Android 4.3 is being prepped for the Samsung Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 and all three devices will be updated by the end of 2013. Part of the reason for the update, as well as ensuring the handsets have the latest software, is to introduce compatibility with the Galaxy Gear smartwatch.
Samsung representatives officially confirmed the plans to Korean news sources, the Galaxy S4 will reportedly be updated first with Samsung marketing president Lee Don-joo revealing Android 4.3 and Galaxy Gear compatibility would arrive "by next month", so expect a patch in early October.
At the same time, Samsung's reps said the Android 4.3 update and Galaxy Gear compatibility is currently in testing for the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 and these updates would arrive by the end of the December. A report from SamMobile suggested the Galaxy Mega range, including the UK-facing Galaxy Mega 6.3, is also in testing for the update.
The devices require Android 4.3 to enable Galaxy Gear smartwatch compatibility because the smartwatch uses Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy (LE) technology, something which is introduced at the software level in Android 4.3, the latest available build of Google's smartphone platform. Of course, Android 4.4 KitKat has now been announced but it may take some time before Samsung issues another update.
As an interesting addition, Korea Times reports that a Samsung representative hinted the company is now looking at developing a follow-up Galaxy Gear model. The unnamed rep reportedly said, "We've acknowledged that our Gear lacks something special. With more investment for user interface and user experience, Samsung devices will be better in terms of customer satisfaction."
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