Samsung begins rolling out the official Android 4.3 Jelly Bean firmware for the Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 international models. It brings 20 new features, improvements and Galaxy Gear Support available in two downloading ways.

Android 4.3 Jelly Bean Features

Samsung finally released the much-awaited official Android 4.3 Jelly Bean for the Galaxy S3 GT-I9300. Owners of the smartphone went through a long-waiting line just to get the next major update. Within 2013, Samsung was suppose to push Android 4.2.2 but decided to skip due to Google's action of releasing a final version of Jelly Bean - Android 4.3.

The official Android 4.3 software from Samsung brings the following new features and improvements to the Galaxy S3 smartphone:

1. Core user interface is the same with Galaxy S3 and Note 3

2. Refreshed lock screen interface with multiple widgets support, adjustable clock size and personal message

3. Improved Ripple effect on the lock screen

4. Move to SD card feature enabled

5. Actionable notifications

6. New S Voice application

7. Sound and Shot camera feature

8. TRIM support for faster system performance

9. ANT+ included

10. Galaxy Gear accessory support enabled

11. New Samsung keyboard

12. Updated graphics processing unit drivers

13. New Adapt Display and Professional Photo screen modes

14. Android Daydream feature

15. Driving mode enabled

16. New additions at the notifications centre

17. Updated Samsung apps such as calculator, clock, contacts, gallery and music

18. Full screen Samsung apps

19. New Settings UI exactly as Galaxy S4

20. Various support on other attributes

Android 4.3 Jelly Bean for Galaxy S3 has a size of 1 GB which means, you must free the internal memory to get the update.

How to Get the Latest Firmware

Samsung enabled update support in two ways: Firmware Over-the-Air (FOTA) and Samsung Kies PC Suite.

1. Using FOTA Updater

a. Go to Settings > About phone > Software update > Check for updates.

b. Follow the instructions prompted to you for downloading which will consume 1 GB of the internal storage.

c. Allow installation of the firmware and let the smartphone do restarts if asked.

2. Using Samsung Kies PC Suite

a. Download and install the Samsung Kies from Samsung's Web site.

b. Launch the software application and connect your Galaxy S3.

c. Let the USB drivers to be installed and wait for the update prompt.

d. Follow the instructions required for the new firmware upgrade.

Make sure that you have created a backup of everything inside your smartphone before updating it as the firmware might erase stored data and your device or PC should be connected to a stable Internet connection to avoid download issues.

Never interrupt the installation process to prevent corrupting the firmware and bricking your Galaxy S3.