Google has formally unveiled the latest update to its Android software in the form of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. Yes, Google is continuing its Jelly Bean strand, so we’ll have to wait a bit longer for those wanting Key Lime Pie or its equivalent. This is not surprising given all of the Android 4.3 leaks we had seen up until now.
Most of the big changes in Android 4.3 are under the hood. Google has introduced a number of performance enhancements including OpenGL ES 3.0 extension support. A big new addition in Android 4.3 is platform support for Bluetooth Smart technology, allowing connectivity for small, low-powered Bluetooth 4.0 devices and sensors.
Multiuser access in tablets was introduced in Android 4.2, but in v4.3 Google has introduced restricted profiles where owners can create a separate environment for each user, limiting the type of apps that each user can access for example.
With the new API, apps will also now be able to access and interact with the stream of status bar notifications as they are posted. The Android 4.3 update is currently rolling out to Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 10, and Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ devices globally. As to when we’ll see it appear on Sony Xperia devices is anyone’s guess.
Via Android Developers Blog and Android Developers.
