Verizon's Galaxy Note II getting its own Android 4.3 update

Another day, another Galaxy device being updated to Android 4.3. Today's lucky recipient is the Verizon version of the Samsung Galaxy Note II, which is receiving an update to software version JSS15J.I605VRUEMJ9. Included with this creatively-named update is same bundle of goodies that Samsung's Premium Suite update has brought to other Galaxy devices, including support for the Galaxy Gear smartwatch, an updated version of the Multi-Window app and improvements to the Note II's camera.

But wait, there's more! Also included with this update is a newer version of the Pen Up app from the Note 3, improved Wi-Fi performance and extended battery life while using Exchange email. Finally, Verizon Note II owners will be glad to hear that the ability to move apps to the device's SD card is also supported. Verizon's full changelog for the JSS15J.I605VRUEMJ9 update is available at the bottom of this post.

So how do you go about getting all of this goodness onto your Verizon Note II and its tattooed home button? Updates typically take a few days to roll out to all users, so you can patiently watch your notification bar and wait for the new software to make its way to you, or you can check for it manually by going into Settings > About Phone > System updates. If you're lucky, you'll be treated to a tasty Jelly Bean that will help you to start your weekend off right.

Verizon Wireless is pleased to announce a software update that will improve the performance of your Samsung GALAXY Note II and also enable support for the Samsung Galaxy Gear.

SMART RELAY

• Access content simultaneously on your Gear and phone.

AUTO LOCK

• Unlocks your phone automatically, avoiding constant PIN entry

FIND MY PHONE

• Activate a remote alert from your Gear to track down your misplaced phone

GLANCE NOTIFICATION

• Get call, messages, events and social network alerts on your Gear

VOICE NOTES

• Record quick voice notes into your Gear and stay better organized

HANDS-FREE CALLING

• Answer calls on your Gear when your phone is out of reach

CAMERA

• Snap pictures quickly and easily with your Gear 

MUSIC PLAYER

• Skip tracks and listen to playlists right from your Gear

PEDOMETER & S HEALTH

• Track your steps and activity on your Gear

S VOICE

• Execute phone commands and search for information 

IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE FOLLOWING:

• Extend battery life when using Exchange mail 
• Callback number will display properly in received text messages 
• Viewdini application has been removed 
• Previously downloaded app will not be lost
• Apps can be moved to SD Card (requires the app developer to support this option) 
• Voicemail notifications 
• Google Maps 
• Wi-Fi performance 

UPGRADES HAVE BEEN MADE IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: 

• Pen Up has been upgraded to Note 3 version 
• Multi Window has been updated to the Note 3 version (including more apps in the Multi Window tray)
• Sound and Shot has been improved on the Camera 
• Bluetooth Smart Ready Low Energy feature has been enhanced 
• Roaming on the TELUS Network in Canada is now possible 

THE FOLLOWING APPS CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE: 

• AllShare Play is now Samsung Link 
• AllShare Cast is now Screen Monitoring 
• Media & Music is now Samsung Hub 

FEATURES AND APPLICATIONS INCLUDED:

• VMware (with Dual Persona and Device Security)
• Amazon Appstore (updated to latest version)
• Amazon Widget (updated to latest version)