Android 4.2 Jelly Bean launch date, devices, price and new features
In the thick of the storm which is hurricane sandy, Google has announced the latest version of its Android operating system, version 4.2 Jelly Bean.
Despite hurricane sandy forcing Google to cancel its Android event in New York it went ahead and announced the latest Android mobile operating system alongside new Nexus devices. You probably want to know everything about the new version of Jelly Bean so that's what this article is for.
If you have any comment or questions be sure to post them below.
See also: Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) review
When will Android 4.2 Jelly Bean launch?
Google Android 4.2 Jelly will arrive next month on 13 November on the firm's latest Nexus devices like the Nexus 4 smartphone and Nexus 10 tablet.
What devices will get Android 4.2 Jelly Bean?
The firm hasn't announced when the OS will roll out for other devices but we assume the Nexus 7 and Samsung Galaxy Nexus are candidates to get it first. We'll be sure to keep you up to date as soon as we hear anything.
How much will Android 4.2 Jelly Bean cost?
The software update will be free.
What new features does Android 4.2 Jelly Bean bring?
Multiple users
With Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, different users can have their own setup including homescreens, backgrounds, widgets, apps and games. Google says it’s a 'snap to switch between users' without the need to log in and out.
Gesture Typing
The keyboard in Android has been improved with support for gesture typing. This means that, like Swype, you can 'glide' over the keys to spell a word without lifting your finger from the screen. Spaces are added automatically and the keyboard with predict your next word.
Dictionary and voice typing
Google said that its dictionaries are now more 'accurate and relevant'. Voice typing is also better via improved text-to-speech capabilities.
Photo Sphere
If you like taking panoramic photos then Photo Sphere takes things to the next level. This camera feature allows you to take continuous pictures in any direction which get stitched together to make one 'sphere'.
Wireless display
Android 4.2 Jelly Bean allows you to share what's on your smartphone or tablet on a bigger screen – like Apple AirPlay. Using a wireless display adapter connected to a TV or monitor with an HDMI port allows what’s on the small screen to be mirrored on the bigger one.
Daydream
When your smartphone or tablet is idle or docked, Daydream can display content such as photo albums, news from Google Currents and more.
Expandable notifications
This feature was brought in with 4.1 Jelly Bean, but 4.2 brings support for more apps.
Lockscreen Widgets
Android 4.2 adds the ability to show widgets on your lockscreen. Need we say any more?
Quick settings
From the notifications bar, users will have access to quick settings – a feature which some vendors have added in already to their overlays. It's now part of stock Android giving access to controls such as brightness, Wi-Fi, airplane mode and more.
Google Now
Google had added Gmail integration into its Google Now search. If you opt in then you'll get more cards with relevant information such as flight details, hotel booking, packing tracking and entertainment recommendations.
Will I get all the features of Android 4.2 Jelly Bean?
This depends on your handset make and model as well as your mobile operator.
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