Samsung Galaxy S3 gets Galaxy Note 2 features with Android 4.1.2

New smarts for the Galaxy S3

The Samsung Galaxy S3 is starting to get the Android 4.1.2 update, which may not seem like a big deal on the surface, but there are some key new features packed inside.
First up the multi-view function lets you have more than one app on screen at a time for an enhanced multi-tasking experience.
First seen on the Galaxy Note 2, the Galaxy S3 is only the second handset to get this nifty functionality, letting you snap apps above and below each other on the phone's 4.8-inch display.

Galaxy S3 takes Note

Page buddy is something else we saw on the Note 2 and has now made the leap across to the S3 – for example, plug in a set of headphones and a dedicated homescreen will appear giving you options related to the action, such as offering links to the music player.
Also bundled in the Android 4.1.2 update is an updated gallery app which matches the one found on the Note 2, plus a customisable notification panel, swipe input for the keyboard and smart rotation – which will only rotate the screen if the phone detects you want landscape mode and are not just lying in bed with your S3 at a weird angle.
The roll out started in Poland and the over-the-air update will make its way round countries worldwide in the coming days and weeks – so keep an eye out for it on your Galaxy S3. No word on US availability just yet, but it's surely only a matter of time.

From CoolSmartphone

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean 'leaked' for Samsung Galaxy S2

Jelly Bean for Galaxy S2: Much awaited

A video has leaked online appearing to show Android's 4.1 Jelly Bean update running on a Samsung Galaxy S2.
The firmware looks to be a beta version of a 4.1.2 ROM, the same software that's currently rolling out to Samsung's flagship Galaxy S3 device. The leak comes courtesy of XDA Developers member izap.
In the video demonstration, a mystery person flicks through screens on a Samsung Galaxy S2, showing off distinctly Jelly Bean-like features. The device may also be running a little smoother than usual (Project Butter?), although it's almost impossible to tell, especially without a direct comparison.

Leaky beans

The accompanying screenshot seemingly confirms 4.1.2 firmware running on a GT-I9100 device, although we can't guarantee it's legit at this stage.
That said, we wouldn't be surprised if the Galaxy S2 is included on the list of devices Samsung is bringing the JB update to - especially after a source 'confirmed' it would be getting it.
Although Samsung's 2011 flagship is still a damned good phone, it's definitely beginning to show its age, particularly when put up against its S3 successor and the likes of the Galaxy Note 2 and Google Nexus 4. Now more than ever, S2 owners need something to keep them feeling catered for by Samsung.

Via Pocketnow

64GB Samsung Galaxy S3 pre-orders open in UK

If you want it, you'll have to hope others do too.

The 64GB version of the Samsung Galaxy S3 has finally gone on pre-order in the UK, and at an eye watering price.
Online retailer Clove is the first to get its 64GB Galaxy S3 pre-order page up, and it's asking a staggering £600 for the top of the range handset.
Although that's a lot to pay for a phone, it's still £99 cheaper than the equivalently sized iPhone 5, which is available SIM-free for £699.

No guarantee

However those who pre-order are not gaurenteed to receive a black 64GB Galaxy S3, as Clove states it will review orders in two weeks time and make a decision on whether or not to stock the device based on demand.
There's no word on the Samsung Galaxy S3 64GB release date, but the retailer estimates it will be at least eight weeks from now, so it's unlikely that we'll see the handset land in time for Christmas.
The Samsung Galaxy S3's saving grace is that it's a quality handset, racking up 4.5 out of 5 in our in-depth review and it currently sits proudly at the top of our 20 Best Mobiles in the World feature.

Considering the Galaxy S3 also sports a microSD card slot, is a 64GB version really need? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.

From Clove via Android Central

Study shows first-time drop in loyalty for the iPhone

Would you stay loyal?

Owner loyalty for the iPhone has declined for the first time ever, according to a study.
In the United States, 88 per cent of iPhone owners plan to buy another Apple handset, while in Western Europe the number stands at 75 per cent, says the study by Strategy Analytics.
That's down on 12 months ago. Last year, 93 per cent of Apple's US iPhone owners said they'd opt for the same handset. In Western Europe, the figure was 88 per cent.
But Apple's loyalty is still far higher than the competition. A study by UBS Investment Research last year put HTC second to Apple, with just 39 per cent of the Taiwanese firm's customers planning on staying loyal.

A lack of innovation?

Experts say Apple is still flying high, but put the drop in loyalty down to its lack of breakthroughs of late. Or the fact it's not been seen to be doing much new, anyway.
"There is no doubt that Apple is continuing its success in retaining its existing user base while attracting new customers," said Paul Brown, director of Strategy Analytics' User Experience Practice.
"However, negative press prompted by a perceived lack of recent innovation by Apple has meant we are starting to see some growth in the number of previously highly loyal customers who are now reconsidering whether or not they will purchase a new iPhone for their next device."
The debacle surrounding Apple Maps could have something to do with it too.
Samsung has also raised its game in the last year, with its Galaxy S3 handset hitting 30 million sales.
Via IntoMobile