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Samsung hints at Galaxy S4 software update to address storage discrepancies

Samsung has received criticism for the amount of storage its flagship Galaxy S4 smartphone allows users to access out of the box, but CNET reports that Samsung may be considering ways it could optimize the operating system and free up more space for users.

Samsung’s Galaxy S4 smartphone runs a custom variant of Android, which allows the company to include features not on other Android phones including Google’s own Nexus phones, but the feature-heavy OS comes at the cost of using half the capacity on a 16GB device.

We’re quite fond of the software featured on the Galaxy S4 as it allows it to stand out from other comparable smartphones, and the Galaxy S4 allows users to add to its storage with microSD cards which you can buy for less than 10 bucks in many cases, something the Apple iPhone and HTC One compromise on for design.

Google announced yesterday at Google I/O that it will begin selling the Galaxy S4 with the “pure Google experience” on its Google Play Store starting June 25th for $649, which will likely address the storage issue at the cost of eliminating Samsung features, but the unlocked device will not be available at upgrade pricing.

Samsung previously suggested customers concerned with storage constraints purchase microSD cards, which it sells on its website, so another possible solution could include offering free microSD cards to upset customers.

Samsung offered the following comment to CNET UK:

We appreciate this issue being raised and we will improve our communications. We are reviewing the possibility to secure more memory space through further software optimization. Samsung is committed to listening to our customers and responding to their needs as part of our innovation process.

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