The removal of search functionality in the Samsung Galaxy S3 Android smartphone seemed tied to a possible ban attempt, paranoia seemingly setting in at Samsung after Google had its Galaxy Nexus smartphone banned for a week. However, the functionality is returning and Samsung said it's simply a mistake.

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Samsung described the previous update as a "stability update," which had ended up removing the Unified Search functionality.

"The most recent software upgrade for the Galaxy S3 in the UK included the inadvertent removal of the universal search function," Samsung said. The correct update to fix the wrong update will arrive in a "few days," Samsung added. Select devices in the U.S. are still affected

According to the BBC, Samsung apparently wanted to prevent select U.S. models of the S3 from using a Google-based search engine - to not show search results based on information from the phone's memory. 

Apple claimed that the search functionality infringes on Siri, the personal voice assistant using a unified search engine. Apple succeeded in banning Google's Galaxy Nexus smartphone for a week because the feature caused "irreparable harm," in a lawsuit launched in the U.S. It's unlikely to ever cause irreparable harm.

The Samsung Galaxy S3 has exploded in popularity since going on sale May 29, clocking up 10 million pre-orders and therefore selling the same amount of units. The device is also on course to outsell its predecessor, the Galaxy S2 - a device racking up 20 million sales. The S3 has been praised for its high specifications, strong feature set, including S Voice, and camera software improvements, along with the almost latest version of Android - Ice Cream Sandwich.

Rumors suggested that Samsung is testing Android 4.1 Ice Cream Sandwich on the Galaxy S2 and S3, with the former not certain. Unofficial ROM hacks with the update are available and are straightforward to install providing potential data loss isn't a serious issue.

Regardless of one's thoughts towards Android and the Galaxy S3, clearly Samsung has built a device with mainstream awareness and a challenger to Apple's next iPhone.

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