Spigen working to keep smart covers working for Samsung Devices

The story broke yesterday that the most recent update to the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 killed off a lot of compatibility with various 3rd party smart cover cases. Those would be the ones that allow you to flip a cover over your screen and still get information in a preview window. This came after a new update to the Note 3 that gave the devices KitKat 4.4.2.

Both Samsung and Spigen (the manufacturer that popped up in the beginning) have both issued some official statements on the issue. Samsung’s choice of wording is particularly compelling. They aren’t saying it did break 3rd party functionality, but they aren’t saying it didn’t break the compatibility either.

Statements on the use of third-party accessories To ensure a pleasant and smooth user experience with Samsung products for our customers, we recommend that only original accessories from Samsung 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 it is 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.

Via AllAboutSamsung.de

Spigen is checking into the issue.

In regards to Android KitKat, Spigen will continue to support Galaxy devices and their smart functions. We’re currently looking into the issue and will have a more detailed plan of action by next week.

So far we have only seen people talking about this with the more recent update that was released for the Galaxy Note 3. That doesn’t mean that it won’t spring up on other Galaxy devices later on. You almost get the feeling that they are going the way of Apple with shenanigans like this. While we understand the need “To ensure a pleasant and smooth user experience with Samsung products” it still limits the consumer’s options and being forced to use “Samsung components” for construction of 3rd party products will only drive up the price tag.  Much like all Apple certified products cost a bit more than others. It does easily ensure that accessories for the devices work flawlessly though.

What’s your take on this whole situation? Is Samsung getting too big for their britches?

Source: Android Authority