Photos surfaced online last month of the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for Samsung's Galaxy S3, though it was seemingly a non-consumer version of the phone. For consumers looking to get early previews of updates, the Developer Edition may be the answer. However, it comes at a price.
The unsubsidized version of the phone is available for pre-order from Samsung, meaning anyone can unlock the phone and browse XDA-Developers -- or similar -- to download ROMs and customize devices. The phone is currently in backorder; no estimated time of arrival is available for the phone, but it at least seems to be popular.
Pebble Blue is the color available -- no Marble White -- though 16 and 32GB versions are available for $600 and $650 respectively. While it is probably a better idea to buy the phone from Verizon on contract, options for consumers are probably good. Though a cheaper option may be to buy the locked phone and head to XDA and follows instructions there, though it may take a few hours.
The Jelly Bean update for Samsung Galaxy S3 was rumored; Samsung announced the update for release next month on its Galaxy S3 and Samsung Galaxy S2. SamMobile reported that the update would arrive on the latter, though it was in testing, with the weaker hardware meaining it may not arrive.
Samsung is traditionally slow in releasing updates for its devices; the announcement at the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 reveal was positive in light of Apple's track history of quickly releasing iOS updates. Google and Android have the wider problem of getting recent versions of Android of devices. Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is only on over one percent of devices according to reports.
Regarding the shots of Verizon's Jelly Bean update, the update is yet to arrive for the devices. Carriers delaying updates is not new, as seen with Sony and O2 for the former's Xperia devices.
Samsung Galaxy S3 is available now. The device is approaching 15 million units sold having launch May 29.
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