Following the emergence of a leaked update timetable on Friday, Samsung has confirmed that the "premium suite" update pack for the Galaxy S4, S3 and Note 2 will be arriving on U.S. devices "in the coming weeks." The update includes Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, support for the Galaxy Gear smartwatch and Samsung's new KNOX enterprise security layer. According to today's press release some devices will start receiving the update today — and although no specific devices or carriers are mentioned, the leaked timetable points to today being the day for the Verizon Galaxy S4.
Elsewhere, international Galaxy S4s started receiving their Android 4.3 updates a couple of weeks back, and these also included Galaxy Gear and KNOX support.
Samsung also tells us the U.S. Galaxy S4 Active, S4 Mini and Galaxy Mega will receive similar updates "in the months ahead."
Press Release
Samsung Expands Galaxy Gear Compatibility to Iconic Galaxy Smartphones
Premium Suite software package includes Android update,new functionality and KNOX support
Dallas, TX – October 28, 2013 – Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) announced today that the Samsung Galaxy S® 4, Galaxy Note® II and Galaxy S® III will receive the Premium Suite software update in the coming weeks that makes the devices compatible with Samsung Galaxy Gear. Premium Suite timing and features vary by carrier and product, with updates beginning today.
Galaxy Gear extends the Galaxy smartphone experience to your wrist and enhances everyday moments with real time updates for quick and convenient access. Now, owners of the latest Galaxy smartphones will be able to stay connected with discreet notifications and tap into the exceptional features of Galaxy Gear, such as hands-free calling, music control and S Voice™ access.
In addition to Galaxy Gear compatibility, Samsung’s Premium Suite will bring Android 4.3 and additional features to these premiere smartphones. The update brings the flagship experiences introduced on the Galaxy S 4 to the Galaxy Note II and Galaxy S III including updated Easy Mode, Multi Window™, advanced camera options, and additional features with new functionality.
All of the smartphones receiving the update are SAFE™ (Samsung for Enterprise), giving users the confidence that their device is suitable for use in the workplace. Additionally, the devices will be ready for KNOX™, Samsung’s comprehensive solution that enhances Android security from the hardware layer to the application layer and allows users to safely and efficiently separate work and personal data on a single device.
The Galaxy S® 4 mini and Galaxy Mega™ will also receive an update in the coming months to be compatible with Galaxy Gear.
Timing for Premium Suite and features in software updates will vary by wireless carrier and product. For the most up to date information on update timing and availability by product and carrier, please check with your carrier and visit www.samsungmobileuspress.com.
