Coming Soon From Google: A $649 Samsung Galaxy S4 Running Stock Android
While not a new Nexus phone, Google said on Wednesday that it plans to start selling an unlocked version of Samsung’s Galaxy S4 through its Google Play store.
Like Nexus devices, the unlocked Galaxy S4 will be able to get Android updates as they are released, rather than having to wait for the carrier and device maker to customize and approve the new software.
Google’s Hugo Barra made the announcement at Google’s I/O conference, generating lots of “oohs” and “aahs” for the features — right up until he mentioned the price.
It will cost a hefty $649 when it goes on sale June 26. (The price drew outright boos at the Google I/O viewing party in Chicago, I’m told.)
The phone will support LTE networks from both AT&T and T-Mobile USA.
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