The Samsung Galaxy S3 (S III) has only recently arrived on U.S. shores and we have now heard that an over-the-air update is already being issued by AT&T, hot on the heels of a similar update from Sprint. It seems that Apple fears could have prompted the Galaxy S3 update that is removing local search options.
Along with removing local search the OTA update also includes a new radio (UCLG1) but after the update AT&T users of the Galaxy S3 will probably notice a less-functional search bar. The ongoing lawsuit between Apple and Samsung is the probable reason why Samsung is removing the local search now but it does seem a shame that this move has to be made at all.
News of the update for the Galaxy S3 on AT&T came to us from The Verge, sourced from Android Central. The Verge has reached out to Samsung for comment and asked whether this is connected to the ongoing litigation with Apple. They have also asked if a similar update will come to the Galaxy S3 on other U.S carriers but so far we have no news of a reply from Samsung on this.
Meanwhile Android Central points out that it may be possible to get universal search back after the OTA by using an older version of the searchbar app and it will be interesting to see if anybody comes up with anything on that. You might also want to keep an eye on the XDA Developers forums to see what people make of the update.
What are your thoughts on the OTA update for the Galaxy S3 on AT&T? Do you think Samsung is wise to push out the update now because of the ongoing dispute with Apple, or maybe you think it should have held on until it became absolutely necessary? Let us know with your comments.