Samsung Kies
Samsung Kies is a freeware software application used to communicate between Windows or Macintosh operating systems, and more recently manufactured Samsung mobile phone and tablet computer devices, usually using a USB connection (though wireless LAN Kies connectivity is now possible using some devices).
Name
The name K.I.E.S. originated as an acronym for "Key Intuitive Easy System". After version 2.0, the name was shortened to "Kies". However, the word is identical to the German word Kies (in spelling and pronunciation), which means gravel.
Versions
Kies is available in several versions and editions, depending on the specific Samsung device and the OS it is running. Kies3 (version 3.x) supports devices with Android Jelly Bean (4.3 and up). Kies (currently in version 2.6.3.14074_11) supports devices with Android 2.1 through 4.2. Trying to use Kies with newer devices, or Kies3 with older devices, will result in an error message.
There is also a Kies Mini version, which is available only for specific devices such as Samsung Vibrant, Captivate or Infuse. It is used to update these devices' operating systems (OS versions). Though there are both Windows and Mac(intosh) versions of the full Kies product, there is only a Windows version of Kies Mini for most Samsung devices; however, non-Windows users may overcome this limitation by using a Windows virtual machine, installing Kies Mini within it and connecting a Samsung device via USB cable to accomplish the OS update.
