Delivers a number of new features including smoother browsing experience.
Joining the Galaxy S3, Samsung has started to release the Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean update for its phablet, the Galaxy Note 2 international model.
In addition to new features integrated into Notification Toggles, users can customize the Notifications Panel, as well as being able to disable the brightness slider within the Notifications Panel.
Multi-View is another component that can be disabled thanks to the update, while the browser has been upgraded to run smoother than before. An ink effect on the lockscreen has been applied, as has a new Group Cast application.
The Status Bar is now black instead of grey and users can type on the keyboard by dragging their finger across it -- similar to how Swype or Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operates.
The full list of features introduced by Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean is as follows:
- New Additions in Notification Toggles
- Notification Panel can now be customized
- Brightness Slider in Notification Panel can now be disabled
- Multi-View can now be disabled
- Browser runs smoother than before
- Status Bar has been changed from Grey to Black
- Continues input in keyboard
- New Ink effect on Lockscreen
- New Group Cast application
Meanwhile, my Galaxy Note I runs 4.2 with all the Gnote II features. Custom roms are exactly like the stock ones: they take time. I can only thank Samsung for the unlocked bootloader in this case, makes my device last way longer than I would have thought. Especially with the quick release of the Gnote II.
Also being an owner of the original Note, I have to disagree with you, Personally should not have to resort to Custom ROMS or jailbreaking just to get the latest Android OS. What this does show is how Samsung treats its customers that support their R&D for future models.
The Samsung Model is to buy a new phone if you want updates.
The Microsoft Model is to update your phone without manufacture/carrier intervention
The Apple Model is to update your phone without carrier intervention
In the last two examples, even if one of those two provides a crippled feature update, the end result is still the latest version of the OS making its way to your handset.
Making it grey to avoid burn-in also wouldn't make sense though. The AMOLED screen shuts the pixel off if it is displaying black, both to increase contrast and to save energy. Not sure why it was grey either.
No, it does make sense. The idea is that the rest of the screen is getting more use, on average, than the areas covered by the status bar, so the parts of the screen that do show the bar will dim slower (end up brighter) than the rest of the screen. Also, the notification icons are going to tend to be in the same place.
I got one for $256 after tax, on an existing contract. I consider it money well spent, but YMMV...