The Samsung Galaxy S3 (S III) is definitely the Android smartphone of the moment even though it has yet to hit the shelves. Not only is this set to be one of the biggest sellers of the year but even before its release its S-Voice app has become available and a root has been achieved.
With this latest Galaxy S smartphone Samsung put the emphasis very much on the software as well as the hardware and the S Voice feature is a prime example of this. Touted as Samsung’s answer to the Siri voice assistant on Apple’s iPhone this is set to be a highlight for potential Galaxy S3 owners and now other Android handset users may be able to use it if their device is running 4.0 ICS or later.
An APK install package for the S-Voice app has now become available online according to Tech Radar, sourced from Talk Android. This means Android enthusiasts can check out the S Voice feature already even though the phone is not released in Europe until the end of this month and early June in North America. Ascarface23 over on the XDADevelopers Forum is the source of the APK file, which does require the device to be rooted and some changes made to permissions and directories.
As usual we can’t recommend that readers try this out but of course we also know that many of our readers can’t wait to get started! Once installed, users will find that all of the standard voice assistant features are accessible to them such as opening apps, navigating, contact searching and calling and more. There are warnings for potential rooters though and we should stress that this is an unregistered and unverified APK install and users have encountered some bugs and glitches. It appears that owners of Galaxy S2 and Galaxy Nexus owners have had the most success with the app so far.
As we’ve already said the install does require your device to be rooted and if you think you’ll have to wait a while for a root for the Galaxy S3 when it launches you may be surprised to know that a root is already available. This is great news for power users and details of the root came to us from Pocketnow. You can check out the XDA-Developers source here. The official stock firmware has also been leaked here, version I9300XXALE8, for the unlocked international carrier-free version of the Galaxy S3.
It’s pretty amazing stuff when you think about it, that rooting of the Galaxy S3 has already been achieved before it’s even out and that its voice command feature has already hit the net. We think this looks like a pretty good start and is news that will please a lot of Android enthusiasts. Are you waiting for the Galaxy S3? Maybe you’re going to try out the voice app on your own device? Let us know how you get on by sending us your comments.
UPDATE: Engadget has just passed on the news that the unofficial S-Voice APK has now been blocked by Vlingo for unauthorized devices (those other than the Galaxy S3). This came from XDA Developers who spotted that Vlingo’s servers are gagging its use. What are your thoughts on this development?