Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is ready and waiting for the AT&T Galaxy S3

AT&T has released its Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for Samsung Galaxy S3 smartphones connected to its network. It's joined by several Canadian carriers too, leaving Verizon and U.S. Cellular customers to patiently continue waiting for news.

AT&T has made its Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for the Samsung Galaxy S3 live today, according to reports from subscribers. The long-awaited new version of Android comes several weeks after T-Mobile sent its own 4.1 update out to eager S3 owners, and more than a month after Sprint, leaving Verizon and U.S. Cellular as the only major U.S. networks to not bring its Galaxy S3 phones up to date yet.

Android 4.1 brings with it a variety of interesting improvements and new features, including a smoother interface, a new Web browser, an overhauled notifications system and Google Now. Additionally, the camera receives some new filters, Samsung’s Pop Up Play feature has been tweaked so the window can be resized, plus an Easy Mode has been added to help introduce new users to Android. The Galaxy S3, already a great device with Android 4.0 installed, is noticeably more fluid and responsive with Android 4.1 installed.

According to posts on Reddit, the update isn’t available over-the-air, so those keen to be among the first to try out Jelly Bean will have to use Samsung’s Kies software to update their phones. If you don’t have Kies installed on your computer, it’s available for free here, but it’ll be worth checking through Software Update on your phone first, just in case it has appeared as an OTA update by the time you read this.

In addition to AT&T, Canadian Galaxy S3 owners connected with Rogers, Bell, Telus and Sasktel should also see an update to Android 4.1 come through today too. SamMobile reports that like AT&T, Samsung’s Kies software must be called into action to perform the upgrade.

Everyone hoping to update will have to be patient thought, as the Android 4.1 package is said to be a sizable 740MB, so don’t be surprised if it takes its time.