If you’ve recently purchased a Galaxy S III Mini and you’re disappointed it doesn’t have NFC connectivity, then look away now. Samsung has confirmed that a new version of the device, with NFC equipped, will be launched in the United Kingdom before the end of January. The update will give the Galaxy S III Mini Samsung’s S Beam system, as well as W-Fi Direct support.

Aside from its NFC technology, the new Galaxy S III Mini will be the same as the original, which was only launched last October. Given that it’s being updated just three months later, a lot of Galaxy S III Mini owners are likely to be a very disappointed with Samsung for this move. Having said that, those who really wanted NFC would have avoided the device up until now anyway.

Although NFC is still very much in its infancy here in the U.K., it is beginning to prove its worth. With Samsung devices in particular, users can take advantage of the S Beam function to share photos, videos, music, and more simply by placing their handsets together. We’re also starting to see certain retailers accepting NFC payments.

“NFC technology and the digital wallet started to gain significant traction in 2012, particularly in the run up to the Olympics,” said Simon Stanford, vice president of Samsung UK and Ireland. “It’s an exciting time in the mobile market watching the next phase of its evolution take shape, so we’re happy to announce that we are bringing these new experiences to our customers through our growing number of NFC-enabled devices.”

Samsung hasn’t announced a price for the new device, but the existing Galaxy S III Mini costs around £270 (approx. $429) SIM-free, and we don’t expect that price tag to change much.