The Samsung Galaxy Note 2, while part of the Galaxy series, has some features that the rest of the lineup doesn't have. Samsung, however, is bringing a key Galaxy Note 2 exclusive -Multi-View - to the Galaxy S3, Galaxy S2, and original Galaxy Note through its Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean update.
Before we get started, bear in mind that Samsung has just started rolling out Android 4.1.2 to the Galaxy S3. The Galaxy S2 and Galaxy Note still haven't received their official upgrade, although Samsung is expected to release Android 4.1.2 for them over the next couple months.
The Android 4.1.2 update for all three devices listed above will introduce Multi-View, a feature that allows for apps to run simultaneously on screen. The Galaxy Note 2 was touted as a multitasking beast, and it looks like Samsung wants this to translate over to its other handsets, even older ones.
Watch this video to see what Multi-View on the Galaxy Note 2 is all about.
Samsung is also including the new Gallery app from the Galaxy Note 2 in its Android 4.1.2 updates for the Galaxy S3, Galaxy S2, and Galaxy Note. Other non-Galaxy Note 2 features included are a 'Smart Rotation' for the handsets displays, and an improved swipe keyboard like the one found in Android 4.2.
Samsung started releasing Android 4.1.2 for the Galaxy S3 earlier this week, and the official update should make its way across international regions over the coming weeks. Sadly, U.S. Galaxy S3 owners won't be seeing Android 4.1.2 for some time, as carriers are still in the process of releasing Android 4.1.1.
For the Galaxy S2 and Galaxy Note, Samsung decided to skip Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean altogether and instead focus on releasing Android 4.1.2. Although no official Android 4.1.2 update exists yet, near-final firmwares are available for download. These are not official, and come with some risk. Read instructions carefully if you haven't done these before, or else your handset could become unusable.
You can download the Galaxy S2 Android 4.1.2 firmware here.
For the Galaxy Note Android 4.1.2 firmware, visit here.
If you're a Galaxy S3 owner, and can't wait for the official Android 4.1.2, you can download a leaked firmware here.
If you own any of these three handsets, do these Galaxy Note 2 features have you excited?
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