Android 4.3 Features Include Support for Devices With Ultra High-Definition DisplaysTechnology

By Vincent Funaro, Christian Post Reporter Friday, July 26, 2013

Google's new Android 4.3 software features the ability to support smartphones with high-definition displays that surpass what is currently available in the market.

These displays that are currently available on select TVs and monitors and are known as 4K Ultra HD with resolutions of 4096 x 2160. They are too expensive to use on smartphones at this time, but will arrive on the devices once they become more affordable in the future.

The new Android software contains a new DPI (dots per inch) category, called XXXHDPI, which will allow app developers to store assets and images destined for "Extra Extra Extra High Definition" screens with pixel densities up to 640 dpi.

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For now, this category will help developers create applications for monitors and TVs with that pixel density. However, smartphones will eventually have displays that powerful in the years to come.

The highest pixel density display on the market is currently available on the HTC One that features a 4.7-inch screen with 468 ppi.

The Android 4.3 update was finally unveiled at Google's media event that took place earlier this week.

It comes pre-installed in the Nexus 7 successor that was also unveiled at the media event. The new software was demonstrated on the tablet.

The upgrade to Android will bring new capabilities to the multi-user mode that is currently available on JellyBean-powered tablets. A new restricted profile feature will allow tablet owners to customize the kind of access other people have on certain devices. In this restricted mode, apps will be available to multiple profiles, but they will function differently. In-app purchases will not be available in restricted profiles so children will be prevented from making unwanted transactions.

Other features added to Android on 4.3 include easier text input, faster user-switching, Hebrew and Arabic RTL, Bluetooth AVRCP, background Wi-Fi location, dial pad autocomplete, and African, Amharic, Hindi Swahili and Zulu support.

Android 4.3 will debut on the new Nexus 7 and will roll out OTA as an update for the Nexus 10, Nexus 4 and Galaxy Nexus first.