Samsung, the global leader in Android smartphones, announced the local availability of the “Premium Suite” software upgrade for the GALAXY Note. The Suite provides a richer ‘note taking’ experience via S Note, My Story and S Memo Widget while a much faster and seamless user experience is possible thanks to the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) upgrade.

Says Craige Fleischer, Director of Mobile Communications at Samsung Electronics SA: “Samsung puts customers first by providing differentiated value and as such; as much effort and resources that go into developing a new device has gone into the Premium Suite upgrade – a highly anticipated upgrade locally and one we truly feel will add a little extra GALAXY experience to our Note customers.”

Android 4.0 makes its mark

The Android 4.0, ICS update offers some notable improvements that allow for greater flexibility, improved communication and easier sharing.

• Advanced Multitasking - holding the Home key lets you jump instantly from one task to another using the list in the System Bar. The list pops up to show thumbnail images of recently used apps. Tapping a thumbnail switches to the app. Swiping it removes it from the list and stops the app.
• Data Usage Monitor – This monitors and set limits to data usage with this new feature. You’ll see which applications use the most data and get detailed information.
• Desktop Browser Experience - Easily switch from a website’s mobile view to desktop view by pressing the menu and checking the desktop view box.
• Face Unlock - This new screen-lock option lets you unlock your device just by looking at your phone. Once it’s set up, simply pick up your phone and look at the screen. When your face is recognised, the phone unlocks.

Harnessing the real power of S-Pen stylus

This firmware update brings many innovative features and takes the user experience to the next level by harnessing the real power of S-Pen stylus that will improve your Galaxy Note experience and productivity.

• S Memo Upgrade - With the new S Memo Widget you have one-touch access to key S Memo features so you can capture your ideas quickly and intuitively. This enhanced widget allows you to instantly select your desired S Memo input function directly from the home screen.
• S Note Preload - describe your life in detail, capture ideas and create different types of documents with the help of these new templates. These templates make it simple for you to record, organise and share your thoughts and experiences into Ideas, Travel,  Magazine, Diary, Recipe and Meeting Notes to name a few.
• Formula Match features math formula recognition and auto calculation. Write a formula or math equation and Note will convert it into an easy-to-read text version. You can even look up different equations and answers via WolframAlpha.com. Looking for the answer or what your equation looks like as a line graph? Press the Search button.
• Shape Match provides automatic shape correction. Draw a rough sketch of a triangle and Note converts it to a clean, clear triangle. Colour in your shapes using the S Pen tool.
• Handwriting-to-Text converts your handwriting into clean, easy-to-read text. You can quickly write down your notes without worrying about whether or not others can read them—simply convert your notes to text and instantly share them.
• Knowledge Search takes your handwritten words and questions and looks for the answers. Write a word or phrase and Note will look for it on the Internet via WolframAlpha.com. After you finish writing, simply press the Search button.

“Given the high demand for this upgrade, users may struggle to upgrade immediately through FOTA due to the high traffic volumes. We suggest GALAXY Note users favour the upgrade path via KIES PC client as this option is  easy, simple and done via the PC. KIES should be the preferred download method during this initial period of high demand,” concludes Fleischer.

The software upgrade is currently available via KIES PC client (by downloading the firmware via the KIES application). Similarly, the upgrade via FOTA (by downloading the firmware upgrade over the air directly from your mobile phone) will be available from today across all networks.