Itching to get the latest Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean update on your Samsung Galaxy S III? Well today could be your lucky day. A pre-release version of the software has been leaked online, allowing Galaxy S III owners to get the latest Jelly Bean features in advance of Samsung’s official release.

The software comes with a long list of new features — some of which are currently only available on the Galaxy S4 (officially) — plus some user interface tweaks and other improvements.

Before you rush ahead and download this software, there are some things you should know.

This is a pre-release build that has been leaked — it was not released by Samsung — so it may not be completely stable. However, SamMobile, which obtained this release from a Samsung insider, says it “works perfectly as any other official firmware.”

The software does not come with a new modem, so your Galaxy S III’s current modem will remain intact, and it will increase your binary counter — though the binary status will remain official.

Just bear in mind, then, that you may encounter some issues that haven’t yet been discovered in this release. Also, if anything happens to your device and you need to get it fixed under warranty, it may be refused if you’re running pre-release software.

If you’re happy to proceed, here’s what you’ll be getting from this firmware:

New enhancements in Android 4.2.2 update
– Android 4.2.2 – Build ID: JDQ39
– New S4 Lockscreen: Multiple Widgets, two Unlock effects (Ripple and Light), improved ripple effect than Android 4.1.2, ability to change clock size and set a personal message
– New Screen modes (From S4): Adapt Display and Professional Photo
– Daydream
– Driving mode
– Actionable notifications
– New Additions in Notification Center
– Completely revamped Settings UI (Tabbed interface – Exactly like the S4)
– Addition of Voice controls (Let’s you control various parts of the phone using voice commands – Galaxy S4 feature)
– Gallery modes have white background (When changing gallery modes to 3D the background changes to white)
– Full screen Samsung apps
– New S-Voice (from S4)
– New smart switch widget

As you can see, a number of the new additions are Galaxy S4 features that are being passed on to its predecessor, which is really great to see. Samsung could have made a lot of these things exclusive to the Galaxy S4 in an effort to encourage you to upgrade, but it hasn’t.

For instructions on how to download this software and then flash it to your Galaxy S III, visit SamMobile by clicking the source link below. And enjoy your new software!

• SourceSamMobile