Thursday 27 June 2013

Google Edition Galaxy S4 and HTC One pack new camera interface, live wallpaper and more

Looks like the Google Edition Galaxy S4 and HTC One Smartphones have more than just vanilla Android aboard. Here are some of the subtle but noticeable differences between Android 4.2.2 on the newly launched phones and the Google Nexus 4.
samsung-galaxy-s4-htc-one-google-edition
Soon after the official launch of the Galaxy S4 and HTC One Google Edition handsets, people fortunate enough to go hands-on with the devices (US only as of now) noticed a few differences between the Android OS (4.2.2 Jelly Bean) installed on these new arrivals compared to the Google Nexus 4. Here they are:
New camera app interface
google-play-edition-android-camera
Instead of the series of camera options presented in a circular fashion when you touch the screen with the camera app, an updated semi circle design can be found on the new Google Edition handsets, lining five options and an option to show you… more options. The many options include HDR mode, flash, front and rear camera toggle, exposure adjustment etc.
google-play-edition-android-camera-2
New live wallpaper
Google has packed a sweet little surprise in the form of ‘Sun Beam’, a red and orange tinted version of the original ‘Phase Beam’ live wallpaper found on Android 4.0 (and upwards) devices.
google-play-edition-android-live-wallpaper
Updated lock screen clock
The lock screen clock has been updated to a right aligned version on the Galaxy S4. ComputerWorld reports that this may be to accommodate the S-View flip cover, so as to be able to see the clock with the cover on.
google-play-edition-android-lock-screen
New boot animation
These new Nexus-like non-Nexus devices have also been blessed with a new boot animation. Of course, this boot animation was made by Google exclusively for their new Google Edition (GE) handsets and will most likely make an appearance in the future GE phones as well (we hope for more of such phones).
Here’s a video that demonstrates the updated UI and new features:


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