Android 4.3 Jelly Bean Release Date Nears: Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Air Command And Other Features Ported To Galaxy Note 2

The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 may not get Galaxy Note 3 features in until November or December, when the handset is expected to update to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean; however, developers have already ported such Galaxy Note 3-specific features as Air Command to the Galaxy Note 2 to give users an idea of what they can expect.

A member at XDA Developer’s forum, "titooo," recently created a port for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 including Air Command with its Pen Window, Screen Writer, Scrapbook, and Action Memo options, as well as Gallery, Launcher, Safety Assistance, S Note, Sketchbook, and S Planner.

The port was reportedly developed by adding Galaxy Note 3 features to recently leaked Android 4.3 pre-release firmware, and appears to run smoothly aside from a few minor issues. Developers note that the port has problems with its one-hand operating feature, which works only with a few apps, and the Air View feature appears twice in settings. These bugs probably will be resolved in future updates.

Those interested in using this port must keep in mind to use the N7100XXUEMI6 build of leaked software for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. We don’t recommend installing such firmware onto your Galaxy Note 2, but should you do so, err on the side of caution and back up your handset beforehand.

Head over to the XDA Developer’s forum for downloads and more information.

Users can also check out some video of Galaxy Note 2 handsets running Galaxy Note 3 software.

Several sources have pegged the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 for a late-year Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update. Samsung has also confirmed an Android 4.3 update for the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S3. The Korean manufacturer says both handsets as well as the Galaxy Note 2 will receive software support for compatibility with the newly released Galaxy Gear smart watch. Many believe that the software support could come from Android 4.3, which includes the Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity needed to connect to external accessories such as Galaxy Gear to compatible handsets.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 has long been running its maiden operating system Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Reports suggest that the Galaxy Note 2 won’t receive Android 4.3 until after the Galaxy S4 and S3 because its update includes the coveted Galaxy Note 3 features. Samsung reportedly wants the Galaxy Note 3 to carry these features exclusively for a few months before passing it on to other devices.

Will you be testing out the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 feature port for the Galaxy Note 2? Let us know in the comments below.

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