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The software that comes with the Samsung Galaxy S4 is a bit different than what I typically see on smartphones I review. Let me start with the navigation part. Like every other Android phone, it comes with Google Maps and does voice navigation complete with street names. It works well enough as the tests that I ran got me to point B from point A without drama.
Besides the usual array of e-mail client, web browser, calendar and messenger apps, these apps jumped out at me:
- WatchOn: This is Samsung’s version of the HTC TV that I spoke about in my review of the HTC One. The only difference is that the user interface isn’t as slick. But having said that, it still works very well.
- TripAdvisor: Pick a city and this app will tell you where to go and what to do. It will even help to get tickets for you.
- Samsung Hub: This is an app that allow you to sample and buy music and movies. It looks stunningly good, though more than one person I showed the app too made the comment that it looked like it was something from a Windows Phone. No matter, this app gets two thumbs up.
- S Health: This is something that I find cool. S Health allows you to track the number of steps you take per day and set goals accordingly. The cool part is that there’s no need for any add on gizmos to do this. It’s all built into the phone. Nice!
- Polaris Office 5 is included. I mentioned this before in my review of the HTC One and it’s nice to see that Samsung has added this as well.
- There’s a translator app included. No frills or thrills. It just works and does what it needs to do.
- Rogers has included MyAccount, Rogers One Number and Rogers Anyplace TV with the phone along with City Video which allows you to watch your favorite CityTV shows on your Galaxy S4.
In the final part of this review, I’ll look at the camera and wrap up a few loose ends. Tune in tomorrow for that.