Split-screen multi-tasking comes to Galaxy Note II via firmware update

Samsung recently launched the successor of the Galaxy Note in India, the Galaxy Note II priced at Rs 39,900. The much awaited split-screen multitasking is now available for the Galaxy Note II via a firmware update.

Split-screen multitasking is a feature that allows a user to have two windows open on the screen, enabling her to have multitasking capabilities like that on a computer.

A new feature available here

As per a report by Android Community, “Imagine watching a movie on your device and having an IMDB window open at the same time to find out who the stars of said movie are. The potential uses for this new feature are nearly limitless. Of course, not all Android apps support this feature, but as more devices have the feature we expect more apps to start using it.  New Galaxy Note II devices in stores had this feature installed already, and it is good to see Samsung issuing the feature for devices already in the wild. Right now the new firmware is available in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. Besides multi view, it is not clear what else is included in this updated firmware.”

The report adds that the update is available via an Over The Air (OTA) update, or via Samsung Kies.

Here are the highlighted features of the Samsung Galaxy Note II at a glance:

• 5.5-inch Super AMOLED touchscreen with a 1280 x 720 pixel density
• 4G LTE, EDGE, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi HT40, NFC
• GPS with GLONASS and A-GPS support
• Bluetooth v4.0 with USB 2.0 Host
• 8 megapixel AF/ Touchfocus camera, 1.9MP VT Camera, BSI front-facing camera
• 16GB, 32GB and 64GB versions, all with expandable support up to 64GB
• 2GB RAM
• MHL for AV out

 
The major talking point about the Galaxy Note II is that it features Air View, which enables users to hover with the S Pen over an email, S Planner, image gallery or video to preview content without opening it. Air View enables users to quickly search and see more information in one view, without making screen transitions.

Samsung has stated that it has redesigned the S Pen:

• It is now longer, thicker and ergonomically designed for good grip. Therefore, it provides a more precise, comfortable and natural writing and drawing experience.
• Interestingly, as soon as you pull out the S Pen, there's a Popup Note that opens up. A feature, we're guessing would be especially precious when you're on a call and have to quickly note down numbers.

Another expression feature called Idea Visualizer provides illustration images that match the handwritten keywords on the S Note. It’s an illustration match function that enables users to express, organise and visualise ideas. Users can even customise and add their own illustrations library.
 

Other highlighted features of the Note II include Pop-up Note, Quick Command, Screen Recorder, and a host of other features that raise the bar over the Galaxy Note. For those concerned about major battery drain, Samsung has added a 3,100mAh battery.