Google announces stock Android version of Galaxy S4 (aka no TouchWiz), with bootloader unlocked

s4

At their currently ongoing Google I/O 2013 keynote, the company announced a new version of Samsung’s Galaxy S4. This “Google Edition” of the device will not have the usual TouchWiz skin, but will instead be running stock Android. Google says that it will be “Nexus user experience.”

The phone will be compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile’s networks and will support LTE. The device will come with 16GB of storage, but since this is stock Android, there’s a very good chance you won’t be running into the same problems you would with Samsung’s original version.

Google also announced to the expected applause of the 6,000-strong crowd that this version of the Galaxy S4 will come with the bootloader unlocked. This is, in effect, a Nexus device without the branding. If you’re a fan of the Galaxy S4’s impressive spec sheet but prefer a pure Google experience, this is the way to go.

The Google Edition of the Samsung Galaxy S4 will be sold through Google Play for $649 on June 26.

[via Google]

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