ICS rolling out on Samsung Galaxy Note

Samsung’s Galaxy Note has finally been issued Google’s much-awaited Android 4.0 update. ICS, (Ice Cream Sandwich) the latest iteration of Google’s Android platform has only just made its way to the mini-tab device from Samsung. For now the update has been rolling out for users in Germany and some other parts of Europe and will soon make its way to our shores as well. The reason for the unusually long delay for the update is unknown, as it seems that Google or the manufacturers are taking their own leisurely time issuing the OTA update to the next version of the OS. We had reported back in early March that the Note was expected to receive the update in the second quarter of this year and Samsung has not disappointed. On cue, Note users have been receiving update messages for their devices taking the version number up from Gingerbread (2.3.7), straight to 4.0. Naturally, a few other updates will also be on the cards and Samsung’s proprietary user interface i.e. TouchWiz should also get an update. Of course, the biggest drawback to Samsung devices getting an ICS update is that TouchWiz will still be prominent on the outside with a glimmer of ICS showing through the cracks.

Along with ICS comes a few more “installments” of upgrades that include Samsung’s new “Premium Suite”. This new service will ensure that Galaxy Note users get the very best out of the device with dedicated apps and widgets made available to suit the handset's much larger display (compared to regular handsets) and of course the S-Pen. Apps and widgets, like S Note app and a new S Memo widget for the homescreen will now be available via the update. Both of these should help enhance the S-Pen’s (Smart Pen) use. ICS will bring a few enhancements of its own, as well, including Face unlocking and a new Running Apps menu with a ‘slide-kill’ function and sharper quality fonts etc.