Google announced the latest version of its Android mobile operating system, version 4.3, at an event in San Francisco on Wednesday. The new version of Android is actually the third version to carry the “Jelly Bean” label, as opposed to the rumored next-generation leap, “Key Lime Pie.” It brings a number of improvements that should appeal to both developers and end users.
Let’s see what’s new with the latest Android 4.3!
Multi-user restricted profiles
With the new profiles feature, you can restrict app usage and content consumption. For example, a parent can set up profiles for each family member, and a business manager can set up profiles that keep employees focused on work.
It’s your fully customized tablet. And theirs, too. With support for multiple users, you can give each person their own space. Everyone can have their own homescreen, background, widgets, apps and games – even individual high scores and levels! And since Android is built with multitasking at its core, it’s a snap to switch between users – no need to log in and out.[more…]
Bluetooth Smart Ready
Certain Android devices, including Nexus 4, now support low-energy Bluetooth Smart accessories. You’ll find Bluetooth Smart technology in fitness sensors, heart rate or glucose monitors, pedometers, thermometers, and much more.
Every app runs in its own sandbox, a secure space isolated from other apps. And whenever you download an app, Android can automatically scan it for viruses, checking apps against a database maintained by Google. Thanks to Android’s multiple layers of security, you can browse the web and install apps from Google Play with peace of mind.
Project from your tablet or phone to the big screen
Stream movies, YouTube videos, and anything that’s on your tablet or phone screen to an HDTV. Certain Android tablets and phones, including Nexus 4 and Nexus 10, support this Wireless Display feature. You’ll need a TV that supports Miracast™.
Daydream
Daydream lets your Android device display useful and delightful information when idle or docked. Show off your photo albums, get the latest news from Google Currents, and more.
Beam photos and videos
With Android Beam on Jelly Bean you can share your photos and videos with just a simple tap, in addition to sharing contacts, web pages, YouTube videos, directions, and apps. Just touch two NFC-enabled Android devices back-to-back, then tap to beam whatever’s on the screen to your friend.
Accessibility
Enable screen magnification to easily zoom or pan the entire screen to get a closer look. Visually impaired users can now enter full-screen magnification with a triple-tap on the screen, and even type and interact with the device while zoomed in. Blind users can use Gesture Mode to reliably navigate the UI using touch and swipe gestures in combination with speech output.
A smarter keyboard, now with Gesture Typing
With Gesture Typing you just glide your finger over the letters you want to type, and lift after each word. You don’t have to worry about spaces because they’re added automatically for you.
The keyboard can anticipate and predict the next word, so you can finish entire sentences just by selecting suggested words. Power through your messages like never before.
Android’s dictionaries are now more accurate and relevant. With improved text-to-speech capabilities, voice typing on Android is even better. It works even when you don’t have a data connection, so you can type with your voice everywhere you go.
