Android 4.3 notification update may herald wearable tech revolution

Android 4.3 notification update may herald wearable tech revolution
Notice this

Details on Google's impending Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update are beginning to leak and the latest news to slide out of the rumour mill claims the notification system is getting some love.

Android doesn't currently allow app developers to do much with notifications, especially if you're looking to view them on a synced device such as Google Glass or a smartwatch.

According to Android Police, an Android obsessive by the name of Kevin has discovered new features as part of the notification service in version 4.3 of Jelly Bean, revealing that apps may be able to read, dismiss and activate buttons on notifications.

Smart, watch

Third party apps may be able to replicate the notification panel, which would be a great benefit to the smartwatch world as it's currently tricky to get the messages synced between devices - perhaps there really is a Google Watch on the cards?

The code as it stands at the moment apparently only gives the special access to Google's own suite of apps, but it's thought that third party applications will be able to get in on the action soon.

Google itself hasn't said anything about the next version of its mobile platform, although if rumours are to be believed then we're going to be seeing Android 4.3 Jelly Bean in the next few months, ahead of Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie later this year.

  • Wondering what all this smartwatch fuss is about? Then take a gander at our QuickRadar video below, and read all about the potential iWatch Apple may be cooking up over in Cupertino.
John McCann
Global Managing Editor

John joined TechRadar over a decade ago as Staff Writer for Phones, and over the years has built up a vast knowledge of the tech industry. He's interviewed CEOs from some of the world's biggest tech firms, visited their HQs and has appeared on live TV and radio, including Sky News, BBC News, BBC World News, Al Jazeera, LBC and BBC Radio 4. Originally specializing in phones, tablets and wearables, John is now TechRadar's resident automotive expert, reviewing the latest and greatest EVs and PHEVs on the market. John also looks after the day-to-day running of the site.