Android 4.3: availability and new - Clubic

Android 4.3 has been announced Wednesday by Google in parallel with the Nexus 7 2013 edition and Chromecast. Return on new additions to the system, as well as its availability for different devices on the market.

retail new Android 4.3 may spur some disappointments for end users, insofar many of them are under the hood or at Google Play. Some of them, however, pave the way for more comprehensive services. Google also promises a general improvement in performance and of course the resolution of a number of bugs.

Android 4.3: for whom and when

Nexus 7 (2013) will be the first device natively equipped with Android 4.3, which retains the nickname Jelly Bean. Google has however announced that the update was immediately available to the other terminals of the Nexus range: Nexus 7 2012 version, Nexus 4, Nexus 10 or Galaxy Nexus. They should alert prompting the user to download the software, but the deployment will likely take a few days. It has to our knowledge not yet begun in Europe.

For the impatient, the “factory” pictures are available for download, however. In this case, however, it will go through a manual installation of the software, the more tedious. One and HTC Galaxy S4 Google’s Edition will in turn later.

The Nexus Android devices not manufactured by third parties, however, will remain subject to the policy update manufacturer , sometimes double extra time depending on the operator when the terminal was sold through them. As each new version of the system, Android 4.3 so will take some time to clear a path.

Growing Pains

Let us Now with new functionalities. The first is an extension of the user account management introduced with 4.2, since it is set to some accounts they are “restricted”, a bit like what Microsoft offers with its corner children in Windows Phone 8. Specifically targeting children, restricted account can limit access to certain applications and to introduce rules on the management of integrated applications purchases. In other words, avoid the last little is empty family ELP to buy additional levels in his favorite game. These restrictions are accessible to developers through a set of programming interfaces through which they can implement the appropriate options in the settings of their applications.

Android 4.3 now knows manage the Bluetooth Smart low-energy Bluetooth 4.0 profile, which enable accessory manufacturers and application vendors to extend the scope of the objects associated with Android devices. At a time when we are talking about “measure of self” and the multiplication of sensors, the approach is not surprising.

The system is also open to support OpenGL ES 3.0 specification, finalized in July, thus open up opportunities for game publishers, subject of course to know that the material benefit. Prince Of Persia 2 and 8 Gameloft Asphalt will be among the first to exploit paying securities. Android 4.3 also provides a new version of Systrace, the tool allows developers to monitor the resource consumption of their products from customer lifts.

Developers also benefit from new gateways to the system notification system, their to “listen” to what is happening, for example to pass these notifications on another device that is connected Blueooth. A function that takes its meaning with accessories type shown connected. Activation remain subject to the approval of the user.

Google Play Games, the answer to Game Center

The Nexus 7 (2013) is the first tablet to ship Google’s answer to Apple’s Game Center: Play Google Games, a space that will combine success, trophies and other awards won in a game system linking with other contacts. In this space, the user can then search for playmates or compare its performance with those of his friends.

VP8 encoder and DRM services for streaming 1080p

Desiring to encourage the arrival of new content delivery services on Android, Google also introduced a new module with 4.3 of digital rights management (DRM) designed for streaming, which will for example support the MPEG DASH. This framework is supposed to offer publishers all services necessary for licensing as well as decryption of protected streams for video content up to full HD. Netflix will be the first service to show concrete results of this implementation through a new version of its Android app, launched on Monday the United States. A VP8 encoder also appeared in Android 4.3, with support for hardware acceleration on compatible chips

Textbooks:. Textbooks and taking notes for students

As for Google Play, the search engine will bring up a new content offering “education”, including, for example press titles and textbooks. These will be available for purchase or long term rental, with rates that Google promises to be extremely competitive. They will read through a dedicated to note-taking application, and synchronization between screens. Textbooks will indeed also accessible through a web interface so you can start reading and annotating a textbook on the tablet and then resume work once installed in front of his computer. At this point, however, it seems likely that the offer is reserved for the U.S. market.