Google announced on Wednesday that it will release its own version of the Samsung Galaxy S4. The Google Edition GS4 will come with a skinless Android and will sell for $649 when it hits the market via the Play Store on June 26.
As the collaboration between Google and Samsung flourishes, should LG feel threatened?
Aside from getting the pure Android system, the Google Edition GS4 will also receive updates as soon as the software updates are released. The bootloader of the phone will also be unlocked just how it is like with Nexus smartphones. The smartphone will reflect Google's ideal take on Android, skinless and pure. It will come equipped with a powerful Snapdragon 600 processor and basically have the same specs as its often criticized TouchWiz counterparts. During the keynote at the Google I/O 2013, Google revealed that its version of the Galaxy S4 will run on T-Mobile and AT&T networks in the United States.
Both Samsung and Google will definitely benefit with the release of the Google Edition Galaxy S4.
Samsung will be able to sell more units of the Galaxy S4 and also have the chance to cater to its consumers that look for a pure Android experience. While that sounds good for the sales report, it is also good to take note that the skinless device will come with a hefty tag price of $649. Clearly, this is not about raking in sales but grabbing the opportunity to serve a niche market. The Korean smartphone manufacturer might also have the chance to have earlier access to the latest versions of Android.
For Google, it will be quite a fulfillment to offer the GS4 with skinless software just like how it wants things done. It will also expand the range of pure Android offerings beyond Nexus. The release of the Google Edition GS4 is a logical move that gives the brand enough time to prepare the rumored Motorola smartphone it plans to roll out.
While it is a win-win situation, LG should not feel threatened. There are no reasons for the brand to go hysterical. The goal of the Google Edition GS4 is to boost the relationship with developers and Samsung. The sticker price also suggests that it is not designed to compete with the Nexus market.
It will really not matter if the sales numbers do not soar since Google and Samsung will get what they really want after all.
