Samsung Galaxy S3 handsets on O2 and Vodafone get Android 4.1 Jelly Bean today

UK OWNERS of the Samsung Galaxy S3 smartphone on the O2 and Vodafone networks will receive Android 4.1 Jelly Bean today.

Bizarrely, the mobile operators' update comes before Android 4.1 Jelly Bean has arrived on our unlocked Galaxy S3 handset, with Three also beating the Korean phone maker to the punch. This news will no doubt anger those who forked out £500 to ensure that they would be first to receive the update, but Samsung is promising that the update is on its way.

A spokesperson told The INQUIRER, "Samsung UK can confirm that the roll out of Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) has begun for our Galaxy S III customers and will be available across all networks over the coming weeks, pending software testing and approvals."

Still, Vodafone seems pretty happy with itself for beating Samsung, taking to its blog to announce the good news. A spokesperson said, "Great news, the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update will be made available for Samsung Galaxy S3 handsets purchased from Vodafone on Monday.

"The update will be a staggered release, meaning customers will be notified in batches that it's available for over the air download over the course of several days."

O2 also announced its plans to release the update today, posting on its forum that Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is now available to download to the Samsung Galaxy S3.

O2 said, "If you choose to download it over the air, we'd recommend using WiFi as the file size is substantial.

"Alternatively, if you'd like to update without waiting for the over the air prompt, connect your phone to your PC with Samsung Kies and you'll be able to update once it's available on Monday."

To see if the update is available on your Samsung Galaxy S3 handset, go to Settings > About Phone > Check for Updates. µ