Android Jelly Bean update to land on Nexus smartphone

Google has confirmed that owners of its Galaxy Nexus HPSA+ smartphone will be the first to receive its much-touted Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update.

The firm said those with the smartphone can expect to receive a notification alerting them to the availability of the update with other devices set to receive the update in due course.

"If you've got a Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ device, you will receive a prompt alerting you to the update over the next several days," the firm said on its Google+ page.

"Up next for Jelly Bean: all Galaxy Nexus, Nexus S, Motorola Xoom and of course, Nexus 7, which will ship with Jelly Bean later this month."

However, UK owners of the Samsung-built Nexus smartphone may have to wait slightly longer for the update after the South Korean firm seemed to suggest it was slightly behind on the main rollout.

"Samsung UK will confirm details regarding the Jelly Bean update for the Galaxy Nexus and the Galaxy Nexus S in due course," it said.

"Samsung is working hard to bring this update to customers as soon as possible."

The Android OS 4.1 features a number of key updates relating to voice and search features with the ability to respond to voice commands as well as improved speech recognition and speech-to-text components in an attempt to counter Apple's Siri service.

It will also use the Google Now platform to analyse user browsing habits and search patterns to better customise other components.

Lastly, the so-called 'Project Butter' update aspect of the Jelly Bean platform will provide a redefined interface to improve the handset's responsiveness and ability to track taps and gestures.