Samsung Galaxy S3 Gets Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

If you're a Samsung Galaxy S3 owner, and are sick about all the news about the iPhone 5, here's an update that should have you happy. Samsung has begun rolling out the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update.

Before you go any further, keep in mind that this applies to unlocked, SIM-free Galaxy S3s, and those tied to carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, or U.S. Cellular will have to wait a while longer for the upgrade to hit their handsets.

The Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update will hit Poland first, and will "'gradually' be introduced to other markets," according to website TheVerge, and that distribution times will "vary by market and wireless carriers' requirements." 

Jelly Bean will introduce a smoother interface as well as Google's own voice-assistant, Google Now. Samsung has also included a couple Samsung-specific features in its Jelly Bean update for the Galaxy S3.

One reason Android updates are so staggered (unlike Apple's iOS upgrades) is because of the nature of the developmental process. After Google introduces a new version, manufacturers then take the time to tailor the mobile operating system to their handsets. After that, devices that aren't unlocked need to wait for their wireless service provider to approve and distribute the Android update. 

The Samsung Galaxy S3 is the current king of Android smartphones. With a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display and an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera, the sleek Galaxy S3 even overtook the iPhone 4S as the best-selling smartphone across carriers in the recent months (which will change, now that the iPhone 5 is out).

Website TheVerge also states Samsung is expected to roll out Android 4.1 Jelly Bean to 15 other devices including the Galaxy S2, the Galaxy Tab 10.1, and the Galaxy Note 10.1. Samsung's Galaxy Note 2 will come with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean pre-installed when the handset hits international markets in October and the United States by November.