If you own the first-gen Galaxy Tab S 8.4 from Samsung, then you will be pleased to learn that the tablet is now finally getting updated to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.
Thanks to the software update, the Samsung tablet, which hit the shelves in 2014, now jumps from Android 5.0.2 Lollipop to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.
The news will be welcomed by owners of the 8.4-inch Galaxy Tab S, because earlier in August, the Facebook page of Samsung Mobile Netherlands revealed that the tablet — along with the 10.5-inch Galaxy Tab S — will not be updated to Android Marshmallow.
In a surprising turn of events, PhoneArena reports that one of its readers has shared that their Wi-Fi variant of the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 received the Android Marshmallow software update.
"[O]ne of our loyal PhoneArena readers got in touch with us today to report that his Galaxy Tab S 8.4 Wi-Fi received the update to Android 6.0.1," notes the site.
To back its claims, the publication also shared the screenshot of the update shared by their tipster. The update is an over-the-air (OTA) one and weighs 900 MB. It bears the build number MMB29K.T700XXU1CPH5.
This update comes more than a year after the Wi-Fi version of the device received the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update in April 2015.
Earlier in July, benchmark tests showing the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 running on Android Marshmallow had surfaced online. This suggested that the tablet would be benefiting from the firmware update.
Moreover, an industry insider revealed to publication SamMobile that the 8.4-inch model of the first-gen Galaxy Tab S — which came pre-loaded with Android 4.4 KitKat — would be updated to Android Marshmallow and not stay on Android Lollipop.
With the arrival of the Android marshmallow update for the 8.4-inch variant of the original Galaxy Tab S, Samsung users who own the 10.5-inch variant of the tablet will be hoping that the update hits their device soon as well.
The software update brings several new and exciting features to the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 such as Google Now on Tap, the Doze Mode — which enhances battery life — and app permissions to name a few.
The Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update being pushed out in the U.S is only for the Wi-Fi version of the Galaxy Tab S 8.4. Since updates are usually pushed out in phases, it could take a while before it hits your tablet. It is not known when individual carriers will start rolling out the update.
To check if the update has hit your Wi-Fi variant of the Galaxy Tab SM-T700, go to Settings > About Device > Software Update > Check for Updates. Ensure you have sufficient memory and at least 50 percent battery charge, as well as access to a stable Wi-Fi connection before you download the update.
