Android 4.3 Release Date & Features: What Not to Expect

Google failed to deliver a new Android update at Google I/O, but that doesn’t mean that it won’t be releasing one in the near future. In fact, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean appears poised to arrive sometime soon for owners of Google’s Android smartphones and tablets. And while the Android 4.3 update is still unofficial, it’s safe to make some assumptions about its release date and features.

In the weeks before Google I/O 2013 in May, rumors in regards to Google’s plans were plentiful. The company was said to have a new Nexus 7 2 up its sleeve and a new Android update to boot, an update that wasn’t the heralded Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie but Android 4.3. Just minutes before the start of the show, Android 4.3 looked like it was all but confirmed. However, as we now know, Google had different plans.

Instead of a Nexus 7 2 and Android 4.3, Android enthusiasts and developers were treated to announcements in regards to current Google products and a Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition that went on shelves just a few short days ago. And yet, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and Nexus 7 2 rumors persist and it looks like things are going to come to a head soon.

Read: Android 4.3 Update Release Date & Features: What to Expect.

Since the end of Google I/O, Android 4.3 rumors have been rampant and while initially, they were a bit flimsy, the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update itself leaked out, confirming the good news for Android tablet and smartphone owners around the world. Indeed, there will be a new Android update ahead of Android 5.0’s arrival and that update looks like it will be Android 4.3, the successor to Android 4.2.

We’ve already taken a look at what to expect from the Android 4.3 release date and the software’s features and now, it’s time to take a look at what not to expect from Google’s Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update release date and its features.

Android 4.3 Release Outside of July

At this point, consumers should not expect an Android 4.3 Jelly Bean release date to fall outside of the month of July. For one, two reliable leaksters have pegged the update for this month and it appears that the Nexus 7 2, which is said to be running Android 4.3, is going to be coming out this month as well. That doesn’t necessarily guarantee anything, but given those bits and the fact that a near-final version of the update leaked out, a release outside of July would be surprising.

Instead, consumers should be on the look out for Android 4.3 sometime within the next three weeks. Whether Google plans to use a stage to announce the new update is unclear though given the close proximity of Google I/O, we don’t expect the company to do anything big for the arrival of its new Jelly Bean update.

Lack of a Nexus 7 2

The Nexus 7 2, like Android 4.3, remains unconfirmed. However, those in the market for a new tablet shouldn’t expect a lack of a Nexus 7 2 when Android 4.3 Jelly Bean arrives.

The update may not be massive, in terms of new features or UI changes, but it’s a new update nonetheless and bigger than a typical bug fix update. Google likes to release new hardware alongside its new software:

• Android 4.2: Nexus 7 3G, Nexus 4, Nexus 10
• Android 4.1: Nexus 7
• Android 4.0: Galaxy Nexus

All signs are pointing to the arrival of a new Nexus 7 2 alongside Android 4.3 and given the rumors of a July release and the fact that Android 4.3 appears to be ready, consumers shouldn’t expect Google to release Android 4.3 without a new piece of Nexus hardware.

A New Nexus Smartphone

That said, consumer should not expect a brand new Nexus smartphone to arrive with Android 4.3, no matter what rumors state. We’ve already seen the arrival of the white Nexus 4 and the Nexus 4 is far too new to be replaced mid-year. Instead, shoppers should expect a new Nexus smartphone to arrive alongside the year’s biggest update, Android 5.0.

Non-Nexus Updates Close to Launch

While we expect phones like the Samsung Galaxy S4 to be first in line after the initial roll out to Nexus smartphones, we don’t expect non-Nexus smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S4 to receive timely Android 4.3 Jelly Bean updates.

For one, Samsung is likely focusing much of its efforts on the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition Android 4.3 update and the Android 4.2 updates for the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 which were both said to have been delayed. Other phones like the HTC One and Sony Xperia Z were just upgraded with Android 4.2 so they aren’t likely to see Android 4.3 updates for awhile, unless HTC decides to skip directly to it, something that seems unlikely.

Instead, Android 4.3 will likely make its debut this month with non-Nexus devices starting to get the software sometime in September.

The World

Android 4.3 has been the talk of the Android town over the past few weeks and at this point, the anticipation is high. Android 4.3 will be the first big update since Android 4.2 in November and needless to say, users are excited. However, Android users should not be expecting the world from this update.

Yes, there is plenty to like including Bluetooth LE, font changes, and reportedly, a new way to store apps. But from the looks of things, this is still going to be Jelly Bean and so users should not expect any big UI changes or an overhaul to the overall feel of the operating system. Instead, there will be some tweaks and improvements but nothing on par with the changes from Android 4.0 to Android 4.1.

A Letdown

That said, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean likely won’t be a letdown. The leaked software indicates that Google has made some small, but interesting changes to the operating system.

Bluetooth LE should help save battery life. Android’s Roboto font should look more polished. And the small additions to the camera application including new shutter control should definitely help to hold users over until the big Android overhaul arrives.

Those who don’t let their expectations get too high will likely be pleasantly surprised by the update while those who are asking for the world should not expect to be happy come release day.