Android Lollipop has plenty of great improvements over past iterations of Android, but that doesn’t mean that every single person will like all aspects of the software version. One feature we have been hearing has taken some getting used to is the new interruptions, which essentially took away the option for a “silent mode” on devices and replaced it with priority notifications so you can manage which notifications come through and which ones aren’t to interrupt you. If you’re a Galaxy S5 user though it appears Samsung has begun sending out a recent software update to those devices already on Lollipop that is bringing back the option for silent mode.
The reason why silent mode was appreciated by users was because it still allowed people’s notifications to come through but it would do so without a notification tone or vibration. For those that had devices equipped with an LED notification light this served as a great combination to notice any incoming messages, emails, and the like without sound or vibration. Another issue for some with Lollipop’s interruptions interface was that setting notifications to no interruptions also disables the alarms users have set, which could cause a problem for those who set alarms at night but also turn on no interruptions so they don’t get notifications coming through while they sleep.
As reported, Samsung has launched this software version update only for Galaxy S5 users in the UK at this point in time. Users who fit this bill can either update their phone’s software through the Samsung Kies program, or they can check the software update setting from inside the settings/about phone section of their device to check and see if it’s available as an OTA. It’s also worth noting that Samsung has only made this software available on unlocked versions of the device and not currently for carrier branded models. That also means U.S. residents and users from around the globe won’t have silent mode back on their Galaxy S5’s just yet, but it will eventually be coming as Samsung continues to roll out the firmware to other model variations of the Galaxy S5. How long that will take is uncertain. If you use a Samsung Galaxy S5 were you happy with the change from silent mode to Google’s interruptions interface setting or do you prefer the silent mode instead?
