The latest update to Android “Jelly Bean” has arrived. Dubbed as version 4.3, the new version promises to deliver new experience in usability as well as improved responsiveness and system performance.
Support for SSD TRIM
Among the important features included, most notably is the support for SSD TRIM function. In SSD and memory cards, data are stored as blocks, which are recycled and preserved across power cycles. With SSD TRIM command, the OS can now inform the SSD or memory card that the block is now deleted and is needless to be recycled. Thus, improving overall data access times.
Restricted Profiles
Android 4.3 brings a new extension to the multiuser feature for tablets with support for restricted profiles, a way to manage users and their capabilities on a single device. Leveraging the restricted profiles,you can quickly set up isolated environments for each user along with the ability of fine-grained restrictions in the apps available for use in those environments.
Each restricted profile bears an isolated and secure space with its independent local storage, home screens, widgets, and settings, just like a user account but differs in the sense that it is derived from the owner’s account (which can be thought as an administrator account, but not root), access to which is blocked by default.
Support for Bluetooth Smart Technology
Android 4.3 brings support for Bluetooth Smart. Bluetooth Smart is a derivative of bluetooth for use in low power devices. You can find Bluetooth Smart technology in fitness sensors, heart rate or glucose monitors, thermometers, and much more. And now you can connect them to your smartphone or tablet and process the data in a health monitoring app.
Smart Keyboard with Gesture Typing
The new virtual keyboard brings support for Gesture Typing. You can now just glide your finger over the letters you want to type, and lift after each word. Spaces get automatically added. Support for spell checking has also improved, as well as voice typing has also come offline, i.e, it now no longer requires an active data connection.
Improvements to UI
Notable additions to the UI are expandable, actionable notifications, auto arranging widgets as well as improved support for RTL and accessibility.
And for developers?
There has been lot of additions of APIs and tools such as the OpenGL ES 3 and the new improved systrace tool for profiling. Some new media components and other useful APIs are also added. A complete list of such additions can be found on the official Android Developers website.
Updates
Jelly Bean 4.3 updates have already made their appearance for Galaxy Nexus devices. The necessary update files are already up for download straight from Google’s servers. OEMs are also busy in creating OTA upgrades for their devices and such are expected to arrive pretty soon. Meanwhile, if your are curious enough, you can check with Cyanogenmod if they have a build for your device.