Android 4.3 Jelly Bean Update: Samsung Confirms OS And Galaxy Gear Support Details For Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2 And Others

Android 4.3 Jelly Bean is now rolling out onto Samsung Galaxy S4 international models, and its cousins the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 are still anticipating their updates as well.

But both the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 are expected to receive updates soon, which have already been confirmed by Samsung. Update details from the Australian carrier Telstra have also revealed that the devices (in addition to the Galaxy S4) will receive software support for the Samsung Galaxy Gear companion device through Android 4.3.

Now Samsung has confirmed the Android 4.3/Galaxy Gear compatibility with Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 in a press release put out Wednesday, and has also has released more details about software updates for many different Galaxy devices.

The Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update will include such features as Samsung KNOX, Smart Switch, HomeSync and Group Play 2.5. Samsung notes that the Android 4.3 update schedule may vary by country and carrier, and some components of the update may only be available in certain areas. The Galaxy S3 3G version will only receive Samsung KNOX with a platform security in select countries. However, we can be certain that the Android 4.3 update is on its way for many Samsung Galaxy models.

Samsung Galaxy Gear compatibility is also on the way for many other Samsung Galaxy devices. The Korean manufacturer also announced that such devices as the Galaxy S4 mini, Galaxy S4 Active, Galaxy S4 Zoom, Galaxy Mega 5.8 and Galaxy Mega 6.3 will receive Galaxy Gear support through a separate software update, which is expected to begin at the end of October. Again, the update schedule will vary by country and carrier.

Currently the GT-I9505 and GT-I9500 international models of the Samsung Galaxy S4 have updated to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean in select countries. When updates begin rolling out onto other Galaxy handsets, international models are expected to update first. Currently the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 are expected to update between November and December, depending on the country. Carriers in France and Australia have confirmed that release schedule.

There is no word as to when U.S. models of the Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3, and Galaxy Note 2 will update to Android 4.3, or when other Galaxy models will receive Galaxy Gear support. U.S. updates will likely occur after other international unlocked and regional updates.

Are you glad that Samsung has spoken out about its Android 4.3 and Galaxy Gear support plans? Let us know in the comments below.

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