Despite all the recent update struggles Samsung has run into, it looks like it has managed to get Android 4.4 KitKat finished for at least one device. While it still isn't available for download over the air, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play edition Android 4.4 KitKat kernel source code is now available for download.

What this essentially means is that the upgrade is complete, and once it goes through whatever red tape is left, it will start hitting public users. HTC released similar files for the Google Play edition of its One smartphone at the same time, and that upgrade has already started hitting the airwaves. It shouldn't be long before the same applies to the Galaxy S4.

The open source files apply to the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play edition model GT-I9505G and is mostly for developers to begin tinkering with. Model GT-I9505G also happens to share the exact same hardware as the international LTE Galaxy S4, GT-I9505, meaning coding for that variant should begin as well. The Galaxy S4 Google Play edition Android 4.4 KitKat files can be downloaded here.

Google Play edition phones run stock Android without any layered interfaces on top, meaning no TouchWiz for Samsung users. Instead, the barebones Android firmware allows for upgrades to reach the device more quickly and this scenario is a perfect example. Samsung has not commented on when normal Galaxy S4s will receive Android 4.4, although a recently-leaked memo hints that it may not until January 2014.

Check back with The Latino Post for more information on Samsung Galaxy S4 updates as it becomes available.