Google I/O 2013 Rumors: Is Samsung Galaxy S4 ‘Google Edition’ Running On Pure Google Version Of Android On Its Way?

As the tech industry prepares for the latest edition of Google I/O, the search engine giant’s annual developer conference that will kick off Wednesday in San Francisco, a new report claims there could be a new “Google Edition” of Samsung's Galaxy S4 on the way.

Citing insider sources, Geek.com reported on Tuesday that Samsung is preparing the Galaxy S4 “Google Edition” for a launch during Google I/O 2013, which will add to the list of phones that run on the pure Google version of Android.

The report says that although the Galaxy S4 “is an incredible piece of hardware,” Samsung’s version of the Android operating system has disappointed many users. In order to resolve this issue, the South Korean tech giant is bringing an AOSP (Android Open Source Project) version of the Galaxy S4, which will likely be uncovered during the keynote.

Sources have revealed that Galaxy S4 "Google Edition" will be the result of a partnership between Samsung and Google. The collaboration will focus on a growing user base that prefers the stock Android on a device other than a Nexus.

“Not to be confused with a Nexus phone, which is a piece of hardware made with Google’s guiding hand, the Galaxy S4 GE will feature stock Android inside Samsung’s familiar plastic casing,” says the Geek.com report.

“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,” the report adds.

According to SamMobile, if the Galaxy S4 Google Edition indeed becomes a reality, it will be made available as a limited-edition device only for developers as Samsung will not be bringing a competitor to its own easy-to-use Touch Wiz UX interface.

The new version of the Galaxy S4 is expected to be released in early June on T-Mobile. However, details on pricing and enrollment of other carriers are yet to be revealed.