More hits from test smartphones running Android 4.3 have shown up in website server logs with one such device appearing as a 4G LTE enabled Nexus 4, suggesting that Google I/O (taking place this month) will see a new phone running the new software.
Previously it was expected the next build of Android would be the much-rumoured 5.0 Key Lime Pie, but when phones running 4.3 appeared on server logs last week everything was thrown into question. Particularly because version 4.3 was bearing a codename under the letter J (JWR23B) rather than K, leading many to believe it would be a new Jelly Bean build.
Of course just because the number and codename are different doesn’t mean this still won’t be a landmark build. Currently it’s believed Bluetooth Low Energy and Open GL ES 3.0 support might be added to Jelly Bean 4.3 as HTC is known to have scheduled talks on these subjects on May 16, that’s day two of Google I/O which starts on May 15.
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Between these two features the Open GL is particularly intriguing as it has wider implications for improved graphics and UI elements and could make game development for Android easier.
But, Android’s big advancements are so often about features consumers can actively use – Google Now, Photo Sphere, improved notifications menus and the like. Quite what Google has up its sleeve for May 15 is anybody’s guess but we’re hoping there’s something groundbreaking.
At the very least, the news of a 4G enabled Nexus 4 is a good thing as it was the main missing feature from Google’s excellent handset, although we suspect it’ll push the phone further out of the ‘affordable’ bracket and into higher mid-range territory.
We’ll be watching Google I/O intently on May 15 so stay tuned for all the juicy details.
by pbriden via Featured Articles
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