I'm converting, not calling it upgrading anymore as my s7 seems worse than my old s4 mini, software wise that is of course, I loved my s4 mini compared to this crap.
I just got my Verizon S7 from Bestbuy on July 14th. After activating it I kept checking for updates and if I'm not mistaken it updated 6 times before it said up to date, no more updates. With that said, this function is definitely not there. So until Verizon adds it back, I'm actually going to call them about it today to request/see when it's coming, it looks as though the "Better Open With" app combined with using "ES File Manager" for browsing is the closest thing.
If you browse your media with ES File Manager, it has it's own app launcher built it that lets you open an app for that file type JUST ONCE if you just click the app, or you can set that app as default with a radio button and then clicking it.
I find using ES File Manager easier to find all my media anyways, certainly compared to bloated apps like gallery, and ESFM responds so much quicker.
The downside is it isn't global. So if trying to access an app from within the system, for example set ringtone from settings or select a pic from messaging, it doesn't work there very easily
Also you are only setting the ES File Manager default, not a global default, but I think we all know how to do that now, right?
I hope this helps someone AND PLEASE once Verizon has included this update LET EVERYONE KNOW by posting here!!