As luck would have it, we’re expecting Android 4.3 to be announced alongside an updated Nexus 7 next week, but if you’re eager to try the latest and greatest from Google, a near-final version has been leaked.
Obtained from a Google employee selling his device, the new version appears visually identical to its previous Jelly Bean counterparts, but has a few new features, like OpenGL 3.0 ES and Bluetooth Low Energy support, along with an updated camera interface (that was first spied on the Google Edition versions of the Galaxy S4 and HTC One) and a few goodies for developers. The new build reportedly improves touch response on the Nexus 4 significantly, and allows apps to use Google’s WiFi-based location reporting even when WiFi itself is turned off.
Now, anyone with a Nexus 4 and some experience flashing custom shouldn’t have an issue with this build, as it is designed to work atop of any stock Android 4.2.2 build — if you’re running CyanogenMOD or some other AOSP-based ROM, it might be a good idea to wipe your data, but you should be fine not doing so.
You can download the build over at Android Police, and Android Central has a great video (embedded above) outlining most of the immediate improvements to the OS.
Considering the build was leaked last month, and looks to be about finished, we expect Nexus devices like the Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 10 and Galaxy Nexus to begin receiving the new build shortly after it is announced next Wednesday.
Via: Android Police
