Owners of the Sprint Galaxy Nexus can now update their smartphones to the latest Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean, not OTA from Google or Sprint, but via SXTP Developers.

With the launch of the latest Nexus 4, many smartphone enthusiasts would have forgotten about the Galaxy Nexus, which was the first smartphone to run on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS).

"Part of the beauty of having a Nexus is unlocking and flashing your own ROMs on top of it, but for those who are looking to keep things stock this is a good sign. No word on when anything will be coming down from Sprint themselves, but this build looks solid overall," reported Droid-Life.

The Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean update brings many new features to the Galaxy Nexus such as Google Now, which continues to provide everyday information like traffic news, train arrival details, and more. The update also brings the new Photosphere 360-degree panorama photos to the handset.

The quick settings panel can now be easily accessed from the notification bar, and is also a new feature of the Android 4.2.1. Users can swipe down with one finger for regular notifications and two fingers for the quick settings. Users also get gesture keyboard capability with the update.

Google and Sprint are yet to release the official Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean update to the Galaxy Nexus.

If you don't want to wait for the official release, then SXTP Developers may be the best place to download and install the ROM on your Galaxy Nexus.

The update is available only for Sprint's Galaxy Nexus and as such, Verizon Galaxy Nexus owners may have to wait a bit longer to lay their hands on the Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean update.