It has come to light this week that owners of the Google Edition Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone might be better not to upgrade to the latest Google Android 4.3 version just yet.
As issues have been discovered on Google Edition Samsung Galaxy S4 devices that cause the smartphone to break the ability for the device to write to SD cards.
Details of the Issue
It seems that the new Google Edition Samsung Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 update creates an annoying pop-up error message rather than writing to the SD card as it should. This issue is particularly frustrating for users who rely on their SD cards for additional storage, as it effectively renders the SD card useless for writing new data. Even though the issue can probably be solved fairly easily with a patch, nothing has yet been released by either Google or Samsung as yet.
The problem is not just limited to the inability to write to the SD card; it also affects various applications that require access to the SD card for storing data. This includes popular apps like camera apps, file managers, and even some games that store additional data on the SD card. Users have reported that the error message appears every time an app tries to write to the SD card, making it a persistent and annoying issue.
Temporary Workarounds
Android Pit explains:
“If you don’t have a rooted device, you can still copy files to the eternal SD card by hand by using ES File Explorer to do so. For whatever reason, despite the incompatibility with the 4.3 update, ES File Explorer can still read and write to the SD card.”
This workaround, while useful, is not a permanent solution. It requires users to manually transfer files using a third-party app, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Moreover, not all users may be comfortable using file explorer apps, especially those who are not tech-savvy.
For those who have rooted their devices, there are more advanced solutions available. Rooted users can modify system files to restore the ability to write to the SD card. However, rooting a device comes with its own set of risks, including voiding the warranty and the potential to brick the device if not done correctly.
Looking Ahead
The issue has sparked a significant amount of discussion in online forums and tech communities. Many users are calling for Google and Samsung to release a patch as soon as possible to address the problem. Until an official fix is released, users are advised to hold off on updating their devices to Android 4.3 if they rely heavily on their SD cards.
In the meantime, it’s worth noting that this issue highlights the importance of thorough testing before rolling out software updates. Both Google and Samsung have a responsibility to ensure that their updates do not disrupt the functionality of their devices. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls of early adoption and the need for caution when updating to new software versions.
Source: Android Pit
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