Thursday 27 June 2013

Google Play edition devices show updated camera app, other tweaks

The lucky few tech sites that got their hands on HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play Editions ahead of the release have posted details about some tweaks that are present in these devices. Despite running on stock Android 4.2.2, both the devices have different software builds than Nexus 4.

Here is a list of tweaks present in these Google Play editions:

Updated camera app interface:

The new camera app interface that was spotted on Nexus 4 with Android 4.3 in Thailand is actually present in the Google Play edition devices.  In place of the circular series of options present in stock Android 4.2 camera app, the updated interface now shows camera options in an arc form.

Initially the interface shows a total of four most commonly used options as well as option to access more settings.  When you choose more options, the interface shows you five more settings. The action options are also shown in arc design apart from the picture size option, which still appears in pop-up menu form.

The always present buttons like switching between video and image mode have also been moved closer to the shutter icon rather than sitting away from it.

It is important to note here that there is nothing functionally new to the camera app, only the interface has been changed. There is no word on when the updated camera app will arrive on Nexus devices or if Google plans to release it in Google Play like Keyboard and Calendar apps.

New live wallpaper:

The Google Play edition devices also come with new live wallpaper, which is called Sun Beam and is actually orange-tinted version of Phase Beam wallpaper, which is already present in Android. The new wallpaper might or might be added to the upcoming Android versions. (Download Sun Beam Live Wallpaper).

Update lock-screen clock on Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play edition

Like HTC One comes with Beats Audio integration even in Google Play Edition, Samsung and Google has included a slightly updated lock-screen clock to support Samsung’s Flip Covers for S4.

New Boot animation

The Nexus edition phones also come with a brand new boot animation, which is probably made for these two phones and might come in any future Nexus edition smartphones. (Download New boot animation)

Google Keep note app as system app

Google has added Google Keep as system app in these Nexus edition devices, but there is no confirmation on whether the future Android versions will also include Keep as system app rather than an optional download from Google Play.

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