So I am still on 4.3 on my Note 3 because 4.4 borked the SD card permissions on android devices so I never updated my N3 to 4.4. I use my SD card a TON for many things like Music, Video, Pictures, App data, download folders, etc. My question is this- is there a bonafide workaround or fix for 4.4.4 that will allow the Note 4 to utilize my SD card and it's info the same way I can with my Note 3 that is on 4.3. Reading around the net, it doesn't seem there is a total fix for this issue yet. And I can't get any specific info on if 4.4.4 has fixed or made the SD card write and permissions better or worse than 4.4.2. Basically, if 4.4.4 borks my SD card usage, I might as well have a walled off device like Crapple.

 

I agree about the "believe it when I see it" part. And who knows when we would get Android L. I bet it will be in 2015 on Verizon. As far as a release day N4, if it is not rootable, then any hacks available would not be able to be use to allow better SD card usage. From what I have read, you need to root then either use a specific app that fixes SD card permissions, or run/install a script to fix the permissions. And it seems neither "fix" is a 100% fix.

This honestly has me almost wanting to just hold on to my N3. It is working fine, in basically new condition after one year of use. I am completely pissed that Google has gone the apple route of walling off BASIC user functions that many Android users enjoy or need on a daily basis. One of the main advantages to android over ios for me is the ability to use an SD card - fully use it until 4.4 hit.

Bottom line, they are trying to herd people into cloud usage because that makes them more money. Cloud usage sucks, and should not be a users main source of storage. And of course you MUST HAVE SIGNAL to use the cloud. There are many instances where I need to use ALL the functions of my phone without signal (planes, poor/no receptions areas, airplane mode, backcountry gps topo use, etc). Gimping Android and their devices as 4.4 has done is a big negative. Google, if you are listening, you WILL lose customers if you don't allow full SD card usage. Me, for one.

 

I'm debating to preorder via Best Buy (since the Verizon option is a no-go as they aren't giving me $10 for my Droid X2 I'm trading in). I could do the preorder, and if root and SD card permissions aren't doable within the 30 day time frame, I guess I could always take the N4 back. I would like to see the N4 in person and see if using it a bit in hand would change my opinion. The SD write issue really has be considering keeping my N3 that is on 4.3.