Samsung, the Galaxy S III and an Android 4.1 Jelly Bean Update
Google recently announced Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and with it comes a lot of anticipation not only from those keen to buy a new phone with the software already installed, but from those who own an Android phone and are eagerly expecting an update.
But if the past has taught us anything, it’s that Android updates are mercurial, and no matter what Google or hardware manufacturers say about it, one should be prepared for many changes to the schedule before it finally arrives.
Since the official announcement only covered when Android 4.1 Jelly Bean would arrive on Nexus phones, we’ve been waiting for Samsung, HTC, LG and all the rest to talk about their plans. However, with Ice Cream Sandwich still in the process of being delivered to devices, another software update is likely to be the last thing on their minds.
Samsung was the first to break the silence at the end of last week, saying it would “review the possibility of implementing existing Samsung products with the Android operating system”, which is about as non-committal as it gets.
Naturally, it’s owners of the Galaxy S III that are most concerned over an update to Android 4.1, as their brand-new phones now run an outdated version of the OS.
A report published by YouMobile, which doesn’t quote a source but says the word comes directly from Samsung, suggests the company is aiming for a Q4 2012 release for Android 4.1 on the S III.
Samsung isn’t saying much on the subject, and as Jelly Bean hasn’t made it out into the real world yet (except for devices given out at Google I/O), it’s going to be a while before any solid information is released.