According to a new rumor, Google and Samsung will announce a Samsung Galaxy S4 "Google Edition" at the Google I/O Developer's Conference. Just like Nexus smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition will reportedly run stock Android instead of Samsung's TouchWiz UI.
If this new rumor is true this will bring the total number of Samsung Galaxy S4 variants up to six different models. There is a Samsung Galaxy S4 with an Octa-core processor, quad-core processor, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S4 mini, Galaxy S4 Active, and Galaxy S4 Zoom. We all know Samsung is not shy about squeezing as much out of its products with different variants, so a Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition could be a real possibility.
Geek.com is reporting that while the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition will ship with a stock Android experience, it will not be a Nexus smartphone. The site reveals:
"According our sources on hand at Google I/O, this Google Edition phone is a collaboration between Samsung and Google to address a growing group of users that prefer stock Android on something other than a Nexus. In order to accomplish this right now, users would need to install custom versions of Android like CyanogenMod. Complete with removable battery and expandable storage with the MicroSD card slot, this phone could certainly address this growing niche."
According to sources the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition will be a T-Mobile exclusive and is expected to go on sale starting in June. There is no word on pricing, when it will be available for purchase, and if the smartphone will also be sold unlocked on Google Play like its Nexus devices.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition is expected to be announced during Google's live keynote today and you can watch the whole event as it happens here.
