Moto X Google Edition Release Coming Soon, Android 4.3 to Arrive Sooner

By Vincent Funaro, Christian Post Reporter Sunday, August 11, 2013

The Moto X Google Edition model could be released sometime in the near future.

A pure Android model similar to the Galaxy S4 and HTC One could be launching in the Google Play store very soon, according to a report from The Verge.

"Yes, there will be a Google Play edition of the Moto X," wrote the publication.

This model will be available for purchase directly through Google and will be able to receive software updates before the carrier versions in the same way the other hit smartphone pure Android versions do.

The Verge claims Motorola and Google want to release a version of the device that will not be tinkered with by carriers such as Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. The original version is a pretty stripped down Android device, however, carriers still seem to load it with unnecessary bloatware that angers Android fans.

These new Google Editions will come unlocked so they will also be fit for resale. However, they will run customers a lot more money outside of a long term contract.

But the advantages might out weight the price tag. Moto X Google Edition users will receive the Android 4.3 update before those who purchased it through their friendly neighborhood carrier. Proof of this could be seen with the Galaxy Nexus. The last software update dropped on the unlocked model 5 months before it did on the carrier version.

Google and Motorla did not reveal the price for this unlocked model. The Verge predicts that the Google Edition will be a variant of the 16GB model that currently retails at $575 off-contract. The price should be somewhere around that amount. The 32GB model sells for $630 off contract.

Judging from past Google Play editions, the only carriers they will work on will be AT&T and T-Mobile.