Samsung Galaxy S value pack emerges in Korea

Back in December we told you about Samsung’s plans to release a value pack for Galaxy S owners that would add ICS-like features in compensation for the device not actually receiving the update. This was due to Samsung claiming that the Galaxy S just can’t handle Android 4.0 along with TouchWiz on top. The update has now been released in Korea for Galaxy S Gingerbread devices.

There are a couple of notable features that come with this update. Firstly, there’s Face Unlock, not surprisingly allowing you to unlock your phone through facial recognition. Previously this feature was only available on the Galaxy Nexus and more recently the ASUS Transformer Prime with even devices like the Nexus S and Motorola Xoom not getting such features with their ICS update. Presumably this was due to an insufficient front facing camera, but somehow Samsung has managed to make it work with the Galaxy S’ lacklustre one.

Also implemented is the ability to take photos whilst shooting video, which is a nice little feature that I like to use on the Galaxy Nexus. Another feature is simply some launcher improvements.

While some users may be frustrated that their device will be stuck on Android 2.3 (without resorting to ROM flashing) it’s nice to see a manufacturer taking an active step towards lessening the blow. By still offering new features to devices reaching the end of their life cycle they can breath some new life back into them. This could possibly make the last few months before being able to upgrade a little less painful.

It’s currently unknown whether the update will reach devices in other countries, but of course, we’ll let you know when it does.

via Engadget

Source: http://www.geek.com/articles/mobile/samsung-galaxy-s-value-pack-emerges-in-korea-20120330/

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