Google has confirmed Android 4.3 will start rolling out to Nexus 7, Nexus 4, Nexus 10, and Galaxy Nexus devices today.
The new Nexus 7 will be the first tablet to ship with Android 4.3, beginning on 30 July in the US. The tablet will ship in countries including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea and the UK "in the coming weeks". UK retailer Currys has tentatively listed a release date of 13 September on its website.
Basic improvements to Android include the improvement of the keyboard algorithym to make text recognition easier, a simplified setup wizard when when you get a new device and faster transition from the lockscreen.
Hugo Barra, VP of Android product management, also introduced a number of enhanced features on stage at the Nexus 7 launch event in San Francisco.
Restricted profiles:Google has boosted the multi-user function by introducing restricted profiles.
"You can control access to content and apps at a user level," Barra said. Parents can have peace of mind when they give their device to a child, in a move that's similar to Kid's Corner in the Windows Phone OS.
Restricted profiles are also useful in other scenarios where tablets can be deployed such as retail kiosks or points-of-sale, he added.
Bluetooth Smart:It's now possible to pair Android phones or tablets with low powered devices such as fitness sensors.
Open GL ES 3.0 support:Android 4.3 is the first OS to support the latest standard for accelerated graphics. This will make it possible for devices such as the new Nexus 7 to render photo realistic images and even J.J. Abrams-style lens flair effects.
DRM: There's a new set of capabilities that makes it easier for developers to integrate DRM into streaming protocols. It takes advantage of hardware-based encryption and Netflix is the first company to deploy it.
A through teardown of the code within Android 4.3 by Android Police also hints at two more substantial features.
App Ops:Once activated this feature will give users total control over what individuals applications can access on a device. So if a user doesn't want the Facebook app to access their location, simply toggle it to off.
This deep rooted application control is already available to iOS users, but there is no time frame over when Google is going to activate it within Android.
4K support: Google supports a range of hardware spanning a a number of different resolutions and the firm is getting ready to future-proof Android by including code that will support the standard 4K. This is not going to be needed in the immediate future, but if and when the technology becomes mainstream, Android will be ready.
