It looks like the Samsung Galaxy S3 may get Android 4.2.2 after all - that is, at least one carrier. Samsung is believed to have scrapped the Galaxy S3 update Android 4.2.2 update completely, but an Australian wireless carrier is now stating it expects to receive a test build Oct. 25.
Australian carrier Telstra recently updated its Handset Updates page to include some surprising information. According to the chart, Telstra is currently "waiting for initial vendor submission" of an Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean build. The chart then goes on to reveal that Telstra is expecting the submission Oct. 25. Given that Friday is coming up fast, we'll soon get a chance to see if this is real or not.
The Samsung Galaxy S3 was originally scheduled to receive Android 4.2.2 during the summer of 2013, but initial development problems seem to have derailed the process. Instead, Samsung announced in early September that it would be refocusing its efforts on providing the Galaxy S3 with Android 4.3 before the year was done. In essence, Samsung was saying it was scrapping Android 4.2.2 for the Galaxy S3. The exact reason for the move is unknown, although it is likely Samsung did so because Android 4.3 is the only Android that contains Bluetooth 4.0 LE support, a requirement for full connectivity with the Galaxy Gear smartwatch.
The Samsung Galaxy S3 is expected to begin receiving Android 4.3 Jelly Bean sometime in November or December as testing has already started. Why Telstra is choosing to release Android 4.2.2 with Android 4.3 so close is a mystery, and one that can only be answered once either Samsung or Telstra comments on the matter.
Check back with Latinos Post for more information on Samsung Galaxy S3 updates as it becomes available.