Handsets

And Just Like That, The AT&T Galaxy S3 Too Gets Updated With Dumbed Down Google Search

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We knew it was coming. Hot on the heels of Sprint issuing out an update disabling universal search on their version of the Samsung Galaxy S3, it seems AT&T is doing the same. We’ve been getting several Phatips (thanks, guys!) from readers telling us of a 10.7MB over-the-air update hitting the S3 on AT&T, dumbing down the search functionality on that device. No longer can users perform a simultaneous web/contacts/app search on their device, and will instead be forced to search in their respective apps like animals. I think we all know who to thank for this one.

Thanks, Bryan!

Chris Chavez
I've been obsessed with consumer technology for about as long as I can remember, be it video games, photography, or mobile devices. If you can plug it in, I have to own it. Preparing for the day when Android finally becomes self-aware and I get to welcome our new robot overlords.

Sprint Voices Concerns On Smartphone Injunctions – Admits To Disabling Galaxy S3’s Universal Search

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25 Comments

  1. So far my One X is still hanging in there with no update!

    1. Soon…………. O_O

    2. your one x has already succumbed to apple…hence no more quick hyperlinks from addresses, and phone numbers!

      1. Easily solved with a simple root mod.

  2. I have never used that feature before and don’t see ever using it, really. (Although seems Apple won’t give me the chance)

  3. No update on my Verizon galaxy s3 yet. I really hope they can get Google wallet working and crack the bootloader..

  4. Yeah, thanks a lot. Why do you hate freedom, Bryan?

    1. hahaha I thought the same thing when I read that. I promise I didn’t do it. I just informed them of the changes. Chris made it look like I was the one that made this happen. lol

      1. Thanks, Bryan >:D

    2. You may want to check this link for a missing apk:

      http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1762570

  5. NOooooooooooo the nexus is going to be dumbed down too soon , time for the torch and pitchfork to into action again

  6. Apple is better now. Windows is better too tags!

  7. If anyone received this update but wants their old search functions back, I have the APK backed up for anyone that needs it. https://www.dropbox.com/s/c17makdawnq2yqu/Google%20Search_1.4.1.338691.apk

    1. FYI to anyone using this APK to roll back their search function, until a fix is found you may need to reinstall the APK after each reboot.

  8. Bleh. Processes shouldn’t be able to be patented … Should have to provide working device with application. Not just a stupid piece of paper with generic lines going everywhere.

    Think it’s time I write my congressmen and have them start looking into this crap, the patent laws, etc.

  9. Shitty deal with the patent especially because it’s a process on paper.
    But our community is full of people that can circumvent the issue and it’s nice to see these people sharing this information with anyone. Thanks to all the users that provide links with fixes and solutions to this issue.

  10. I don’t understand what Apple stands to gain from stuff like this. Do you?

  11. So much for not being able to send updates fast to their phones, eh?

  12. For those of you who haven’t updated don’t!

  13. My s3 is working just fine without this update, until something major is released I am not updating

  14. Have to keep up with Apple and dumb is in! :D

  15. You know it figures. AT&T is slow as molasses to get GOOD official updates out but this? They’re quick to bring a debilitating update to us! Way to go AT&T. I realize this is Samsung but if this were an official firmware update like a fix to the Samsung keyboard user dictionary clearing each time on reboot it would months and months until we got it!

  16. Great post! Shame about that, but thank you very much!

  17. Restore the unified search function with the install pack only works if you don’t restart your phone. It seems that Samsung checks and remove the unified search function on phone’s startup. Really lame.

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