While it was earlier reported that Samsung has been disabling the local search on its U.S. devices in recent weeks as a "precautionary measure," new reports have stated that a new OTA update is disabling local search on the unlocked international version of the Galaxy S3 (GT-i9330).
Samsung was approached by The Verge last week on the issue of reduced functionality and received a reply saying, “Samsung has updated the software for the Galaxy S III as a precautionary measure to ensure that U.S. consumers may enjoy using our innovative products without interruption.”
The new 27MB update, version I9300XXLG6, has also been confirmed by users on the XDA Developers forums. The users have verified the loss of functionality.
“I just downloaded a new firmware, it's just over 27mb. Firmware Version I9300XXLG6. I have a manufacturer unbranded model on Orange UK. Redraw issue still exists. It changed my keyboard back to default Samsung keyboard. Also default browser layout has changed,” the post on XDA stated.
According to a Verge report “Samsung is obviously skittish about the possibility of injunctions against its flagship phone so close to its release given the (now stayed) US ban on the Galaxy Nexus, and yesterday’s EU-wide ban on the Galaxy Tab 7.7, but that doesn’t make the news any easier to take.”
Now for some good news (depends on perspectives). Note that it is still possible to restore the functionality by installing a separate app for the old Google Quick Search Box.
