While Google may have skipped a major Android announcement at Google I/O 2013, it has become clear that the company is planning to unleash a new Android update in the near future in the form of Android 4.3, thought to be a member of the Jelly Bean family of updates. And with the Android 4.3 release likely coming soon, it’s time to take a look at the most important things to know about the impending update.
In May, rumors were swirling in regards to Google I/O. Whispers pegged the event as having a number of new products on hand including the Nexus 7 2 and Android 4.3, an update that would replace Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean as the company’s most current piece of mobile software. As we now know, Android 4.3 skipped Google I/O despite signs that pointed to a launch.
In the weeks since the event however, it has become clear that Google does have an update up its sleeve. For those waiting for Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, there is going to be some disappointment as the update is not going to be KLM. Instead, all signs point to Google releasing Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, the update that was originally thought to be coming out at Google I/O.
At this point, details regarding Android 4.3 Jelly Bean remain a bit scarce. We’ve seen some leaks and some reliable information leak, but we really haven’t seen the whole picture open up ahead of its release. Not helping is the fact that Google remains quiet about the update, even as rumors rage on as we head into the month of July.
Still, there is enough information out there to piece together some semblance of the Android 4.3 update details. But which of those details are the most important to know?
Here, we take a look at what we consider to be the five most important things to know about the Android 4.3 update.
Android 4.3 Release Date: July Likely
An Android 4.3 release is expected in July.
Google hasn’t announced anything yet as far as the Android 4.3 update is concerned but there is a very good chance that we’re going to see the update arrive at some point in July.
We’ve heard from two reliable outlets who claim that the update will land at some point next month though as of right now, a specific release date for the software remains unknown.
Backing up those claims is the fact that the update has leaked out, at least for the Samsung Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S4 Nexus (Google Edition) meaning Samsung is hard at work preparing the update for arrival.
Originally we heard that the update would be heading out on June 10th, but it appears that was premature. At this point, all signs are pointing to an arrival during July and we expect to hear more about the update, from Google’s mouth, in just a few weeks.
It’s Already Out, Sort Of
Those who are looking to get the update early can do so as the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update has leaked out. However, it appears that the software is only available for two devices including the Samsung Galaxy S4 Nexus and Galaxy S4. Owners of the latter will be dealing with a port from the software that emerged for the Nexus version of the device.
We don’t recommend installing the software as it may not be the final version of Android 4.3, but for those that are willing and able, Android 4.3 is out and ready to be tinkered with ahead of its official release date.
Nexus Devices First
Thus far, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Nexus and HTC One Nexus are the only devices that are rumored to be getting the update with both said to be getting it in July. However, we imagine that Google will also be updating its other Nexus devices including the Nexus 4, Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 10 and Nexus 7 with Android 4.3 next month as well.
Owners of the Verizon Galaxy Nexus and Sprint Galaxy Nexus should start tempering expectations as the software isn’t likely to hit those devices until a few weeks afterward. Verizon in particular is often extremely slow.
Expect Google to update the Nexus 4, and other Nexus devices first.
As for other devices, look for the software to emerge in August and September for some devices and much later for others as companies work to get their devices upgraded to Android 4.2 Jelly Bean first.
Nexus 7 2 Could Come With It
There are rumors swirling about, indicating that Google will be releasing the Nexus 7 2, a Nexus 7 2 successor, sometime in July. If that’s true, and given that a Nexus 7 2 type device has passed through the FCC it likely is, the device will almost certainly arrive with Android 4.3 on board meaning Google may pair the two together in an announcement.
The Nexus 7 2 could arrive with Android 4.3
The Nexus 7 2 is thought to be the Nexus 7′s successor and coming with a 7-inch 1080p display, quad-core Snapdragon 600 processor from Qualcomm, 5MP rear camera, LTE data speeds and a release on the Google Play Store.
It will more than likely have a vanilla version of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean on board when it arrives now that we know that Android 4.3 is likely for the month of July.
Android 4.3 Isn’t a Big Update
Plain and simple, Android 4.3 isn’t going to be a big update. It’s not going to be the true successor to Jelly Bean, in fact it’s going to be a part of Jelly Bean. While new features could emerge in the days of ahead, from the looks of things, it’s going to be extremely small.
Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie will likely be Google’s big Android update for 2013.
One feature that has been discovered is the presence of Bluetooth LE (Low Energy). That is going to be key for Android owners who use Bluetooth on a regular basis. However, beyond that, there doesn’t appear to be much.
There could be some surprises, but users should not expect an update on par with Android 5.0 KLM.
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