Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.3 update begins, not in UK yet

The Android 4.3 update for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 has begun, finally bringing new features from the Note 3 and Galaxy S4 -- but UK phone fans will have to be patient as Samsung tries to avoid a repeat of the S3 update fiasco.

Samsung UK is playing it coy over the prospect of British phableteers updating their Note, telling CNET that the update "will be announced in due course." This as the update for the Galaxy S3 is suspended in the UK over problems with the new software.

Note 2 owners in India are first to begin downloading the update, with no sign of when it will reach other countries. 

The Note 2 and other existing Samsung devices have been running Android 4.1.2 for a while now, and skip over Android 4.2 to go straight to 4.3. Although they're not quite on the KitKat cutting edge, with the update older devices get a new look and new features borrowed from newer Galaxy devices like the S4.

The new software makes the Note 2 talk to the Samsung Galaxy Gear smart watch. Features seen on the Note 3 include tabbed settings, more customisation options for the lock screen and more voice controls.

The Note 2 supports the Samsung Knox security and business system, and the Samsung Wallet money app. 

Another handy feature is TRIM support, which stops your Galaxy from getting slower over time by making sure stuff that's been deleted doesn't slow things down -- which should mean a speed boost for your Note 2 as soon as you update.

Are you disappointed that updates take so long? What new features would you like to see on your Note? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.