by Divyam Arora
After a long wait, the latest version of Android was finally released this Wednesday. Android 4.3 as it is called will be under the name Jelly Bean only. Quite a few of you who were expecting the launch of Key Lime Pie might be disappointed. Well, that announcement is likely to made somewhere in Q4 now. This update will be available for download for the Nexus devices today. The OTA update will roll out starting from Wednesday. Though if you can’t wait and do not care about factory resetting your phone, you can download a fresh copy from here. The latest software will also feature on the new Nexus 7. The updates for Galaxy S4 & HTC One will be released "soon".
The recent leaks suggested that the major battery life improvement would be the big update that this version brings but there was no great mention of that at the Google I/O. While there are a few battery related tweaks as well such as the Bluetooth Smart Technology, which will allow users to connect newer generation of gadgets which use Bluetooth Smart. The Wi-Fi scan-only mode will also preserve battery life, as it will allow apps and location services to access your location even when the Wi-Fi is switched off in order to improve your location accuracy without actually having to switch on your Wi-Fi. Apart from these, the major upgrade comes in the form of support for Open GL ES 3.0. It's a big deal for gamers and the designers as it offers better graphics and more efficiently. Smart watches will also benefit from this update as now apps can interact with the notifications and can relay them onto your other smart devices. High quality content streaming & lower latency for gamepads are few useful additions as well. Minor changes to photo editor can also be found in 4.3. There’s a new kernel for Nexus and audio latency has also been reduced significantly. Another good thing for Nexus users is that there’s a fix for the Bluetooth problem. The Bluetooth & Wi-Fi work fine together. There’s added native language support as well, now you can type in Hindi as well. xP
Most for the improvements are under the hood. The few, which might excite users, are listed below-
Most for the improvements are under the hood. The few, which might excite users, are listed below-
1. Multi User Profiles: Allows users to create several profiles and add restrictions on apps accordingly. Basically targeted for parents and businessmen. Won't excite a lot of users. But given the fact it has been available in iOS since long before, it’s good to have it in android devices as well.
2. Dialer Suggestions: Suggestions will be based on phone numbers as well as names. Being a Nexus user I have always looked forward for it and it is probably the best of the lot for me. Though it won't matter to most of you as custom builds such as touchwiz & sense ROM's have already incorporated dialer suggestions in their dialer.
3. Emoji Keyboard: A new section will be available in the keyboard once you enable it from settings. One for the texting freaks. While most people use instant messaging these days, its good to have added functionality for the outdated sms app, will work with other apps as well.
There isn't a lot that has changed with Android 4.3, especially as the front end is more or less the same. There a few tweaks, which enhance the overall usability of stock android but if you are running a custom version, like most of the people then there isn't much to look forward to. Most of the users will be disappointed and still continue to look forward to the big update in Key Lime Pie.
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