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Samsung has released an update for the international version of the Galaxy S III that removes local search from the handset. This feature lets you find on-device content and contact information using the Google search app interface. Samsung is likely removing this feature to protect itself from a future Apple lawsuit as Apple has already sued Samsung over the feature in the Galaxy Nexus. The Cupertino company won a temporary injunction against both the Nexus handset and the Galaxy Tab 10.1 in this case.
This isn’t the first time an Apple lawsuit has forced a change in Android phones. Many manufactures have changed their slide to unlock feature from a right-to-left slide-able bar to a circle that lets you slide anywhere across the screen. PC World also noticed that the over scroll-bounce effect that causes a page to bounce when you scroll past its boundaries is now missing on some Android phones.
This minor change is part of a bigger legal battle between Samsung and Apple. The two companies will meet in court on July 30th when its case goes to a jury. It’s being called “The Patent Trial of the Century” by the Wall Street Journal. That might be an overstatement, but it does reflect the importance of patents in the intensely competitive mobile industry.
[Via Android Central]
About The Author
Kelly Hodgkins
Kelly spent the last four years covering mobile technology at places like BGR, Gizmodo and The Unofficial Apple Weblog. Before writing, she spent a few years working with and teaching others how to use Adobe Flash and Macromedia Director. Even earlier than that, she spent several years as a Ph.D student in Microbiology. When she's not writing, she can be found fishing the lakes and hiking the mountains of Western Maine with her husband and tribe of children. You can follow her on Twitter @kellyhodgkins.
