Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Features: Sprint Users To Get Multi-Tasking Abilities With New Software Update

This refresh will bring some new features and minor tweaks for Sprint users, the most prominent being the ability to multitask by using more than one window at a time.

The international version was the first to get this Multi Window feature, which allows Galaxy Note 2 owners to run two apps simultaneously. These apps are displayed in windows on the smartphone-tablet hybrid’s 5.5-inch display.

Other additions to come with the software upgrade include email improvements, such as sending outgoing messages to the Outbox when the device is in an area with no service.

Incoming text messages will now get an audible notification while a user is engaged in a phone call, according to Android news blog Phandroid. With Multi Windows, users could check that text message while composing an outgoing email at the same time.

The update will arrive over the air (OTA), but a hard release date has not been specified. The software refresh is expected to hit Sprint Galaxy Note 2 phones within the next couple of days.

To ensure that your handset is ready for the update, head over to the About Phone section under the Settings menu to check for software updates.

Although an update is underway, Samsung’s Galaxy Note 2 came equipped with the newest version of Android right out of the box: 4.1 Jelly Bean. Google unveiled this mobile operating system in June at its I/O developers conference, but many smartphones and tablets are still waiting for the update.

As Android 4.1 continues its roll out, the company is preparing to launch Android 4.2 this month, according to tech news blog PC-Tablet. The only device officially confirmed to get Android 4.2 is the recently announced Nexus 4, which will ship with the updated software on Nov. 13.

Rumors have indicated that both the Galaxy Note 2 and the Galaxy S3 will get Android 4.2 in the first quarter of 2013, but the news has yet to be confirmed. Samsung news blog Sam Mobile, a site known for reporting on Android and Samsung-related launches, has said that “reliable” sources from Samsung have revealed this information.

There has been no word on software updates for the Galaxy Note 2 on T-Mobile, US Cellular or AT&T’s network.  The device is now available for pre-order on Verizon’s network.

Along with T-Mobile, Sprint was one of the first carriers to offer the Galaxy Note 2 to its customers. The “phablet” successor features a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display, a 1.6Ghz quad-core Exynos processor, an 8 mega-pixel front-facing camera, a thinner and lighter body than its predecessor, LTE connectivity, Near Field Communication, an upgraded battery, 2GB of RAM and three storage options: 16GB, 32GB and 64GB.

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Note 2 in August just before the IFA conference in Berlin. See the full list of tech specs and features revealed during Samsung’s announcement here.