Android 4.3, JellyBean Update Confirmed for Xperia Z, Xperia ZL and Xperia ZR
Sony has confirmed the Android 4.3, JellyBean update for many of its devices including the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, and Xperia ZR.
The company announced its list of devices set to receive the new software in a blog post released earlier this week. It also included the Xperia Tablet Z, Xperia SP, and the Xperia Z Ultra. All of these devices run a Qualcomm processor. Sony will skip the Android 4.2 update for some of its smartphones and tablets.
Sony did not announce when the updates would begin rolling out. However, the company promised it would provide people with that information as soon as possible.
Samsung stated that it will confirm upgrade plans to Android 4.3 in the coming months. HTC said it is currently reviewing the software to see how it fits into its plans.
The Android 4.3 update was finally unveiled at Google's media event that took place yesterday.
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.
The software also comes with OpenGL ES 3.0 which will give game developers more freedom and ability to create impressive titles for tablet and smartphone users.
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.
