Samsung has released an Indian variant of XXLRQ ICS 4.0.4 firmware update which was revealed few days ago globally, I downloaded this 85 MB update via OTA, It brings in a fresh look to the TouchWiz UI, probably a preparatory install before Jelly Bean is rolled out for Galaxy Note users.
I could relate the behaviour of the new interface with Jelly Bean features on my Nexus 7, was little surprised that it took me through the original factory set up after the update was installed because I did not take any back up on my phone before installing this, luckily everything was intact.
This firmware upgrade is welcome for original Galaxy Note users since some of the features from the new UI have being integrated with this release, however it also raises questions if porting of Jelly Bean would take slightly longer period, maybe late November or in December compared to what was announced by Samsung as "very soon" during Galaxy Note 2 launch event.
Notable changes observed:
1) Pop Up Play with resizeable window
2) S-Cloud integration for contacts
3) ChatOn and Flipboard apps come with stock package file of this update.
4) Improvement in Gallery interface
5) Camera Quick Access and Direct Call (yet to try)
Read a detailed review of this new update here from Android Authority with screens, battery performance is also something I would be checking to see if the new update helps in saving extra juice.
