Android 4.3 Available for Galaxy S4 Owners

Google’s worst-kept secret is the upcoming Android 4.3 update for devices powered by its mobile OS (though a lot more secrets have come to light recently), and we’re starting to see that update make its way to the handsets of owners who aren’t afraid to experiment. SamMobile reports this morning that Android 4.3 has been spotted on both the Google Play Edition and the Snapdragon-powered Galaxy S4, and should work fine on both for users who aren’t afraid to mess around with flashing their ROM and voiding their warranty.

Android 4.3 was first spotted by SamMobile running on the Snapdragon Galaxy S4, which is a version that’s normally running Samsung’s own modified Google OS. Screens depicted an updated camera interface, as well as some other interface tweaks, but by and large the look of 4.3 is very similar to the look of 4.2, the current version of Jelly Bean and the latest officially acknowledged by Google.

 

According to another report from WSJ, Google is feverishly working on finishing up Android 4.3 and releasing it and is planning on dropping Android Key Lime Pie (perhaps version 5.0) on the scene this fall. According to sources the next Android iteration (KLP, not JB) will be "better tailored to the lower-cost smartphones".

Reportedly Google is even developing low-cost devices on its own, without OEM branding.

And while we're talking rumors WSJ learned from unknown sources that Google is developing a smartwatch device and gaming console, both revolving around the Android platform. Seeing how much traction the OUYA console gained and that smart wristwatches are all over the news lately, we would hardly be surprised if Google wants to join the bandwagon. There's also talk of an upcoming second generation Nexus Q home entertainment device.

However there are a lot of ifs and buts, and uncertainties in the information so you should take it with a pinch of salt.