The last-week-released Samsung Galaxy S models on T-Mobile and AT&T networks – the Vibrant and the Captivate respectively – run almost identical software, which is a hugely modified version of the open-source Android operating system from Google.
Despite the fact that the Android OS already powers around 8- handsets currently available in the market, including the popular Droid lineup, the software revisions introduced in both the newly-released Galaxy S versions – with Verizon and Sprint versions to follow – make them a lot more compelling.
Featuring a new lock screen, the devices allows users to swipe their fingers in any direction after the display lights up – an action that immediately tosses the users into the software. Quite similar to the Apple iPhone, the bottom of the home screen features a dock with four keys that enable users to scroll between the screens.
Furthermore, each of the screens of the Galaxy S models can hold a number of widgets – which essentially are mini app-like utilities that are capable of displaying as well as refreshing data.
The galaxy S models also feature some notable enhancements to the Android’s staple notification menu, which presents a fairly rapid access to the ‘on’ and ‘off’ buttons for the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS.
However, these handsets also have a few shortcomings; the chief ones being that some apps may be difficult or nearly impossible to uninstall; and the GPS system may appear weak while pinpointing a location.
Russian version