Android 4.3 announced, rolling out to Nexus devices today

Android 4.3 isn’t an overly dramatic advancement over Android 4.2, but the new version of Google’s mobile OS announced today does bring a number of improvements that should appeal to both developers and end users. Highlights include the redesigned camera interface, general performance improvements for the OS including smoother animations, and long-awaited Bluetooth Low Energy support.

MUTI-USER RESTRICTED PROFILES

This builds on the multi-user accounts on 4.2, but adds Restricted Profiles. These make it possible to do parental controls on the tablet, by changing the performance of apps and other services based on who’s logged in. It also blocks out access to stuff like in-app purchases. There’s much more to this than just parental controls, however, including options for provisioning in enterprise settings.

BLUETOOTH IMPROVEMENTS

Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth Smart) makes it easy to connect accessories to Android devices without sapping too much battery. This is key for smart watch and other wearables, as well as health and fitness trackers.

OPENGL|ES 3.0

This is huge for game developers, as it allows for much better graphics rendering, which shows off very well in the demos Google showed off on stage. Now we can also see lens flares a la J.J. Abrams, and other very nice visual effects on future games. All of the above is rendered in real-time in native 1080p.

DRM APIS

Who doesn’t get excited about locked down media content? Serisously though, this is a boon for content providers and should help Google convince even more to offer up greater libraries, with the peace of mind that their stuff is safe. It does accompany the news that Netflix will deliver 1808p video streaming on Netflix, making the Nexus 7 the first Android tablet to get that.

NOTIFICATION ACCESS

You now can access and interact with notifications form the Android status bar, and use those to be displayed in another app or via Bluetooth on a connected device (like the Pebble) and you can change their read status and dismiss them, too.

The update is pushing out live today to existing Nexus tablet devices, in addition to shipping on the new Nexus 7. It's also going to be coming to Google Nexus handsets and experience devices soon.

Samsung ATIV S is the first Windows Phone 8 smartphone

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 Samsung ATIV S is the first Windows Phone 8 smartphone

The Galaxy Note II wasn’t the only flagship device that Samsung announced at its pre-IFA press conference. The company has also revealed the first ever Windows Phone 8 smartphone – the Samsung ATIV S.



The ATIV S is built around a 4.8-inch Super AMOLED display of HD resolution and has Gorilla Glass 2 on top for extra protection. Powering the smartphone is a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm Krait processor and 1GB of RAM. At the back, there’s an 8MP camera with 1.9MP snapper at the front.

Measuring 137.2 mm x 70.5 mm x 8.7 mm the Samsung ATIV S weighs 135 grams and packs a beefy 2,300mAh battery. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 3 and NFC. Windows Phone 8 supports memory expansion slots and the Samsung ATIV S makes use of that, bringing a microSD card slot to allow expansion of its 16GB or 32GB built-in storage.

Pricing and availability is yet to be confirmed, but we're guessing the smartphone will hit the shelves immediately after Microsoft officially releases the Windows Phone 8 OS.

Making the Samsung ATIV S company are three new Windows 8-powered tablets – the 10.1” ATIV Tab, and two 11.6” ATIV Smart PC and ATIV Smart PC Pro.

source : samsungmobilepress.com

Sony Xperia T, TX, V, and J hands-on pictures

Sony Xperia T, TX, V, and J hands-on pictures

Sony is just about out of letters to use for its Xperia lineup. (Look for the company to patent a new alphabet in the near future.) The company today announced three new phones — the T / TX flagship and the lower-tier V and J models. At face value, there isn't much aesthetic difference — similar design, slightly different materials, the lack of "Xperia" on the front plate for Xperia V and J. (The J in particular also seems especially prone to fingerprints.)                          

                                                                Xperia T / TX

The Xperia T is the clear flagship here, with 4.6-inch HD Reality display and Sony's Mobile Bravia engine. The dedicated hardware camera button did pull up the app fast and taking pictures in the environment was fairly quick, but we'll reserve final judgment for a review unit. The phone will be known as the Xperia TX in the markets, with the only difference being that Xperia T is "the ultimate HD experience as used by James Bond." Seriously, it'son the adjacent spec sheet — the "one Sony" synergy is strong with this one. Until their Q4 launch, enjoy the new Xperia lineup vicariously in pictures.

Xperia J