HTC One S Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update now available for global model

The HTC One S is joining its big brother One X and updating to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Though a Jelly Bean update was expected to arrive by the end of October, HTC finally began updating the global version of the One S in several Asian and European markets today. The update delivers several performance improvements and subtle interface changes to the phone, but the biggest adjustments to the One S include Google Now and expanded notifications. Google Now allows users to have relevant information appear on-screen without the user needing to search for it. That information can include weather forecasts, directions to an appointment, updates on news stories a user has read, and scores from favorite teams.

The update is available now for several models that are not tied to a carrier. HTC One S users can access a direct download from HTC if they have an unlocked model, but users who purchased the phone through a carrier may want to rely on the traditional over-the-air update system by visiting Settings > About phone > System updates.