Android

Samsung Galaxy SIII will probably include hardware navigation buttons, elements from Galaxy Note

Galaxy-S-II_home-button

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich introduced a feature where the familiar Android navigation buttons are a part of the software and don't have to be built into a device's hardware, but many manufacturers seem to prefer staying with the familar in their designs. The HTC One series retains capacitive buttons despite including Android 4.0, and now rumor has it that Samsung too will retain their traditional button structure for the upcoming Galaxy SIII.

Coming from the Korean Digital Daily, the report supposedly comes from inside sources who say that the Galaxy SIII will not only retain the standard Android buttons, but will also keep the centered tactile home key as well. Despite it being a bit iPhone-like, personally I really like this design, and many users seem to as well.

In addition to the tactile home button, the Galaxy SIII will also have the same five column app drawer as the Galaxy Note. Does this mean that the SIII will sport a larger 4.5 or 4.8-inch display? It is certainly possible, but more likely that Samsung is just trying to unify the software across their line of devices.

It may end up being contraversial, but I am generally in favor of the hardware buttons. I wasn't sold on the Galaxy Nexus's software navigation (though the rest of Ice Cream Sandwich was quite good) so hardware controls aren't something I mind. Of course, hardware keys won't get you an awesome customized navbar, but other than that I think they are generally a good idea.

[IntoMobile]
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Aaron Orquia

Aaron Orquia is an associate editor at Pocketables. He has been using Android and Linux since he bought his first computer years ago, and his interest in technology, software, and tweaking both to work just right has only grown stronger since then. His current gadgets include a OnePlus One, a Pebble smartwatch, and an Acer C720 Chromebook.

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