Best Android 4.3 Jelly Bean features launching on the Nexus 7, new Nexus 7, Nexus 4, Nexus 10 and the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. Find out what’s new.
After making the new Nexus 7 official, Google revealed its latest mobile operating system update, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.
As expected, it wasn’t a fully fledged makeover or a slice of Key Lime Pie, but Android 4.3 Jelly Bean still delivers something for Android users and developers to look forward to.
Android 4.3 Jelly Bean has already rolled out for the original Nexus 7, Nexus 4 smartphone, Nexus 10 tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and will ship on the new Nexus 7. Here’s a run-down of the key new features.
#1: Restricted profiles
After adding multi-user profiles in the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update, 4.3 now adds a new restricted profile option. This means users can restrict access to certain apps and change the way apps behave for others using the Android device. So if you have kids, you can pick what games they can play and actually hide levels that require in-app purchases. Hopefully this should help avoid a hefty bill on your credit card.
#2: Bluetooth Smart support
Something that the Android platform has significantly lacked for some time, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean now lets you sync low energy Bluetooth devices like heart rate monitors and the Fitbit Flex. As a result, battery power will not take a hammering and it could pave the way for more Android-friendly wearable devices.
#3: OpenGL ES 3.0
One for Android developers, the new OpenGL platform enables a more sophisticated level of 3D graphical rendering. New Android games will be able to show off more detail in shadow, lighting and skin texture. A demo from Unity showcased its capabilities and indicates that users can expect some visually stunning games in the not too distant future.
#4: Notification access
One of the Android’s key strengths as an operating system is the usefulness of notifications bar. Now third-party apps can access status bar notifications as they are posted in real-time. Why is this a good thing? Well, it could be the biggest indication of a smart watch for one. it will also make the process of syncing information between two Android-powered devices a much simpler process.
#5: Android 4.3 apps
With the update already rolling out to compatible devices, the Android 4.3-friendly apps are already making their way onto Google Play. Runtastic has already added 4.3 support bringing Bluetooth Smart functionality. Netflix is also the first Android 4.3 supported app that will be able to stream 1080p HD content.
Next, read our Android 4.3 Jelly Bean review
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.