Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean Firmware Leaked For Samsung Galaxy S3, Official Update Likely After Galaxy S4 Release; How To Install [Tutorial]

SamMobile came up with a report saying it had leaked the Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean test firmware I9300XXUFMB3 for the Samsung Galaxy S3 (GT-I9300) with the help of XDA-Developers forum member Saturn, who had provided “the dump files from his device.”

In addition, the report interestingly stated that while Samsung is still testing the Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean, the official final release of the firmware update for the Galaxy S3 could be expected after the launch of the next-generation Galaxy S smartphone, aka the Galaxy S4.

In terms of the Samsung Galaxy S4 release date, a March 14 event in New York is being highly rumored. However, a recent report has brought in a twist in the tale saying the device might be delayed due to issues with the eight-core Exynos Octa processor.

When it comes to the leaked Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean firmware in question, it’s available for download. Here’s a list of key enhancements in the Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean firmware I9300XXUFMB3, provided by SamMobile:

- Android 4.2.1 – JOP40D

- Improved Ripple effect on Lockscreen

- New Android 4.2.1 Lockscreen with widgets

- Daydream (Settings>Display)

- New Additions in Notification Center

- Notifications are more actionable

- Voice Command (Let’s you control various parts of the phone using voice commands)

According to a report from Ars Technica, the implementation of the voice command feature will be interesting to see “considering the handset already uses its native S-voice.”

“There also seems to be new additions to the Notifications center, though we're not too keen on the implementation as seen in the screenshot above because it appears bloated with icons and options. Fortunately, it looks like it will live beyond a second screen in the Notifications shade,” the report added.

Based on the screenshots, provided by SamMobile, the first look of the Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean seems more like the TouchWiz on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean currently. However, the inclusion of the lockscreen widgets will likely give the oomph!

While all the new features from Android 4.2 are apparently included, the only exception seems to be the Photo Sphere feature. The quick settings panel has also been overhauled with TouchWiz, looking handier than stock Android, Android Community reported.

“All those toggles should really come in handy – and keep the regular notification pulldown bar clear for those expanding notifications,” said the report.

How To Install

The steps for installing Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean I9300XXUFMB3 on the Samsung Galaxy S3 (GT-I9300) are given below. But before trying out the tutorial there are some aspects that must be noted:

- Proper backups must be taken for personal data, apps and settings

- The phone must have at least 80 percent of battery power

- The firmware will increase the device’s binary counter

- The firmware will change the device status to modified

- The firmware does not have any modem; therefore the Modem being used before flashing the firmware will remain

- The firmware is a pre-release version, not official from Samsung Kies

- Being a pre-release version, the firmware will likely have some minor bugs

It must be kept in mind that this tutorial is only for Samsung Galaxy S3, model number GT- I9300. In addition, the users must proceed at their own risk. IBTimes cannot be held responsible for anything that goes wrong.

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Download I9300XXUFMB3_I9300OJKFMB3_ILO.zip and unzip the file.

Step 2: Open Odin 3.04 (included in the firmware package).

Step 3: Power off Galaxy S3 and put it on the Download Mode. To do this, press and hold the Volume Down and Home buttons while pressing the Power button until the Samsung Galaxy logo appears on the screen.

Step 4: Connect phone to the computer and wait until you get a blue sign in Odin.

Step 5: Add I9300XXUFMB3_I9300OJKFMB3_HOME.tar.md5 to PDA.

Step 6: Make sure re-partition is NOT ticked.

Step 7: Start flash and wait a few minutes.

Step 8: If you encounter any issues with the firmware boot into recovery mode (Home + power + volume up).

Step 9: Choose to wipe/ factory reset.

Step 10: Choose reboot.

[Source: SamMobile]

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