Verizon Wireless announced that the update to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is ready for the Samsung Galaxy S III. The update will start rolling out on December 14.
Verizon customers should note that typically the Over-the-Air update is pushed out in small numbers and increased over time. This is not the recently announced Premium Suite update that adds Samsung Galaxy Note 2-like features.
Major features of the update include ISiS Payments, voice typing for Google Maps, Google Now and global roaming. Isis is available in select markets only. A new Sim Card and special software will be required to use the Isis Mobile Wallet.
It is always a good idea to backup your data before any update and make sure your battery is at least 50% charged. You will not be able to make calls during the update process .
If you are roaming you will not receive a system update notice. To update your device while you are roaming, you will need to be in an area where Wi-Fi is available.
The System update size 400.7 MB, with estimated software download time of approximately 12-17 minutes, and estimated software update time of approximately 12-17 minutes.
You will be notified that a system update is available on your device. Tap OK to continue. Your device will power off then power on and the installation will begin.
Note: If you choose "Defer" this will delay installation and you will be taken back to the home screen. The system update message will appear every 30 minutes until you install the update.
Besides adding well-known Jelly Bean features, the update will also include a faster TouchWiz experience. New features include camera filters, low-light photo mode, an easy mode, call blocking, SWYPE keyboard, low light photo mode, video pause/resume and Pop Up Play sizing/resume.
Easy Mode is a simplified option for first-time smartphone owners, with large home screen widgets that focus on the device essentials. Saumusng has also added AllShare technology into ESPN's popular ScoreCenter application that also works with Samsung Smart TVs.
After the update the Galaxy S III can pair with supporting NFC Bluetooth accessories in a single touch with NFC One Touch Pairing Support.
Customers who would like to manually download the upgrade through the settings menu will be able to within the next week.
Other enhancements from the changelog:
- Improved connectivity and reliability when syncing Google and POP-3 e-mail accounts.
- Enhancements made to improve accuracy of predictive text.
- Automatic Set Up option has been enabled when setting up a Road Runner email account.
- Improved accuracy and runs reliability of Weather application.
- Visual Voicemail has been updated to ensure proper delivery of notifications.
- Fixed resets that were sometimes seen when trying to connect to a VPN client.
- Support for opening attachments in .ics format.
- Now supports Software Upgrade Assistant; installs and runs automatically when plugged in to your computer’s USB port.
- Missed Call Log has been updated to ensure accuracy.
- Enhancements have been made to ensure the reliability of Back Up Assistant Plus.
- Improvements made to automatically reconnect to known previously used Wi-Fi sources hot spots.
- Verizon Accessories Application has been added
YAY, finally. I can't wait. We need JB now!
I don't think, we'll see the udpate until late next week.