A few folks exchanging their recently purchased Samsung Galaxy S3 at Verizon in exchange for a new model have found a new software version installed on the device. Tagged as version VRLG1, the updated software brings about a revised kernel. What users will notice most, however, is the implementation of internet-only search, or what has been commonly referred to as the “dumbed-down” search that Samsung and Google have been forced to turn to after a recent ban of certain Galaxy products in the United States.
Apple’s iOS patent for querying device-based results such as contacts has forced Samsung to remove the functionality from devices such as the Galaxy Nexus and other carrier-branded Galaxy S3 models. Right now, it appears the new VRLG1 software that strips this functionality is only showing up on new GS3 handsets direct from Verizon, but an OTA update to all handsets may be in the works. There is no indication of when that will occur at this time.
[via DroidLife]