The Google Edition of Samsung Galaxy S4 & HTC One are already up for pre-order on Google Play Store for $649 and $599 respectively. The smartphones are running the latest stock Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean on them with some new customizations. Not only some customizations are observed on these models but some new leaked images have also hit the web, which shows that Samsung & Google together might through a new update on Google Edition Galaxy S4 soon, which will bring the unleashed Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.
The Android 4.3 Jelly Bean has been in news from a long time. The android version was first spotted in Thailand Mobile Expo 2013 on Google Nexus 4 running the all new Camera UI. After that, no leaks related to this android version was in news. But, after the announcement and availability of Google Edition S4 & One, the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean is back in News.
First of all, despite running on stock Android 4.2.2, both the devices have different software builds than Nexus 4. These build include some tweaks whose list you can see below with some images,
Updated Camera UI -
The new camera app interface which was spotted on Google Nexus 4 in Thailand is now present on the Google Edition Galaxy S4 & HTC One. Google has switched the camera controls from circular control panel, to arc-like control panel on the screen. When we input our finger on the Camera App UI, we can see the four most commonly used options in arc-form with the option to access more settings.
As soon as we move our hand on more settings, we can see more five options, which are shown in the similar manner (arc-form). Google has also switched the place of quick switch button (video/image/panorama mode) near to the shutter icon. We hope Google to include this revamped Camera UI app on their upcoming update for Nexus devices. The apk of this new Camera UI app is now available for download, you can do so by Clicking here.
All New Boot Animation -
Google has also included a all new Boot Animation on these Nexus Edition Models. The new boot animation is cool and includes coloured balls coming in and out. We hope to see this all new boot animation headed to upcoming Google phones in near future. You can download and install this new Boot Animation on your smartphone by clicking here.
New Sun Beam Live Wallpaper -
Google has also included a new live wallpaper called as Sun Beam. It is actually a orange-tinted version of original Phase Beam live wallpaper. Check out the images of this new wallpaper in action below. If you wish to download this wallpaper, then you can do it by just clicking here.
Updated Lock-screen Clock on Galaxy S4 Google Edition -
Google has done some new tweaks on the lock-screen clock on Google Edition Galaxy S4 to support Samsung S-View Cover. Google has also included the Beats Audio Integration on HTC One Google Edition.
Google Keep Note as System App -
Google has also included their Keep Note app as a system app on these Nexus devices. There is no confirmation on whether the future Android versions will also come with Keep Note app as system app or not.
After these changes lets move back to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean news. Sammobile is reporting that Android 4.3 for Galaxy S4 Google Edition is coming next month. They have posted some screenshots of this firmware update on their site. The screenshots where captured from an early Android 4.3 build running on a Snapdragon-powered Galaxy S4 -GT-I9505 and not the Google Edition Galaxy S4 - GT-I9505G.
According to the images, this test build is actually for the Google Play Edition Galaxy S4 (GT-I9505G). The screenshots shows Android 4.3 with JWR66N.S005.130625 as its build number. The actual build number is JWR66N and the S005.130625 is something which Samsung has added to keep a record of internal test builds.
As both the Google Edition devices come with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean pre-loaded, then it is obvious that they will directly jump to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, as it is the rumoured next version of Android. We hope Google to release the Official note regarding Android 4.3 in coming weeks.
Source - ComputerWorld, Sammobile (1, 2)
To be updated...