Hands on Experience with AT&T Galaxy Note Android 4.0 Update

July 10, 2012 John Reyvaldi Android News

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is already available around the corner now. Mr. Jean Baptiste Queru and his team is recently make the source code available via Android Open Source Project (AOSP). But still, there are plenty of Android devices that still running on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, or even Froyo! So, you should obviously see that there is something wrong with the Android environment now. Google said that it will about to change on Jelly Bean, so let’s wait if they manage to kept their promise. In the mean time, AT&T and Samsung are currently work together to push out Android 4.0 update for Galaxy Note. Considering the fact that there are lot of abandoned Androids out there, i must put some credit to Samsung for this release.

I’ve manage to pull-out the update from AT&T server this morning. The installation process run pretty smooth, thanks to my office’s excellent WiFi connection. After play around with ICS on Galaxy Note for couple of minutes, i decide to share you my experience. Start with interface, you won’t find ICS’ default black background UI on this update since it’s highly integrated with Samsung TouchWiz. Basically, there’s no major change in this aspect. So, if you’re hoping more, i suggest you to wait for the custom ROM.

Long press the home button and you will get list of thumbnails that indicate the apps that you’re currently open or running services. This kind of feature is exclusively available in Android 4.0 only. So, we’re finally find a new function in this update. Thanks god, i thought that this update is only bring the Premium Suite package (more about this later). In addition, i also recognize that AT&T is enable the face unlock and NFC support function now.

I decide to test the browsing performance and i sense some improvement here. Sadly, the AnTuTu and Nenamark benchmark test are not agree with me. The test result shows that there are no significant changes in the data processing system. But i swear to god guys, the Android’s default browser is now faster than ever before, although i must admit that it is nowhere near to other high-end device like Galaxy S III or HTC One X.

But since i’m on Android 4.0 now, i decide to give it a go on Google Chrome beta. The result? Amazing! Fastest Android browser app that i’ve ever try. Browsermark result reveals that this app able to score 71,702 points. It seems like that i won’t use other browser app from now on. Google Chrome rocks guys!

Now it’s time to move on with the Premium Suite, pack of S Pen optimized app that Samsung include in this update as return for their decision to delay the release schedule, back in February. MyStory allow you to create a nice story by creating collage of images and ink. Share Shot is a camera app that automatically share photo to nearby friends via WiFi connection. Other apps included on the Premium Suite works pretty well, i don’t notice any unresponsiveness problem here. Good job Samsung!

Overall, i’m quite satisfied with this new update. The only thing that stop me from playing around further with the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is the fact that Jelly Bean is already available around the corner. I’m also hope that Samsung will include their latest S Beam, S Voice, or even S Health app on this update, but they don’t. I already contact the company’s customer service about Jelly Bean update for Galaxy Note but no solid explanation from them so far.

What about you guys? already download the Android 4.0 update for Galaxy Note?

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