14 DAY TRIAL // We already reported that Samsung plans to postpone the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update for Galaxy Note for Q2 2012, though the company had yet to confirm it.
Today, the South Korean handset maker came forward with an official statement that states a “Premium Suite” upgrade for Galaxy Note will be deployed globally from Q2.
Aside from bringing the phablet's software version for Android 4.0 build, this “Premium Suite” upgrade will include extra multimedia features and several new S Pen optimized apps. These will be exclusively available to Galaxy Note.
The following apps will be available for Galaxy Note with the Ice Cream Sandwich update: S Note, Shape Match, Formula Match and My Story. The latter will allow users to create customized digital cards for friends using any content such as video, text or photo.
Samsung does not mentions anything about its TouchWiz UI instead it confirms Android 4.0 will bring “a more intuitive user interface that includes a redesigned App menu for easier multi-tasking.”
To sweeten the wait, Samsung announced it will provide all Galaxy users “special offers” as an official partner of Angry Birds Space. In this regard, it looks like an exclusive Galaxy Note level will be provided once the game launches later today.
In addition, a special package containing 30 levels of “Danger Zone” will be available for free within the next three months.
Obviously, the availability and timetable of the Android 4.0 ICS upgrade will vary by market and carriers’ requirements.
“Galaxy Note continues to delight customers all over the world with its incredible versatility and unique user experience. With the Premium Suite upgrade, we wanted to add features that enrich users’ Note experience even more, including the great advantages of Android 4.0 and innovative applications for S Pen,” said JK Shin, President of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics.