We have some great news for those of you who are still rocking a Samsung Galaxy S2 Skyrocket handset on AT&T’s network. The device shipped in 2011 with Android Gingerbread, but now we’re pleased to confirm that Samsung has just released an official Galaxy S2 Skyrocket Jelly Bean update as well – bumping the device up to Android 4.1.2.

Let’s just put that into context for a second. Samsung are well within their rights to forget about a three-year old handset in favor of newer projects such as the Galaxy Note 3 and imminent Galaxy S4 handsets. So to go back and provide some joy to those who are still using the Skyrocket is testament to Samsung’s new found effort on getting official Android updates out after initial widespread criticism.

Samsung has released a support page for the update to Android 4.1.2 and confirmed that the Kies software will be needed for the installation process. Don’t worry if you haven’t used Kies before, as Samsung has also provided a step-by-step guide to help you through it, as well as posting a link to the actual software if you need to download it.

As for a reminder of new features within Jelly Bean, users can now expect to find new functionality such as Google Now, a Mobile Hotspot feature, the Browser bar and also some new pre-loaded applications. Samsung has also mentioned on the support page that users will also benefit from improved call quality after installation as well.

So there we have it, yet more good news from the ongoing Jelly Bean update bandwagon. Did you ever imagine a scenario where your handset would be granted updates to a further two new major versions of Android upon purchase? That’s the equivalent of the Galaxy S4 getting updated to Android 5.0 and possibly Android 6.0 down the line.

As always, let us know if you have any problems before, after or during the installation. Are there any proud Skyrocket owners reading this?

We informed you at the start of January that Samsung had confirmed a surprise Android 4.1.2 update for the now old Galaxy S2 handset. After no information for two weeks, many of you had started to fear that the update would fall victim to Samsung’s infamous delay tactics, but thankfully that isn’t the case. We’ve now got confirmation that the Jelly Bean update has started to rollout in phases, for the International GT-I9100 version of the device.

We also told you at the time that the update would be available via the Samsung Kies software only, but new reports are suggesting that the update is also available OTA as well, which is great. As mentioned above though, the phased rollout means that not everyone will have the update yet and it will also depend on where you live and what carrier you are on.

As for the update itself, we’re hearing that it is a very sizable update for the S2 indeed, with consumers being able to enjoy a brand new interface, a UI which is currently featured on the Samsung Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy S3 Mini all running the latest versions of Android.

For a device that released almost three years ago, this is a very positive outcome indeed to think that users are still getting official support and features that are in line with handsets that are available to buy on the market now. It’s a great sign for the future that any handsets bought in 2013 like the Galaxy S4 and Note 3 for example, may receive official software updates from Samsung right up to 2016.

SamMobile has provided a detailed list of some of the other features that are coming in the Android 4.1.2 update. The UI revamp is the big deal for us though. If you are the owner of a Samsung Galaxy S3 GT-I9100, let us know if you have received any notifications to update yet, or if you have pushed the update manually via Kies or device settings.

We have some fantastic news for those of you who have resisted temptation all of last year and stuck with the Samsung Galaxy S2 in favor of newer handsets with more luxurious hardware specs. Samsung has decided to reward that patience by upgrading the Galaxy S2 with an official helping of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The Galaxy S2 is now arguably outdated having been released in May 2011, and it is very pleasing to see the device still part of the official Jelly Bean update rollout, with some users having probably expected to stay on Ice Cream Sandwich forever.

The update is definitely on the way, but as we’ve known with Samsung updates in the past, actually reaching your handset will be a different story altogether since updates are always handled on a region to region basis. Unsurprisingly, Korea will be first to the party, as Samsung has confirmed this with an official document in Korean – nothing set in stone for US and Europe Galaxy S2 users yet, but it’s safe to assume that the update will be happening after the initial rollout in Korea.

A few word of warnings about the update though, as we’re hearing that the only way to install Jelly Bean will be via Kies – so it’s probably a good idea to install the software now if you previously have been reluctant. The other issue is that the actual size of the update will be a rather hefty one – weighing in at 1GB to be precise so start freeing up system space if you are currently maxing out your storage.

Apart from that, the update is very straight forward and will add the same features, plus more that have been seen on other Galaxy handsets that have had the update already. Google Now is one of the most obvious new additions, improved scrolling is also included, while a whole host of new Google services will also be added once you have rebooted the device after installation – Google Play movies is definitely a nice surprise waiting once you’ve installed Jelly Bean.

Considering that the Galaxy S2 is getting the latest version of Android despite releasing over a year and a half ago, it is a good prospect for Galaxy S3 owners who are curious to find out when their official support will end. Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie is surely now a certainty for the Galaxy S3, while it may even get Android 6.0 as well based on Samsung’s actions with the Galaxy S2.

If you have kept faith with your trusty Galaxy S2, let us know your reaction to the great news. Does this now even cancel your plans to upgrade to the Samsung Galaxy S4?

There will certainly be a number of our readers that hurried to the stores to grab Samsung’s hottest handset, the Samsung Galaxy S3, and now wonder why it won’t be one of the first to receive the Android 4.1 upgrade. If the older Galaxy S2 gets the Jelly Bean update before S3 then this could also cause ill feeling, which we’re hearing both the Galaxy S2 and G3 are in the Android 4.1 testing stage. The Nexus 7 is the first device to receive the new features found in the latest software.

Google already confirmed the Nexus smartphones would be first to upgrade to Jelly Bean, and the hunger for this Jelly Bean update had been seen in frustration with Verizon’s Galaxy Nexus, which can be read in our earlier article and includes dozens of comments voicing first-hand disappointment with Verizon. The Nexus S update saw a simpler rollout but some impatient users had a few things to say during the wait, and we’ve seen a number of Android owners give CyanogenMod a try after getting annoyed with waiting.

Over the last few days Samsung has been testing Jelly Bean for Galaxy S2 and S3, but it’s not clear what the release date will be for either device. Considering Samsung is “almost ready” to release the Android 4.1 update to these devices, the launch month is looking like August but the rollout could slip to September. It will be interesting to see how the Galaxy S2 handles the new software, and we’re sure Samsung would want to get it right for the varieties in consumer hands.

What device do you want Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on? Keep connected to PR as we keep you updated on the rollout. We have included an 8-minute video hands-on below, which features the Nexus S running Jelly Bean and gives you an idea of how well it runs on that device.

Since Samsung launched the Galaxy S2 it has been regarded as one of the best Android smartphones available to users. Its many features including the 1.2 GHz dual-core processor that has helped the device to win many awards around the world during 2011.

For those of you who don’t know too much about the Galaxy S2, below you can see a couple of videos, which includes one that is a review of the device. But Samsung will have to go that extra mile to improve the handset with the next version it brings out.

Obviously first of all they can put in a new more powerful processor as chip technology is always speeding forward. Samsung would have to go some to improve what is already a great screen on the current model, and it would certainly have to come running the most recent version of the Android operating system.

There are now rumors of what Samsung may be bringing with the Galaxy S3 and according to an article here, it could make its first appearance at MWC 2012 in February. Before it was rumored the device could be coming with only a 1.8 GHz dual-core processor, but new speculation is hinting that Samsung would use a quad-core chip.

This wouldn’t come as much of a surprise as other companies such as HTC are already preparing quad-core smartphones for 2012. It is thought Samsung is currently testing new quad-core processors that will come under its own Exynos series.

Other rumored features include a 1280 x 720 Super AMOLED Plus screen and LTE connectivity. It has been rumored before that the handset would also feature a 12-megapixel camera and 2GB of RAM. It could also feature some sort of 3D technology that would include integration with 3D TVs, and could be released as early as the second quarter of 2012.

Once any new device does make an appearance it will inevitably reignite the Android Vs iPhone debate among fans of both platforms. At the moment though this is all rumors regarding the S3, but as soon as we get some solid details about the handset we will report them to you, so keep connected with PR via our social channels.

What would you like to see with the Samsung Galaxy S III? This is not the first time that speculation has surfaced about the specifications of the next Galaxy S smartphone though, and as always has to be taken with a pinch of salt.

Customers who have registered and subscribed to updates regarding the HTC EVO 3D are to be notified about the decision shortly, say Vodafone UK. They then go on to plug advertisements for more up and coming exciting handsets that they are set to offer the public in the near future; such as the HTC Sensation and the Samsung Galaxy S2.

The following announcement comes straight from Vodafone: -

“We’ve decided that due to delays to the launch of the device, we no longer plan to include the EVO 3D in our smartphone range. We will be contacting customers who have registered for updates about the device to make them aware of this decision shortly.”

“We realise this will come as a disappointment to some people but we already offer some fantastic phones, like the HTC Sensation and Galaxy S2, with some really exciting handsets in the pipeline.”

We are not exactly sure of the reason why Vodafone UK have decided to scrub the HTC EVO 3D, but sources tell us that it could be down to the delays, which would render the phone not suitable to compete with other rival handsets that they are planning to offer in the coming months.

Back in March, we predicted that the HTC EVO 3D would see a release in Europe after being released by Sprint in the US, and although it was not tied to any specific carrier, we had our money firmly placed with Vodafone UK to take it. As you can see, we were right but now all that seems to have gone down the pan with unexpected delays.

Although it might not seem relevant now, you can still look at some of the specs for this handset which include a full glasses-free 3D display, and the ability to shoot photos and videos in 3-dimensions too.

Whilst looking at Vodafone UK’s ‘coming soon‘ page, we found nothing extraordinary to note bar the BlackBerry Bold 9900. They offer no other glasses-free 3D handsets, maybe Vodafone just don’t take to the glasses-free 3D devices at all.

Were you one of the many customers expecting to get a HTC EVO 3D? If so, what will you be replacing it with?

It is thought that the success Samsung has been having recently with their Galaxy S II has been largely down to Khan, who spearheaded the company’s bid to be effective in the Android market and was also instrumental in the original Samsung Galaxy S and the Galaxy Tab. The news comes as a blow to the company, which will be greatly impacted by the loss.

The remaining Samsung Mobile team will be hoping to carry on where Khan left though they will be facing some tough times ahead including growing competition in the Android mobile market from the likes of HTC. The company is also in the midst of a legal battle with the mighty Apple, as they have been accused of violating a tech design patent by copying Apple’s iPad and iPhone.

These accusations, which also include the imitation of the overall looks of the devices and the iOS layout, have led to Samsung being forced to allow Apple to inspect their devices. Pre-release hardware for the Galaxy Tab 8.9 was amongst the work to be investigated for any clues of an infringement.

Omar Khan’s announcement to leave Samsung came through an email which was sent to The Droid Guy. In the email he told the site that he would be leaving Samsung and had enjoyed representing the company as spokesperson over the last few years. Also in the announcement Khan said how he intends to lead CitiGroup’s bid to build ‘the world’s premier digital bank.’

While it is apparent that Samsung’s relationship with carriers in the US is not as strong as it was last year, there is no evidence that suggests this is the reason for Khan’s decision. The company has found that carriers have been reluctant to sign up for the Galaxy S II, where as last year there were no problems getting carriers for the Galaxy S. this is thought to be due to more variety on the Android mobile market this year compared to last year where worthy iPhone alternatives were in high demand and hard to come by.

How great an impact do you think this loss will have on Samsung Mobile?

According to Flickr just one month after its release 1 million of them were sold in Korea, this means that on average one Samsung Galaxy S2 sold every three seconds throughout that period. We can also confirm that within 3 days 100,000 units had sold.

To put this in perspective the original Samsung Galaxy S took 70 days to reach 1 million in sales (in Korea), therefore it would be fair to say that in Korea the S2 is more than twice as popular as the Galaxy S.

On the whole it looks like the Galaxy S2 will be a huge success for Samsung, previously we heard how 3 million of them had been pre-ordered worldwide and over 140 carriers would offer the impressive smartphone in 120 different countries, therefore don’t be too surprised if the S2 breaks records in different regions.

We think that the positive sales of the Galaxy S2 will undoubtedly lead to a Samsung Galaxy S3 release sometime in 2012. The S2 features a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, 8 megapixel sensor, 1GB of RAM and 4.27-inch AMOLED display it is hard to imagine just how advanced the S3 will be, perhaps it will show up at CES 2012.

Will you buy the Samsung Galaxy S2?

Nick Marshall of Electricpig is reporting that the new software update promises some nice improvements to the already good handset. The firmware update called i9100XWKE7 is said to improve battery life, and more RAM on start up. There is also an update to the Samsung Apps, but it will be the battery life which will be good news as with any smartphone the more the better.

Owners of the Galaxy S2 can get the download via the Samsung Kies application. Other improvements include updates to the camera on the device. These include fixing the pink problem with better image quality, and enhanced zoom panel.

The handset continues to lead the way on the Android platform in the areas where it is currently available. But with many new handsets on the horizon how long it can remain out in front remains to be seen. Have you updated to the latest firmware yet? What do you think of it?

The company has 30 days to comply with the request, which also includes the Droid Charge and the Infuse 4G. In cases like this they normally have 3 months to handover samples, but according to Court House News this has had to be reduced as the products that are due for release may cause confusion, as they are not only described but also packaged in a similar way to Apple products.

Apple has tried to force Samsung not to release these products in the past, but all attempts have failed so far. Apple might have to go one step further and take out some sort of injunction to stop Samsung from selling some of the above products. Currently the judge has not taken any sides just yet, but agreed that it did warrant a closer look at the devices in question.

Apple is doing all they can to help things go their way, so much so that they have provide the courts with images of said Samsung products. This issue can still go on for months, so we really do not know where this will leave Samsung, as some of the devices are due to be released shortly.

Do you think that Apple has a strong case against Samsung?