Android 4.3 — a dull improvement, but an improvement nonetheless
Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) launched today, alongside the new Nexus 7. Sadly, the latter is a much more interesting announcement — anyone expecting any major upgrades to the Android OS will be rather disappointed. Given the dramatic overhaul Apple gave iOS this summer with version 7, today’s announcement was pretty snooze-worthy — though many (myself included) would argue that Android is less in need of a UI overhaul than Apple’s somewhat aged OS.
Instead, 4.3 offers minor improvements to core parts of the OS — think of it as paving the way for a bigger overhaul in the future. What’s new? Bluetooth Smart technology is now baked in at OS level, which enables low energy Bluetooth — such as that used in Fitbit’s Flex activity band — which should enable longer-lasting Bluetooth devices. Graphics should also be boosted system-wide, both within apps and in animations, as support for OpenGL ES 3.0 is also included — Unity showed a demo of 3D objects casting shadows upon themselves and copious amounts of lens flare to demonstrate the new capabilities. There’s also a restricted profile feature — think Kid’s Corner on Windows Phone 8 — which allows parents to control what their children can view and access, with apps responding differently based on which user is accessing them, such as blocking in-app purchases for young hands.
The most noteworthy feature, though — and it’s not difficult to be noteworthy with this dreary bunch — is 1080p streaming in the Netflix app, something neither Apple nor Windows Phone can lay claim to. Ready to take advantage of the Nexus 7‘s 1080p screen, it’s enabled via a new set of DRM APIs which make the most of HD content, and should make spur-of-the-moment Netflix sessions even more enjoyable.
Android 4.3 will ship on the new Nexus 7, available on the 30, and will be available on the first-gen Nexus 7, Nexus 10, Nexus 4 and Galaxy Nexus via an over-the-air update today. Try not to get too excited.
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
