Android 4.3 Jelly Bean officially launched by Google

Android 4.3 arriving today for latest Nexus devices

We’re here at Google’s Breakfast event with Android and Chrome boss Sundar Pichai and company, and they have just unveiled the new Nexus 7 as well as Android 4.3. This is the latest version of Jelly Bean that will be arriving for users, and Google announced that an OTA update of Android 4.3 will arriving today for the latest Nexus devices.

Android 4.3 comes with a lot of improvements, including multi-user support along with restricted profiles for kids and such (as well as for demo purposes at retail stores and such). The newest update also supports Bluetooth Smart technology that’s compatible with various accessories like a heart rate monitor (for which Google demoed on stage).

Android 4.3 also introduces a new set of DRM APIs that take advantage of HD content on the tablet, and Netflix has signed on to become one of the first partners for this, with more partners to come in the near future. There’s also support for OpenGL ES 3.0, which allow for better graphics for games and animations.

The update will be rolling out today for the latest Nexus devices. Google was clear on what exact devices would get the update, but we’re guessing that means the Nexus 4 and the Nexus 10. As for other Android devices, it’ll be up to the manufacturer and the carrier.

Android 4.3 Jelly Bean official as Google takes a half-step

With the reintroduction of the Nexus 7, complete with the same name as it had in its first iteration, Google revealed that Android 4.3 would also be called Jelly Bean. This system’s detailing began with a boost to Multi-User abilities with Restricted Profiles – this is for parents, for the most part, allowing and dis-allowing bits and pieces of the operating system depending on the user. From there, Google launched directly into Bluetooth Smart – also known as Bluetooth Low Energy, this coming alongside Bluetooth 4.0.

Google’s Android 4.3 will be coming in with OpenGL ES 3.0 for developers – this will open a lot of doors for next-generation games in an environment that brings a lot of support for higher-definition graphics and 3D gaming. Demoing 3D abilities with a showing by the folks at Silicon Studio, then moving on to a futuristic motorcycle game powered by the Unity gaming engine, Google made the case for Android being a prime spot for the next generation in groundbreaking mobile gaming graphics.

Android 4.3 Jelly Bean will be coming with a new set of DRM which will benefit hardware-based encryption for video. Google flashed one of the biggest names in video streaming – Netflix – on stage along with a note on how they’ll be taking advantage. This new DRM will allow Netflix to play 1080p video with any device working with Android 4.3 – and of course, the Nexus 7 (the new Nexus 7) will be able to take full advantage of it.

This update to Android will be appearing today – starting with Google’s Nexus devices like the Nexus 7, Nexus 10, and Nexus 4, then rolling out to Google Play edition smartphones “very soon”.