The Sony Xperia Z1 is getting some company in the Android update spotlight today, as its T-Mobile stablemate Samsung Galaxy S III is receiving a major update of its own. T-Mobile just announced that the original Galaxy S III (t999) will be updated to Android 4.3 starting today, Nov. 19. The optional update is rolling out over the air and is also available through Samsung's Kies computer software.

So what has Samsung packed inside this 486MB bundle of goodness? The update will bring the original Galaxy S III to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and baseband version T999TUVUEMJC. Besides and upgrade to a newer version of Android, the Galaxy S III will gain compatibility with Samsung's Galaxy Gear smartwatch and Knox security software. 

Much of the focus on Samsung's Android updates have been on the Galaxy S 4 lately, so it's nice to see the aging Galaxy S III get some update love of its own. The S III may still be one update behind the latest version of Android, but it's always good to have your device bumped up to a newer version than the one it was previously on. Plus, T-Mobile Galaxy S III owners can help Samsung turn those Galaxy Gear shipment numbers into sales now that their handset is compatible with the device.

To snag the Galaxy S III's update, get your handset and head on in to Settings > About device > Software update. One thing that's worth noting is that this update is only available for the original T-Mobile Galaxy S III. T-Mobile says that the newer LTE-capable Galaxy S III (t999L) will receive an update of its own "soon."

Via T-Mobile