Samsung Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 Update Likely Coming Soon

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update will likely roll out sometime in the near future as Samsung announced that it would be bringing Galaxy Gear compatibility in an update sometime in the future.

At the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 launch event today, Samsung also announced the Samsung Galaxy Gear, a new piece of wearable technology that Galaxy smartphone and tablet users will be able to use to conveniently answer phone calls or messages using Bluetooth. Samsung announced today that the Galaxy Note 3 and the Galaxy Tab 10.1 2014 Edition will support it immediately but that it will be rolling out updates for the Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3 and the Galaxy Note 2.

The Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update should hit Samsung’s older devices soon.

Given that Android 4.3 comes with Bluetooth Low Energy, it’s assumed that the updates that Samsung is referring to are Android 4.3 updates that have been rumored for the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2. Samsung has already rolled out Android 4.3 for the Galaxy S4 Google Edition so it was only a matter of time before the Galaxy S4 got its update.

Samsung announced that the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 will get their updates sometime in October, declining to offer a specific time frame for the Galaxy S4 update. However, given that the Galaxy S4 is the company’s flagship and in the hands of millions of consumers, we expect the company to get the device upgraded sometime in the near future as well so that users can take advantage of the Galaxy Gear.

Exactly when, of course, remains unclear but given that Samsung did not explicitly say October, perhaps it means that the software will land sometime in September.

Of course, this timing refers to the unbranded versions of the Galaxy Note 2 and the Galaxy S3 and likely the Galaxy S4 as well. Carriers will have to approve updates for arrival, something that often takes awhile in regions like the United States.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and the Galaxy Gear will hit the United States in October, no specific dates known, and the Galaxy Gear should retail for $299. The price of the Galaxy Note 3 is still unknown though it will likely arrive for $299 as well. Both will run Android 4.3 Jelly Bean right out of the box.

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OtterBox Defender Galaxy S4 Case Review

The OtterBox Samsung Galaxy S4 Defender case delivers a good deal of protection for the Galaxy S4 thanks to multiple layers and a snap on piece to protect the screen.

Like any OtterBox case, the Galaxy S4 Defender series adds some bulk, but for the added bulk, users get a built-in screen protector, protection form drops and dust and a sturdy clip.

The case includes an opening for the IR port, so users can still control their HDTV with WatchOn and covers for most other areas.

OtterBox Samsung Galaxy S4 case.

The OtterBox Galaxy S4 Defender Series case is a good fit for users that need extra protection, such as S4 owners that work in construction, out in the field or around dust and dirt. It’s also a good option for users that are tough on their phone while running, biking or spending a wild night out on the town.

Unlike previous OtterBox cases that came in limited color options, OtterBox offers 15 options for the Galaxy S4 OtterBox Defender case, and lets users build their own with an online selection to get a perfect color combination.

Putting the OtterBox Galaxy S4 case on is easy, and after you get the hang of removing the small clips that keep the hard plastic layer tight, so is removing it. The inner portion is a rigid plastic and the outer slipcover acts as padding an an easy to grip surface.

The case covers the volume and power buttons, and plugs the headphone jack and charging port with a small piece of silicone. This is not waterproof, but it does help keep moisture, dust and dirt out. There is a small opening in the screen protector for the physical home button, and a wide opening at the top to keep the earpiece and multiple sensors open and un-impeded.

It is easy to use all the buttons and functions of the Galaxy S4 while in the OtterBox Defender Series case, and I didn’t run into any issues using the Samsung voice, motion and special controls with the case on.

OtterBox includes a holster that clips onto the Galaxy S4 while in the OtterBox Defender, allowing users to clip it to a belt, pocket or a toolbag for safe-keeping. Unfortunately it doesn’t lock open like the HTC One Defender Series Cases, so it cannot double as a kickstand.

Overall this is a great Galaxy S4 case for users that need to take the Galaxy S4 into the field, a school, or a night out without worrying about a drop or dirt ruining the phone.

The OtterBox Galaxy S4 Defender Series case is available from OtterBox for $50 or for $60 users can pickup a real-tree camo option or go with the customized color combinations.

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iPhone 5 vs. Moto X vs. Galaxy S4 Size Comparison

Tomorrow, Motorola is set to debut the new Moto X, its new flagship smartphone that it hopes will compete with the likes of the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S4. And those that are debating between these devices will be happy to know that the Moto X has been compared, in size, to the iPhone 5, Galaxy S4 and the Droid RAZR ahead of launch.

Motorola announced the Moto X several weeks ago but since then, it has kept many of the official details to itself. Fortunately, the company will take the stage tomorrow and show off the Moto X, officially, for the first time. At the event, we expect to hear about its specifications, its release date, pricing and of course, we expect to see the device itself.

The Moto X stands next to the iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S4 and Droid RAZR.

While the device has shown up in numerous leaks, showcasing its design for the world to see, consumers haven’t been able to size up its design, particularly against some of the bigger name smartphones on the market. Fortunately, Taylor Wimbley has shared a photo that shows consumers just how the Moto X stacks up size-wise with the iPhone 5, Droid RAZR and the Samsung Galaxy S4.

The photo is a combination of press images and it shows the Moto X next to all three of these new devices. The device is larger than Apple’s iPhone 5 which sits at 4.87 x 2.31 x 0.30 inches and weighs around 3.95 ounces. Dimensions of the Moto X still aren’t known, but it’s clear that it’s bigger than Apple’s flagship.

The device is a little more on par with the Droid RAZR which stands at 5.15 x 2.71 x 0.28 inches with a weight of 4.48 ounces. The Moto X appears to be a tad shorter than the Droid RAZR.

Finally, the Moto X is smaller than the Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung’s current flagship Galaxy S smartphone, which stands at 5.38 x 2.75 x 0.31 inches and weighs 4.59 ounces.

The Moto X arrives, in the flesh, tomorrow.

It’s clear that Motorola is aiming for a more compact experience with the Moto X though one that is bigger than Apple’s iPhone 5 which employs a 4-inch display. Flagship Android devices in 2013 have been based on massive displays with the Galaxy Note 3 expected to deliver a whopping 5.7-inch 1080p display.

The Moto X will debut tomorrow and rumors suggest that it could have a large 720p display, dual-core processor, high-quality camera, heavy user customization including a laminated aluminum casing, fast LTE speeds, and a price tag that could put it on par with the Nexus 4, Google’s current Nexus smartphone that is priced at $299 unlocked.

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