Fans of the Samsung Stratosphere should be quite pleased with Verizon's latest announcement. Verizon Wireless recently announced new software enhancements and updates to the Samsung Stratosphere. These updates include improved call clarity, software updates to the Verizon VZtones 5.1.3 and an improved email interface. The updates will also see the removal of several pre-loaded applications, including instant messaging, Blockbuster, Verizon Vcast and Verizon video. The enhancements will also see an update to the Set Up Wizard, making the Android application more efficient to use. The Single Sign On application has also been enhanced to version v3.1.9.  

Users of the Samsung Stratosphere will see the update arrive on their phones in coming days; however, they can seek it out themselves by modifying the settings on the cellphone. By navigating the device to the system updates, users must simply press restart and install to receive the upgrade.

The updated Stratosphere will hold 27.5mb of new data, according to a Verizon press release. These cellular enhancements will rectify what some felt was the inefficiency of the device. The update to the email application Outlook will come as a blessing to those who have dealt with its often-malfunctioning nature. 

This announcement comes one month after Verizon unveiled the addition of the Jelly Bean operating system to the Samsung Stratosphere 2. Though the updates to the Samsung Stratosphere pale in comparison to the Jelly Bean update for the Stratosphere 2, it should come as a welcome addition to those who still have the original model.

Both the Jelly Bean update and the enhancements to the Samsung Stratosphere are continuous indicators of Samsung's recent domination of the smartphone industry. It remains to be seen whether the updates will draw more users to the original model. By fixing the existing issues, however, Verizon seems to be making a newfound commitment to the Samsung brand.