What changed in Android 4.3 compared to Android 4.2

Google launched Android 4.3 that will be first installed in the new Nexus 7. All the big companies will include this update to their phones. Sony already made a statement and all the other companies will follow.

Is Android 4.3 a change gaming update? Should you choose a smartphone with an Android 4.3 version over another with the Android 4.2 one?

What changed between Android 4.3 and Android 4.2

Speed: Android 4.3 is the fastest Android version ever created. That means that if you get the same phone with the two versions, you will notice the difference between them. The touch speed is better and you can feel it on your hands. The new system also improves the rendering for shapes and text and it’s better for quad core phones as it threads successfully tasks across multi-core systems. So now Samsung can boost its octa core processor to extreme limits.

Bluetooth Smart: Android 4.3 now supports Bluetooth smart, a new Bluetooth technology also known as Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy. Google baked Bluetooth 4.0 inside the platform and now developers can use the technology in Android apps and games. So it’s easier to create apps that use the low power sensor and consume less battery.

Better games: As Android 4.3 support OpenGL ES 3.0, game developers have a strong platform to create better Android games. That means games with better visual effects, better compression and advanced texture rendering are also supported and the speed is also best, the result is unique.

Multiple profiles: Some devices already have this ability and you can also create guest mode with an app. With Android 4.3 every device will have this ability and you can share your tablet with your wife and kids restricting what they see. Each profile has its own home screen, favourite apps and access to photos. So parents will be glad to give the device to their children and your wife will never learn about this sneaky sites you are visiting.

New DRM: DRM means digital rights management and Android 4.3 brings a new system to let third party companies offer great HD content. Now developers need to stick DRM into their apps to make sharing and viewing more easy. So more video and photos are to come on our devices.

Notification changes: Notifications are one reason you should buy Android over iOS. And now with Android 4.3 Google give more control over notifications to developers. Now notifications can be set to skip the notification bar entirely and routed to Bluetooth devices. So we can see notifications in our watches, T-Shirts or other wearable gadgets soon.

Should I choose an Android 4.3 device over Android 4.2 one?

Well, it’s hard to decide. We always advise to take the newer version as it is improved. It’s true that Android 4.3 is faster than Android 4.2. You will understand the difference. But that’s all. The other changes on Android 4.3 are crucial but as developers are needed, you will not understand the difference right after you install the update (or choose a device with Android 4.3). That means you have to wait for developers to create new apps and games that use the new technologies as Bluetooth Smart, OpenGL ES 3.0 or the DRM. So if you want the fastest device on the market and you want to share your device with your family, take an Android 4.3 device. If not, you can still have an Android 4.2 or Android 4.1. Anyway the design is the same. And it’s also the price that matters…