Just a couple of days after it was reported that Samsung's latest flagship smartphone the Galaxy S3 was going to receive an Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update, the newest version of Google's mobile operating system, on Aug. 29, a leaked build of the OS surfaced Thursday claiming to give users "the chance to test the first Jelly Bean ROM by Samsung."

SamMobile reported that it "received the first firmware for the Galaxy S3 based on Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean" and shared a few visible changes that were found after installing the firmware (I9300XXDLG4) on the Galaxy S3.

  • A new clock (in line with JB vanilla) in the notification bar.
  • A function called "Dormant mode"
  • Google Now is accessed by touching the Google Search widget
  • A couple of new Live Wallpapers
  • "Palm swipe" lets you take a screenshot
  • Reboot into "safe mode" (maybe just in test release)

There were some glitches too.

"We also had some troubles, for instance the internal SDCARD got formatted and some apps can't be installed due to problems with smdl2tmp1.asec (which can't be found at all). These problems could also be local to the specific device. A good suggestion is to make backup of everything prior flash," said the report.

The site also provided the steps for flashing the ROM. However, there are certain crucial aspects that one must be aware of before going ahead with it:

  • This is a pre-release version of the OS and not official from KIES.
  • This will void your warranty after rooting the device. So, don't try this if you are not sure enough.
  • The device must be rooted and have ClockworkMod Recovery flashed.
  • Make sure that you have taken a NANdroid backup in case things go wrong.

Please note that IBTimes will not be held responsible if any user loses data or the device gets damaged while following the steps explained below. Users must proceed at their own risk.

Step 1: Download Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean (Leaked Build: I9300XXDLG4) and ODIN v1.85. (Find download links here)

Step 2: Extract the contents of both zip files.

Step 3: Shut down the Galaxy S3. Press and hold Home + Power + Volume Down buttons to go into Download Mode.

Step 4: Launch ODIN on your PC from the .zip, extracted in Step 2.

Step 5: Connect the Galaxy S3 with your PC. ODIN will show a message saying it has recognized the device.

Step 6: From ODIN, click on PDA and choose CODE_I9300XXDLG4_11164_REV00_eng_mid_noship.tar.md5 which will be inside the Jelly Bean ROM, extracted in Step 2.

Step 7: Make sure that you have unchecked re-partition. Click Start.

Step 8: After being booted, the device should get into a boot loop. Remove your device's battery and put it back again.

Step 9: Now boot into ClockworkMod Recovery by pressing and holding Home + Power + Volume Up.

Step 10: Select wipe / factory reset.

Step 11: Select reboot system now.

[Source: XDA-Developers, Redmond Pie]

Samsung Galaxy S2 Will Also Get a Jelly Bean Update

Another SamMobile report "confirmed" Thursday that the Galaxy S2 will also get Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update soon with Samsung currently busy testing the firmware on the smartphone.

"The tests by Samsung are fine and Samsung will make the public KIES release version," said the report. "If everything goes according to plan you will get this update to Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean in September - October."

The report stated that the Galaxy Note will also get its spoonful of Jelly Bean soon.

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