Android 4.4 KitKat hits Samsung Galaxy Note 3, nerfs third-party accessories

Android 4.4 KitKat has started rolling out to the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 across the globe. Yet, many users reported bugs with their third-party, non-Samsung products, saying that they were unresponsive after Android’s latest update.

ETNews says that Samsung is starting to limit its accessories to its own brand by implementing a semi-closed ecosystem similar to what Apple does. An identification chip will be used to authenticate peripheral products and is currently being tested with the Note 3.

People who use unofficial peripherals with their Note 3 were pretty bleak as they reported their accessories stopped performing, so Samsung decided to respond. AllAboutSamsung reports:

“To ensure a pleasant and smooth user experience with Samsung products for our customers, we recommend that only original accessories from Samsung should be used. Of course, customers can continue to rely on third-party accessories. The full functionality of our devices and accessories, however, can only be ensured with genuine Samsung components, since only in this way is it ensured that equipment and accessories are perfectly matched. A correlation between the Android version 4.4 and the supposed incompatibility of third-party accessories does not exist.”

After hearing this statement, people have started to complain even more and Samsung inevitably acknowledged the bug as an “issue” instead of denying it and forcing people to resort to its products. In a statement to Ars Technica, Samsung finally responded with the following:

“We have currently identified a software compatibility issue with the Galaxy Note 3 update to Android 4.4 (KitKat) and select 3rd party accessories. A software update will be available shortly. We are committed to offering a diverse and reliable mobile experience for all customers, providing continued support and solutions for any issues that arise with product updates for both Samsung manufactured and third-party accessories.”

Since some of the accessories are reported to have been broken, Samsung will soon be rolling out an update to resolve this issue. This means that third-party accessories such as responsive cases will hopefully start working in the near future.