9505XXUGNE5) is now live in Germany, and should be available in other regions shortly.

Source: AllAboutSamsung, Via: SamMobile

Harish Jonnalagadda
Harish Jonnalagadda

Harish Jonnalagadda is a Senior Editor covering Asia at Android Central. He leads the site's coverage of Chinese phone manufacturers, and writes about the semiconductor industry, storage servers, and audio products. Contact him on Twitter at @chunkynerd.
38 Comments
  • Ugh, more crap I don't want gunking up my phone.
    I've also had major issues with every large update they've ever put out for me (on both my S3 and S4). I'm dreading what new and awful problems this one will cause... Samsung, for as large as you are, you are just terrible at software. It's junk like this that's the reason why this will be my last Samsung phone.
  • Please comment on the quality of the update.
    The only way I could interpret your view was; Oh, woe is I, another update that brings more features and i'm sick of the new things.
    Put quite simply, don't like changes? Don't update. Don't like Samsung? Don't buy three consecutive models.
    I for one enjoy the updates, the refinements and new features. For instance, how else was i going to get kids mode on my Galaxy S4 without buying the S5? (There are some in this world less privileged than you that cannot afford each consecutive model.)
  • Hello, Samsung. Please roll out the S5's refined TouchWiz UI before giving out all the other junk. Thanks.
  • +1 Posted via Android Central App
  • +100
  • +>9000 Posted via Android Central App
  • and if they did that people like you would never ever buy new phones.
  • Please understand that many of us can't upgrade our phones every single year. Some of us are bound to a 2 year contract, so we typically upgrade every 2 years.
  • ^This! Posted via Android Central App
  • before you bought your phone, you were aware of its specs and also aware of the fact that you couldnt upgrade from it for two years. but you got it anyway. i just dont understand people wanting these companies to upgrade there old phones with new software, when the company spent millions on the newer phone. because as i said before, if they did that, people would never ever buy those new phones
  • So basically we shouldn't buy phones at all if we want updates lol. Posted via Android Central App
  • no, you should be happy with the choice you made and then upgrade when the time comes(if you want to) instead of wanting samsung or whoever to continuously support your old phone so you dont have to spend money. How much sense does it make to pour millions of money in advertising/production/etc just to negate all that work and give it away, ensuring that only a small number of people by the new phone?
  • I do not even know where to start with this garbage. It is reasonable to ask for updates, and it is expected. Samsung, like them or hate them, typically update for two years give or take. It is a reasonable expectation that it will happen. No one said they were unhappy with the phone, now or if it doesn't get another update. The question is why are they throwing out chunks instead of the whole thing? My thought is that they are going to go the Motorola route and start putting pieces of tw in the play store Posted via Android Central App
  • +1 Samsung doesn't really have a stellar rep when it comes to updating phones (see how they discontinued KitKat support for the GT-i9300 S3 and S3 Mini), but the fact that most Android OEMs (Samsung included) update their phones for 2 years fits the fact that many people have a 2 year contract tied with their phone. Knox 2.0 and Kids Mode should've been on the Play Store, and they should focus more on bringing the refreshed TouchWiz on the S4 and Note 3.
  • Your logic is extremely flawed. Samsung screwed up and put out a phone that can't install any big apps as it runs out of space. Seeing this error they put out a 32gb model for other carriers. BUT NOT VERIZON. So a simple update that makes your phone be able to use your SD card as internal storage which solves the problem by the way. So really they should fix what they messed up. So people don't have to root their phones to fix there mistakes. And this problem was not known when phone was released.
  • +1 Posted via Android Central App
  • If Samsung has sold S4 i9500 model it should also get these updates for these. Samsung should also add ultra power saving modes to these battery hungry mobiles. Posted via Android Central App
  • Correct me if I'm wrong, but Exynos models get longer update times. Typically why I recommend sticking with Samsung phones running Snapdragon SoCs, apart from LTE support.
  • Shouldn't this be more of an optional update? Not everyone let's there kid play with a $700 device! Posted via Android Central App
  • Even worse, Kids Mode is just an app that anyone can just download from the Play Store if they want it.
  • I think you just answered the first complainer, inadvertently... =)
  • What about other devices? The S4 isn't the only one out there... Posted via Android Central App
  • Don't understand how this is an update. When I check my S4, the version number on Knox it shows it as 3.0. Otherwise like others have stated before, another useless bloated software update.
    Posted via Android Central App
  • OH HELL NO! Im checking xda every day in hope they have cracked KNOX and i can safely root and flash without loosing Warranty and now they upgrading this useless CRAP?
    Im not upgrading, never!
  • Knox should've been an optional install. But nope. It's being forced down your throat, whether you like it or not.
  • It is an optional install.
  • Using KNOX is optional, but KNOX on your phone is not.
    KNOX now permeates Samsung Galaxy devices.
    Flash the wrong BL, KNOX warranty void triggered.
  • The anti-theft bootloader is something you will simply have to get used to. All manufacturers will use them in a couple of years. And I really don't see a reason to complain about that. If you want a Galaxy S with an unlocked bootloader, buy a GPe or a Developer Edition.
  • But in my country i could not buy a dev. edition :/
    What i dont understand is the simpleminded Samsugn telling us KNOX 0x1 = warranty void. No matter if its pure hardware (no overclocking just ie. the usb port isnt working) if knox is void you dont have any warranty. I would not care for KNOX if they said " KNOX is for companies and it has nothing to do with warranty" or "If youre counter is 0x1 and we see you OC your device or bircked on purpose you will not get any repair under warranty". I could understand all that but whats today is purely sh*t.
  • People who feels the need to tinker with the bootloader STILL buys an unlocked phone. A developer's edition or GPe. You can call it whatever you want in a poor attempt to troll against Samsung, but that is the simple fact.
  • DIE KNOX DIE!!! While I can see Samsung 's point about KNOX for enterprise users, those who don't want it should be given a choice to say no and never have to see it or have it installed. I'm done with Samsung devices due to KNOX. I just moved to an LG G2 and so far am happy with it. Still have my old non KNOX rooted S3 for a backup. Samsung sells millions of devices so they could care less if one user leaves. However I care. No KNOX for me. Plus my G2 already has a guest or kids mode. from my LG G2 via the DeathStar
  • All I can say about KNOX is this; If you are an enterprise consumer, then you'll probably use it.
    If you are a general consumer, you won't care much about it.
    If you are an Android power user (like you and me), you'll generally hate it with a passion.
  • Uhhhh, after flashing two times, my camera is still not working. I can't use any button on the screen and in portrait mode doesn't give me a preview. I've formatted the cache and dalvic cache, but that wasn't the solution. Anybody with an idea??
  • Never mind. I forgot to deselect the camera in the 'Swype back' xposed module. Working again ;-) :-P
  • When is the update coming for gt - i 9500 in India
  • Hey... This update is awful! My wi-fi doesn't turn on! Help?
  • Right I updated the software on my S4 and have had some issues. Constantly need to turn location on for certain things like weather widget that came with the phone never had that issue before,and my battery life disappears quicker than before. All bullpoop that it supposedly makes battery life longer. I'm up for renewal this month and really wondering if I should bother upgrading to another Samsung galaxy.
  • I have loved the new updated. Even in Power Saving Mode my phone has become significantly faster. I love the new icons. Visual Voicemail was the most pathetic app on my phone but the new version seems to be alright, faster for sure. I like the new font size or letter size in Messaging. Battery seems to be better, still evaluating. Anyway, my opinion.