NoobWonder
Newbie
Will the Note 3 get the android L update?
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Will the Note 3 get the android L update?
- Thread starter NoobWonder
- Start date
nickdalzell
Extreme Android User
if it does (those of us familiar with Samsung often see one update, such a the Jelly Bean update to KitKat, but never any more afterward) than it will likely be very pared down, and, given TouchWiz, won't be very noticeable, and the ART runtime omitted.
The S3 got updated from 4.1.2 to 4.3, the S4 got updated from 4.3 to 4.4.2, same for the Note 3 (and TouchWiz got a downgrade in the 4.4.2 update, now bearing the Galaxy S3 UI). Samsung is a one-trick pony. good for one major update, but never two.
Not that it matters that much, Stock Android L pretty much adds in a lot of what TouchWiz has had for ages (such as lockscreen notifications, similar UI, icon theme, etc) so you're no going to see anything that wasn't already there.
The S3 got updated from 4.1.2 to 4.3, the S4 got updated from 4.3 to 4.4.2, same for the Note 3 (and TouchWiz got a downgrade in the 4.4.2 update, now bearing the Galaxy S3 UI). Samsung is a one-trick pony. good for one major update, but never two.
Not that it matters that much, Stock Android L pretty much adds in a lot of what TouchWiz has had for ages (such as lockscreen notifications, similar UI, icon theme, etc) so you're no going to see anything that wasn't already there.
bigredsfan83
Member
My old S3 got 4.3 and Kit Kat....
nickdalzell
Extreme Android User
iirc the Galaxy S3 only got KitKat through a custom ROM. officially the SGH-i535 only got 4.3, and even then it was a pretty pared down 4.3 that one would hardly notice that it had even updated. TouchWiz remained exactly the same as it was in 4.1.2, and got no known features of KitKat even if it did get an update (which would likely be the international model, not the US model)
Even though the Galaxy S3 and S4 had the same Android 4.3 version at the time, the differences in apps, TouchWiz features remained quite a world apart. none of the features of the S4, which likely would have functioned properly in the S3 (such as Smart Scroll, Smart Pause, the updated S-Health app, etc) ever happened on the S3. it's likely that even if our Note 3's got L, we'd likely never notice anything changing. TouchWiz would look and act exactly the same, and we'd not have ART enabled. i'm sure we'd be unlikely to know our phones even updated and the only noticeable change being the version listed under settings-->about phone.
I've about lost faith in Google and Android ever getting rid of the mass fragmentation also seeing since Google cannot even support their own Nexus line consistently. i'm still quite bitter at ART and other various KitKat features being 'exclusive' to the Nexus 5, and Google justifying them in such a lame manner. I hardly expect any more consistency in L, even on the Nexus line. i'm only holding onto my Nexus tablets to confirm my suspicion. I've started to firmly believe the innovation has simply vanished in future updates, to the point they almost all look like 4.1 Jelly Bean on the majority of devices. even Samsung can add features faster than Google, and even Custom ROM developers can do what Google claims impossible (which only proves that Google has inferior workers with inferior skills, seeing as their claim that KitKat can't happen on the GNex was easily disproven by CyanogenMod.)
Jelly Bean was perhaps the last version to add in any game-changing features, smoothing out the lag, improving memory management tenfold, and changing the stock UI to the point that any older version is vastly different than 4.1. but most who got any KitKat update will notice no known change other than the color of the status bar icons. the rest looks exactly like Jelly Bean. performs exactly like Jelly Bean.
Even though the Galaxy S3 and S4 had the same Android 4.3 version at the time, the differences in apps, TouchWiz features remained quite a world apart. none of the features of the S4, which likely would have functioned properly in the S3 (such as Smart Scroll, Smart Pause, the updated S-Health app, etc) ever happened on the S3. it's likely that even if our Note 3's got L, we'd likely never notice anything changing. TouchWiz would look and act exactly the same, and we'd not have ART enabled. i'm sure we'd be unlikely to know our phones even updated and the only noticeable change being the version listed under settings-->about phone.
I've about lost faith in Google and Android ever getting rid of the mass fragmentation also seeing since Google cannot even support their own Nexus line consistently. i'm still quite bitter at ART and other various KitKat features being 'exclusive' to the Nexus 5, and Google justifying them in such a lame manner. I hardly expect any more consistency in L, even on the Nexus line. i'm only holding onto my Nexus tablets to confirm my suspicion. I've started to firmly believe the innovation has simply vanished in future updates, to the point they almost all look like 4.1 Jelly Bean on the majority of devices. even Samsung can add features faster than Google, and even Custom ROM developers can do what Google claims impossible (which only proves that Google has inferior workers with inferior skills, seeing as their claim that KitKat can't happen on the GNex was easily disproven by CyanogenMod.)
Jelly Bean was perhaps the last version to add in any game-changing features, smoothing out the lag, improving memory management tenfold, and changing the stock UI to the point that any older version is vastly different than 4.1. but most who got any KitKat update will notice no known change other than the color of the status bar icons. the rest looks exactly like Jelly Bean. performs exactly like Jelly Bean.
AnonGuy
Android Enthusiast
The S3 launched with ICS, so it went from 4.0.4 to 4.1.2 to 4.3 and I think the 2GB variants are now getting 4.4.2.
So you're dead off the mark.
The Galaxy S2 launched with 2.3 and went to 4.0.4 and then to 4.1.2. It didn't get 4.2.x, because Samsung practically skipped that update on most of their phones.
The GS4 launched with 4.2 and then got updated to 4.3 and then to 4.4.2. It will get updated to Android L.
Samsung has been supporting their flagships for ~2 years (or more) since the Galaxy S2.
The Note 3 has so far only gone from 4.3 to 4.4.2, and the UI didn't get downgraded. It's basically the same UI that the phone launched with, which is generally a better version of the Galaxy S4's UI. Samsung doesn't upgrade the UI on their flagships until they back-port an updated version from their newer flagships in the form of a major FW update - like when the GS2 got the GS3's TW Nature UX in the 4.1.2 update. Samsung *never* downgrades TouchWiz on a device.
In any case, you're completely off base in your recollection of which updates the devices received and how Samsung supports their flagships. I hope you didn't pull that off of GSMArena or something. That information is not correct.
The Verizon GS3 received KK in June of this year: http://www.droid-life.com/2014/06/19/verizons-samsung-galaxy-s3-galaxy-s4-mini-kit-kat/
It launched with ICS: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/09/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-review-verizon-wireless/
The 4.4.2 update came to the Verizon GS3 just short of 2 years (23 months and some days) after its release date on the carrier. I'd hardly call that a cause for concern with Samsung IRT how well they support their devices. Even people who bought it on day on basically got support for the entire duration of their contracts if they got it on subsidy.
4.0.4 -> 4.1.2 -> 4.3 -> 4.4.2
^- That's the update track of the GS3 on Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, and IIRC T-Mobile as well.
SO, to answer the OP:
The Note 3 will most definitely get Android L. There isn't, and shouldn't be any doubts about that and anyone saying otherwise is just spreading FUD.
nickdalzell
Extreme Android User
Then kindly explain why 1, my GS3 had 4.1.2 out of the box, 2) why the lock screen light effect was removed and replaced by the GS3 ripple water effect when my Note 3 got updated to Kit Kat, and why the version of S Voice also got visually downgraded to the 'mesh speaker, round button mic' look also from the GS3 days?
When my GS3 got 4.3, and again, this is the SGH-I535, not the i9300 which got more love from everyone, it was exactly the same, with none of the S4 features.
Also what gets me is why my Note 10.1 2014 Edition got upgraded to 4.4.2 it got the improved GS5 UI while the Note 3 in the same upgrade got a downgrade? My Note 3 had the GS4 lock screen light effect (not default, default was the ink effect) as an option, and is now gone, with only ink and ripple available after Kit Kat. S-Voice went from having a flatter design to the more skeuomorphic design of the GS3's version of S-Voice from the S3 as well. The rest did remain the same, but those two changes are indeed visual downgrades. As is the GS3 notification shade as well, also back with 4.4.2.
When my GS3 got 4.3, and again, this is the SGH-I535, not the i9300 which got more love from everyone, it was exactly the same, with none of the S4 features.
Also what gets me is why my Note 10.1 2014 Edition got upgraded to 4.4.2 it got the improved GS5 UI while the Note 3 in the same upgrade got a downgrade? My Note 3 had the GS4 lock screen light effect (not default, default was the ink effect) as an option, and is now gone, with only ink and ripple available after Kit Kat. S-Voice went from having a flatter design to the more skeuomorphic design of the GS3's version of S-Voice from the S3 as well. The rest did remain the same, but those two changes are indeed visual downgrades. As is the GS3 notification shade as well, also back with 4.4.2.
AnonGuy
Android Enthusiast
You are complaining about things that simply do not matter (except if you personally think something this minor is a major deal, and that's your prerogative) in the grand scheme and don't affect how you use the phone or how the phone operates/performs... at all. Like, literally. It makes no difference. It just looks a little different, or sounds a little different...
And for that reason, you're on here giving false information about how well Samsung supports their phones. Samsung was doing what HTC is trying to make sound like the best thing since sliced bread back when HTC was forgetting their devices < a year after release. Other OEMs are just catching up to them in Flagship support, and it's hard to do better than they have been doing, since basically 2011.
This is a complaint you should have about LG, not Samsung. The main point that I found contentious was your recollection of how well they support their devices. I'm not really all that interested in hashing out whether you think minor sound/graphical changes constitutes a downgrade.
And for that reason, you're on here giving false information about how well Samsung supports their phones. Samsung was doing what HTC is trying to make sound like the best thing since sliced bread back when HTC was forgetting their devices < a year after release. Other OEMs are just catching up to them in Flagship support, and it's hard to do better than they have been doing, since basically 2011.
This is a complaint you should have about LG, not Samsung. The main point that I found contentious was your recollection of how well they support their devices. I'm not really all that interested in hashing out whether you think minor sound/graphical changes constitutes a downgrade.
breadnatty08
pain rustique
Cooler heads folks, cooler heads. 
To the OP, I'd be completely shocked if the Note 3 didn't get L. Their track record has gotten much better, and like other mainstream OEMs, 2 major updates has become the norm for flagship phones. While it'll most likely not come as quickly as you'd like, I'd bet my money on it.
To the OP, I'd be completely shocked if the Note 3 didn't get L. Their track record has gotten much better, and like other mainstream OEMs, 2 major updates has become the norm for flagship phones. While it'll most likely not come as quickly as you'd like, I'd bet my money on it.
nickdalzell
Extreme Android User
Wasn't there some rumor about TouchWiz not working with ART? (No custom TouchWiz ROM has ART, either)
If so, not sure how they will work around that.
Google has omitted key features before, and I don't see them stopping now. Kit Kat was supposed to have a ton of improvements but only Nexus 5 owners got any of them. So I can easily see Google finding some way to omit ART and other things from L just as they removed transparent bars, immersive mode, GEL and others from Kit Kat, even on the Nexus 10 (and that is still inexcusable)
If so, not sure how they will work around that.
Google has omitted key features before, and I don't see them stopping now. Kit Kat was supposed to have a ton of improvements but only Nexus 5 owners got any of them. So I can easily see Google finding some way to omit ART and other things from L just as they removed transparent bars, immersive mode, GEL and others from Kit Kat, even on the Nexus 10 (and that is still inexcusable)
trparky
Android Enthusiast
Well considering that Android L will be completely dumping the legacy Android Dalvik Runtime in favor of the new ART (Android Runtime), if and when we do get Android L on this phone we will be getting ART on it.
Why is Google completely dumping the legacy Android Dalvik in Android L? Some say it may be because of that one huge lawsuit between Google and Oracle over Java APIs.
Why is Google completely dumping the legacy Android Dalvik in Android L? Some say it may be because of that one huge lawsuit between Google and Oracle over Java APIs.
trparky
Android Enthusiast
I'm going to be seriously looking at non-Samsung phones next time I'm up for a device upgrade. I'm really not liking how Samsung is dragging their heels on Android upgrades. I may very well be looking at HTC or Motorola devices next time around. Or, go for broke and get a Nexus device and roll with CyanogenMOD.
AnonGuy
Android Enthusiast
I think the Galaxy S5 has ART available? I'm not sure, just something I think I heard, so take it with a grain of salt.
Google is dumping Dalvik because ART performs better, has better memory management, and has better power management. Applications perform better under ART than Dalvik, in almost all circumstances. The optimizations they make on it in Android L make it a clear winner.
ART functions similar to .NET with Ngen-generated images, while Dalvik functions more similarly to a vanilla Java VM. The differences between the two are obvious, as well as which method is superior from a performance standpoint. The downside is that applications take up more space under ART than under Dalvik.
ART does for Android Applications, what NGEN does for .NET applications:
Ngen.exe (Native Image Generator)
.NET has been doing this since 1.1 (Visual Studio 2003 timeframe), so it's surprising that it took Google this long to get around to this... It was sorely needed.
Google is dumping Dalvik because ART performs better, has better memory management, and has better power management. Applications perform better under ART than Dalvik, in almost all circumstances. The optimizations they make on it in Android L make it a clear winner.
ART functions similar to .NET with Ngen-generated images, while Dalvik functions more similarly to a vanilla Java VM. The differences between the two are obvious, as well as which method is superior from a performance standpoint. The downside is that applications take up more space under ART than under Dalvik.
ART does for Android Applications, what NGEN does for .NET applications:
Ngen.exe (Native Image Generator)
.NET has been doing this since 1.1 (Visual Studio 2003 timeframe), so it's surprising that it took Google this long to get around to this... It was sorely needed.
nickdalzell
Extreme Android User
I would bet that if we get L it will look the same as it has always looked, with all the good stuff stripped out. I'd bet on us not even getting the new TouchWiz or any of the S5 apps, I mean look at the S3 in Android 4.3, missing smart scroll and Smart pause. Even missing the new weather widget.
Remember the Note 2 not getting the improved S-pen features in 4.3 as well.
Remember the Note 2 not getting the improved S-pen features in 4.3 as well.
AnonGuy
Android Enthusiast
I dare them to do that
They've already ported the S5's WatchOn to the S4 and Note 3. It's in the Play Store (WatchOn Plus). So all preliminary indicators are that they are working on bringing that stuff over to older devices.
All other Android OEMs are doing it, so them not doing it will not look good - at all. Plus, new iPhone isn't looking so bad. With Mobile Payments that will actually function properly and all...
nickdalzell
Extreme Android User
Other OEM's? You mean like Google omitting 90% of Kit Kat from the Nexus 10? Trust me, the gripe extends well beyond Samsung.
Google has sadly taken pages out of Apple's book with making certain features 'exclusive' to certain devices, and backing them up with excuses only an iSheep would believe. Since Samsung competes directly against Apple, I don't see that changing with them, either. Heck they've already done it. Air Command is missing from the Note 2 for no reason.
Google has sadly taken pages out of Apple's book with making certain features 'exclusive' to certain devices, and backing them up with excuses only an iSheep would believe. Since Samsung competes directly against Apple, I don't see that changing with them, either. Heck they've already done it. Air Command is missing from the Note 2 for no reason.
nickdalzell
Extreme Android User
Even Kit Kat was pared down. I'll bet the only real change will be the version number.
Samsung has always had a bad habit of one major update and that's it. The only way I got the new TouchWiz was via custom ROM. I find it laughable that custom ROMs outdo both Google and Samsung both. Perhaps they should hire the developers of ROMs so none of us have to root to get all the features?
Samsung has always had a bad habit of one major update and that's it. The only way I got the new TouchWiz was via custom ROM. I find it laughable that custom ROMs outdo both Google and Samsung both. Perhaps they should hire the developers of ROMs so none of us have to root to get all the features?
AnonGuy
Android Enthusiast
Not sure if you can't read or you're just intentionally posting the untruth to keep the discussion going?
GS2: 2.3 to 4.0.4 to 4.1.2
GS3: 4.0.4 to 4.1.2 to 4.3 to 4.4.2
GS4: 4.2.2 to 4.3 to 4.4.2
Notes receive similar support.
Samsung has not always had such a habit, not with the flagship devices. Such a statement is patently false.
AnonGuy
Android Enthusiast
Air Command was never on the Note 2 so how is it "missing." Never mind the Stylus and Digitizer in the Note 2 isn't nearly as good as the 3. They didn't back port a lot of the apps so it makes no sense to back port air command for a bunch of apps that don't support it.
Samsung will port the new UI to the Note 3. The new UI isn't really needed, though, just the updated multitasking mechanisms.
nickdalzell
Extreme Android User
i still stand firm on them omitting tons of the new features and keep them on the Note 4, just like Air Command never made it to the Note 2, or Smart Pause and scroll never making it to the S3. they are like Google in keeping most newer features 'exclusive' to newer products.
Since these phones run TouchWiz, all the looks and feels of L will likely be omitted as well, so we won't see any noticeable change. I'd really like to see the day that rooting isn't necessary to bring the newest features to all devices that would support them.
When i said major update i should have mentioned something that you'd notice. the version numbers merely changing while the UI and apps remain the exact same as they have always been doesn't count. i still call 4.4.2 'Jelly Bean' on the Nexus 10 and 2012 Nexus 7 because that's exactly what it looks and acts like.
In fact, 4.4.2 on the SIII only changed the notification icons to white and added the full-cover art music player on the lockscreen. the rest of the phone, from the settings, notification shade, even the weather widget itself are still stuck in their 4.1.2 roots.
Air Command and other features from the Note 3 run perfectly fine on the Note 2 through a custom ROM. what pisses me off is why one would need to have a custom ROM or root their device to make things work that should have been part of the OS update. otherwise, what's the point? people update for more than simple bug fixes, they want some of the features too. if it would work fine on a Custom ROM, why not the stock OS? seriously Samsung and Google should hire the developers of ROMs to avoid the need to root to get features the hardware obviously supports. Google said 4.4.2 on the Gnex couldn't be done. ROM devs done it in a few weeks. proved them wrong...
Since these phones run TouchWiz, all the looks and feels of L will likely be omitted as well, so we won't see any noticeable change. I'd really like to see the day that rooting isn't necessary to bring the newest features to all devices that would support them.
When i said major update i should have mentioned something that you'd notice. the version numbers merely changing while the UI and apps remain the exact same as they have always been doesn't count. i still call 4.4.2 'Jelly Bean' on the Nexus 10 and 2012 Nexus 7 because that's exactly what it looks and acts like.
In fact, 4.4.2 on the SIII only changed the notification icons to white and added the full-cover art music player on the lockscreen. the rest of the phone, from the settings, notification shade, even the weather widget itself are still stuck in their 4.1.2 roots.
Air Command and other features from the Note 3 run perfectly fine on the Note 2 through a custom ROM. what pisses me off is why one would need to have a custom ROM or root their device to make things work that should have been part of the OS update. otherwise, what's the point? people update for more than simple bug fixes, they want some of the features too. if it would work fine on a Custom ROM, why not the stock OS? seriously Samsung and Google should hire the developers of ROMs to avoid the need to root to get features the hardware obviously supports. Google said 4.4.2 on the Gnex couldn't be done. ROM devs done it in a few weeks. proved them wrong...
AnonGuy
Android Enthusiast
Lol. Stand firm.
I have the money to buy a new phone.
I said I dare them. Cause I'd be gone.
The only reason I'm willing to hang on to this a month or two more is to see what pops up in the news about updates moving forward. If the back port isn't bring anything good, I know where I'm going.
I have the money to buy a new phone.
I said I dare them. Cause I'd be gone.
The only reason I'm willing to hang on to this a month or two more is to see what pops up in the news about updates moving forward. If the back port isn't bring anything good, I know where I'm going.
AnonGuy
Android Enthusiast
However, there were a few more changes than just notification icons. The base KK features so work fine, which is a bigger deal on something as old as a GS3 than some back ported TW features.
I think you have a stronger case with the Note 2, but the Stylus and Digitizer on that device wasn't as good as the 3's so maybe Samsung saw fit to leave it out for usability features.
I remember passing on the Note 2 because of the latency in stylus input.
In any case, that is of little relevance to the Note 3. I'm just waiting to see what they plan on bringing to this device. They have like.mm 6 weeks to leak something before I migrate away.
I think you have a stronger case with the Note 2, but the Stylus and Digitizer on that device wasn't as good as the 3's so maybe Samsung saw fit to leave it out for usability features.
I remember passing on the Note 2 because of the latency in stylus input.
In any case, that is of little relevance to the Note 3. I'm just waiting to see what they plan on bringing to this device. They have like.mm 6 weeks to leak something before I migrate away.
nickdalzell
Extreme Android User
Base kitkat features? like ART, Immersive Mode, GEL, and the like? well the SIII owners would never know because they're OMITTED from the stock ROM. a custom ROM would give them all of that but then you'd lose the additional Samsung features as well. all that really changed to notice was the lockscreen music controls and all-white icons. a good 90% of kitkat was omitted from everything (including the Nexus 10 and 7 2012) except the Nexus 5. Google is fragmenting their own Nexus line so why should i expect Samsung to do anything except follow suit? even if we got L, and that's still a big IF, (for all we know the Note 4 has TIZEN) who is to say we'd notice anything? it won't have any of the key L features because of TouchWiz. it might use the S5 UI but it wouldn't come off as L.
I'm not too unhappy as despite needing to root and ROM my phone to get the S5 UI, my Note 3 is a great device with excellent battery life and lag-free operation. a bit stuttery in the scrolling when reading books or using the browser that i wished ART was there but other than that it's fine. i plan to hold onto it a long time as nothing interesting is coming from Samsung at all lately. the Note 4 would be on my radar if it sported a 6" screen but all the images and specs show it to be nothing but a slightly redesigned Note 3 with all the same features and the only game changer being a better camera and waterproofing.
I would even consider LG if their UI didn't suck. i was actually liking their more skeuomorphic LG G2 UX but they quickly ditched it for yet another crap flat design. plus their knock knock tap would make smudges, and the rear-mounted buttons would easily trip the phone on in my pocket at work. they offer nothing with a S-Pen competitor. so for now they're off my radar except for the G Watch which works really well.
I'm not too unhappy as despite needing to root and ROM my phone to get the S5 UI, my Note 3 is a great device with excellent battery life and lag-free operation. a bit stuttery in the scrolling when reading books or using the browser that i wished ART was there but other than that it's fine. i plan to hold onto it a long time as nothing interesting is coming from Samsung at all lately. the Note 4 would be on my radar if it sported a 6" screen but all the images and specs show it to be nothing but a slightly redesigned Note 3 with all the same features and the only game changer being a better camera and waterproofing.
I would even consider LG if their UI didn't suck. i was actually liking their more skeuomorphic LG G2 UX but they quickly ditched it for yet another crap flat design. plus their knock knock tap would make smudges, and the rear-mounted buttons would easily trip the phone on in my pocket at work. they offer nothing with a S-Pen competitor. so for now they're off my radar except for the G Watch which works really well.
AnonGuy
Android Enthusiast
1. Stop saying "if we get Android L." The Note 3 will get Android L. There is 0% chance that it will not get it. The Galaxy S 4 will also get that update - 100% chance. It's frankly comical to insinuate there's even a chance the Note 3 won't get Android L, when the S3 just got bought up to 4.4.2. There is, literally, no event in history to suggest Samsung will stop supporting the Note 3 after one fairly minor FW update...
2. ART is Experimental, and was meant for developers. You can complain about the lack of it on a consumer device, but it's not really going to make it odd that Samsung left it out. They aren't the only ones that did, and it's totally understandable why they did it.
The lack of NFC Tap to Pay (HCE) support on the Note 3 is a much bigger deal than the Lack of an experimental ART Run-Time (i.e. not intended for consumer use) in KK. I'm personally shocked that a flagship device still cannot do this.
3. Google Experience Launcher (called Google Now Launcher) is on the Play Store and available to any Device running Kit Kat. Go download it. You don't need a custom ROM for that: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.launcher
The Note 3's camera interests me. The rest, not so much.
I am getting a bit tired of getting Android OS versions months after release, though. And yes, sometimes there are features that are generally useful (like Immersive Mode) that get left out of updates.
But I think maintaining a stable user experience is important for Samsung, for their users - many of which are fairly tech illiterate and easily thrown off by major changes in usability and user experience.
2. ART is Experimental, and was meant for developers. You can complain about the lack of it on a consumer device, but it's not really going to make it odd that Samsung left it out. They aren't the only ones that did, and it's totally understandable why they did it.
The lack of NFC Tap to Pay (HCE) support on the Note 3 is a much bigger deal than the Lack of an experimental ART Run-Time (i.e. not intended for consumer use) in KK. I'm personally shocked that a flagship device still cannot do this.
3. Google Experience Launcher (called Google Now Launcher) is on the Play Store and available to any Device running Kit Kat. Go download it. You don't need a custom ROM for that: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.launcher
The Note 3's camera interests me. The rest, not so much.
I am getting a bit tired of getting Android OS versions months after release, though. And yes, sometimes there are features that are generally useful (like Immersive Mode) that get left out of updates.
But I think maintaining a stable user experience is important for Samsung, for their users - many of which are fairly tech illiterate and easily thrown off by major changes in usability and user experience.