Google unveils Galaxy S4 variant

At today's Google I/O developers' conference in San Francisco, Google announced that it would release its own variant of the previously unveiled Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone.

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For the most part, the device will remain largely the same. It will feature 4G LTE and 16GB of storage space.

However, the handset will offer a skinless Android 4.2 Jelly Bean Nexus experience, it will come with its bootloader already unlocked, and users will receive system updates as they come in.

This unlocked GS4 version will be available starting June 26 and will work on AT&T and T-Mobile networks. It can be purchased directly from the Google Play Store for $649.

For many, the lack of a new branded-Nexus flagship item from Google is a disappointment. Especially considering the popularity of last year's $349 16GB LG Nexus 4 (8GB, $299).

However, a pure Android experience on the high-powered handset is still attractive, especially for those who do not fancy Samsung's oft-criticized TouchWiz user interface.

Checking out Samsung's Nexus-ized Galaxy S4 (pictures)

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While it remains unclear just how much has been stripped away from this GS4 version, it'll be interesting to see if the vanilla Android GS4 turns out to be more enticing than the original.

When CNET reviewed the GS4 in April, we gave it an Editors' Choice Award for its superb 13-megapixel camera, lightning-quick Snapdragon 600 processor, and numerous software features that include eye-tracking and gestures.

Check back often as this first-take will be updated throughout the day, and be sure to catch all of CNET's Google I/O coverage, including our (now-finished) liveblog.