Having teased its release over the past few weeks, Samsung has begun rolling out official Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) updates via its KIES software and over-the-air, with Polish device owners becoming the first users to see the new Touchwiz-enabled operating system arrive on their smartphone.
The release was spotted by XDA forum user victorator, who highlighted that the firmware was now available for Polish Galaxy S III owners. The update brings improved performance, Google Now integration, contextual search, new Android notifications and updated Samsung apps (to name a few).
Samsung stated that the update would start rolling out in October, but appears to be seeding the firmware in a few select regions before making it available for all users around the world.
In fact, Samsung says it will be “gradually introduced” in other markets, as will updates for a further 15 devices which include the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0, Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, Galaxy Note 10.1, Galaxy S II, Galaxy Note, Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus, Galaxy S Advance, Galaxy S II LTE, Galaxy Music, Galaxy Chat, Galaxy Ace 2, Galaxy Beam, Galaxy Ace Plus, Galaxy Mini II, Galaxy S DUOS.
Leaked builds gave users the chance to upgrade early, but the company remained quiet on an exact date when it would make the official update available via its KIES software updater or via OTA updates on the device.
If you’re not in Poland, you may still have a little wait on your hands. But now the update is officially rolling out, it shouldn’t be too long until you get the chance to update the software on your device (without carrier intervention).
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