Verizon’s Samsung Galaxy Stratosphere 2 gets Android 4.1 Jelly Bean upgrade

It’s tough to find an Android-powered QWERTY smartphone with some degree of pizzazz nowadays, which is why Verizon’s Samsung Galaxy Stratosphere 2 has always looked intriguing. You know, if you were willing to overlook the WVGA display, mediocre 5 MP camera and on-board Android 4.0 ICS.
Well, Big Red has finally decided to fix one of those downsides by rolling out the much awaited Android 4.1 Jelly Bean upgrade. The JB bump has been made official yesterday, but, as usual, you shouldn’t panic if it’s not yet live on your particular Stratosphere 2 unit.
Coming your way over-the-air, the new software package is rather hefty, weighing in at just a little over 500 MB. That means it wraps a whole boatload of goodies in tasty butter, starting with Google Now integration, notification enhancements, performance improvements all-around and even some bug fixes.

Some of the previously existent bloatware is being removed, including apps like Verizon Video, Zappos and Color App, while Polaris and Verizon Remote Diagnostics are being added. In short, everything’s going to be smoother, faster and brighter on your Stratosphere 2.
Now you probably already know the drill. If you get an automatic prompt message to download and install the new software pack, you’re lucky. If not, you can make your own luck by manually checking for the update in Settings – About Device – Software Updates – Check New.
Remember to have your Wi-Fi powered up, enough storage space to go around and plenty of battery juice. All that being said, don’t be shy and voice your happiness and/or frustration below. Are you rocking 4.1 Jelly Bean on your Stratosphere 2 already or has Verizon left you out of the first updating wave?