Android 4.3 Release: 7 New Features Revealed From The Craigslist Nexus 4 System Dump

Android 4.3 Jelly Bean may not be official until next week, but developers now have the most comprehensive leak of the upcoming operating system to date. For the first time, we have definitive evidence of Android 4.3 running on a legitimate Nexus device.

Google+ user Jeff Williams said on Wednesday that he purchased a Nexus 4 handset from Craigslist, which appeared to be running the yet-to-be released Android 4.3 Jelly Bean operating system. A screen capture of the device’s system information indicated that the system’s build number is JWR66N, which is notably the build number seen on the Android 4.3 ROM derived from the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition.

While most were skeptical at first, developers then stepped in to aid Williams in creating a system dump from the smartphone, after which XDA developer’s forum user GMillz created a flashable Android 4.3 update for the Nexus 4, which can be applied using ClockworkMod Recovery. The update, complete with rooting file is now making its rounds though several sharing circles, including XDA, Reddit and the Pirate Bay.

Meanwhile, many who have already gotten their hands on the leaked Android 4.3 ROM are doing teardowns of the operating system and discovering the new and updated features it possesses. Though most still believe Android 4.3 is a minor update and that Google is saving its major update for Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, which is expected to be released in October.

Here’s a rundown of some features we can expect to see on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean as per the recent leak.

Better Performance

According to XDA member mert2go, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean has received some “under the hood” changes. He reports a “much smoother” user experience while playing Gangstar 4 Vegas than when running Android 4.2.2. Other adopters have also reported better audio as well as improved screen coloring and animations and a more sensitive touch screen.

Dialer Autocomplete

XDA member krypta discovered that the phone app in Android 4.3 Jelly Bean includes an autocomplete when a user begins to type a number into the dialer. This feature is common on user interfaces added on top of Android by phone manufacturers. However, it is new to stock Android.

New Emoji

XDA member max4wdc has discovered that text messages have been updated with new sets of emoji. Android has long had only its standard set of smilie faces. However, Android 4.3 appears to now bring a comprehensive set of emoji similar to those on iOS.

New Widgets

Several ROM adopters have reported that Android 4.3 has a number of new widgets. However, no one has indicated exactly what they are.

Bluetooth LE

Google+ member Sam Tate discovered within an Android 4.3 change log that the operating system will include Bluetooth Low Energy support, as has been previously reported.

New And Improved Camera App

Several adopters have noted the comprehensive update to the camera app on Android 4.3. Most appreciated appears to be that the camera app now rotates only the icons as opposed to the entire interface when a user rotates their handset, making for a much smoother photography experience. XDA member Charles_l reports a number of camera improvements, including being able to take photos using the volume keys, a new arch menu, new shot animations, a countdown timer and possibly also faster autofocus. The photo editor in Android 4.3 reportedly also includes new filters, improved photo quality and a new user interface.

New Notification Settings

XDA member VivaErBetis discovered the new notification history, which was previously reported on among other improvements to the notification bar. As per reports, the notification history log can be found through settings.

Other

Adopters also report updates to Android’s Roboto font, an updated kernel, though this is up for debate, and updated Wi-Fi settings, among other connectivity tweaks. Some believe Android 4.3 may also provide improved battery life.

Are you excited about the possible updates we may see in Android 4.3 Jelly Bean? Let us know in the comments below.

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