The official release of the Samsung Galaxy S4 is right around the corner and now the official firmware for the device has been released.
Currently the firmware for the Galaxy S4 (GT-19500) is only available in China, but it is expected to make its way overseas not too long from now.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 runs the latest Android software (Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean), which comes with the TouchWiz Nature 2.0 user interface.
By releasing the firmware for the Galaxy S4, Samsung is opening the door to new custom ROMs and kernels. This means that those who aren't fond of the stock Android version can install whatever software they choose onto their device. Many will likely do that in order to customize the Galaxy S4 as much as possible. It is also a good option for those who dislike Samsung TouchWiz.
If you download the firmware, will you keep the stock Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean? Or will you install a custom ROM?
Those interested in the firmware can check it out and download it from SamMobile.
Recently Samsung released the kernel source code for the Galaxy S4, along with HTC, which released its code for the HTC One. In early April a root method was released for the Exynos 5 Octa version of the Galaxy S4. The root came courtesy of the developers at XDA forums but it was later revealed that the method does not work. Shortly thereafter, a root method for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 version of the Galaxy S4 became available through xda Elite Recognized Developer "Chainfire."
