Samsung has released a new OTA update for the international version of the Galaxy SIII. The update identified as ‘stability update’ also removes local search i.e ability to search for apps, contacts etc in the Google search app.

This move is likely followed by Apple’s patent claim, which resulted in temporary ban on the Galaxy Nexus in the U.S. Its a bit complicated here, as Samsung has removed the local search from the unlocked international version of Galaxy SIII and are sold outside US. Whats more is that the update is termed as a ‘stability update’ , the user isn’t being informed that this OTA update will remove local search from their device.

The update is available OTA and via Kies.

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UPDATE: Samsung has told TechRadar that the universal search function on the Galaxy SIII will return (at least in the UK) update ”inadvertent removal” and will be fixed with a correct software update in the next few days.

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