The Galaxy S4's software up close

The Samsung Galaxy S4 may have all the high-octane components you could want -- including a galloping quad-core processor and a great 13-megapixel camera -- but it's equally defined by its abundance of software features.

A smartphone camera is one of our top buying considerations. The Galaxy S4 has onscreen controls. Tap the buttons to go into settings, or open the settings mode.

Tap the Mode button to get to new settings like Drama and Animated Photo.

This mode attaches 9 seconds of audio on top of a still photo. Unfortunately, the message plays only on a Galaxy S4. Everyone else will just receive the still.

The Animate Mode creates a GIF in which one element moves while the rest remain still. If you plan your shot well, the app does most of the work.

With the GS4's new dual-shot mode, you can combine photo and videos from the front-facing camera and rear camera into one frame. You also can choose from a set of wacky frames.

We took dual-shot mode for a ride out in a beautiful San Francisco park. Proof we were really here.

Turn on air gestures and you can wave your hand in front of the screen to advance playing music, swap browser tabs, and answer an incoming call.

Samsung's Galaxy S4 jumps into the personal health tracking game with the S Health app. Also linking to the S Health app and Galaxy S4 via Bluetooth is a pedometer-style fitness band device planned in the future.

Using AirView, users can hover their fingers over items such as photos and video to preview them without touching the device's screen.

Want to watch TV without messing with remotes? The Watch On app uses an IR blaster to turn your phone into a remote for your TV, DVR, and set-top box.

A closer look at the remote.

Watch On gives you access to live TV listings in a guide format, and an interface to program and record stations.

In addition to containing remotes, the Watch On app also has a video rental component.

The Group Play app transmits documents, music files, photos, and other content to other Galaxy S4 handsets without having to use Wi-Fi or a cellular connection.

Once you connect to an ad-hoc network, you can turn Galaxy phones into a silent disco and play games as a group.

The Galaxy S4 includes the multitasking feature first seen on the Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet and the Galaxy Note 2 smartphone.

Open the Samsung Galaxy S4's Smart screen function to activate controlling the device with your eye movements.

Turn on this feature and you can tilt the phone screen to scroll up and down when the phone can see it's got your attention.

Tips like this one help you explore the phone's new features.

Android 4.2 enables lock screen widgets, which Samsung takes advantage of with a camera widget or favorite apps. You'll also have the usual lock screen shortcuts to open if the widget method requires too many swipes.

The notifications shade on the Galaxy S4 adds a heap of new one-touch settings options that you can even rearrange.

For globetrotters, Samsung's S Translator tool delivers instant translation for both voice and text. The app is embedded into e-mail, messaging, and ChatOn, or it can stand as its own tool.

Ten language options are a start for Samsung's take on an app that's highly similar to Google's own Translate tool.

Deep in the settings menu, you can program a volume key to trigger the shutter button. You can also program video to speed up a recording or drag it out in slow motion, both to potentially hilarious effect.

If you need a breather from the Galaxy S4's dizzying array of features, you can set up the phone in Easy Mode, which enlarges icons and font size and generally keeps things simple.

Easy Mode also replaces the home screens with one screen of apps and one for your contacts. Don't worry, switching back to the Galaxy S4's chock-a-block feature universe is still as simple as 1, 2, 3.