Android 4.2 and New Nexus Devices

Published on 3 Nov 2012 at 8:27 pm.
Filed under Google,Informative,Mobile.

Google has announced Android 4.2 and the next round of Nexus devices. So what is new in 4.2 and what are the specs on these Nexus devices?

This announcement was originally supposed to happen at an event in NYC. Hurricane Sandy had something to say about that. Google opted to release this information in a blog post.

Android 4.2 (Key Lime Pie still Jelly Bean)

Google has decided to keep the Jelly Bean branding going for a bit longer. They do not feel that Android 4.2 is a major enough change to earn a new codename. Does this mean that we are going to see more, but less significant updates coming in the future? Only time will tell.

What’s new?

• Multiple user accounts on the same device. This is very similar to the multiple profile feature in the Kindle Fire HD.
• Parental controls that can lock down purchasing and limit purchases based off of the content rating.
• Photo Sphere – The move the camera around in any direction to create images in 360 degrees.https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0poff-mHQ4Q
• Miracast support – Miracast is a standard for using WiFi to stream audio and video to TVs. Basically, think of Apple’s AirPlay feature, only developed by multiple industries to work together. You will be able to find TV’s for sale with Miracast support in 2013, and cheap boxes for existing TVs.
• Improved battery life. This changes come as a result of Project Roadrunner, the successor to Project Butter.
• Gesture Typing – Slide your finger along the keyboard to type. This is very similar to Swype features in custom Android ROMs.
• Content in the center – Home screen widgets will now be able to pull content from the Google Play Store.
• A quick settings button in the navigation bar.
• A new, more spacious user interface for the Gallery app. This redesign resembles the Photostream of Google+.
• New icons for the Gallery and Camera apps.

LG Nexus 4

The LG Nexus 4 is the first new phone to feature Android 4.2. It is based on of the LG Optimus G and runs on a 1.5 GHz quadcore processor with 2 GB of RAM. It will have a 4.7″ screen running a 1280×768 resolution for a 317 ppi. This is slightly better than the Galaxy Nexus. Unlike the Samsung Galaxy Nexus the LG Nexus will run LG’s LCD-based True HD IPS+ panel. This gives it a much sharper display than the Galaxy Nexus. It has an 8 MP camera and can record in 1080p.

The Nexus 4 will be available from the Google Play store without contract on November 13th. The Nexus 4 will cost $299 for the 8 GB model, or $349 for the 16 GB model. At this time T-Mobile is the only carrier that expected to carry this phone. They will offer the 16 GB model for $199 with a two-year contract. There is no word about a 4G model.

Nexus 7 Updates

The Nexus 7 is getting a slight update. They discontinued the 8 GB model and reduced the 16 GB model to match the price of the old 8 GB model ($199). They introduced a 32 GB model at the $249 price point. A 32GB 3G HSPA+ model has also been introduced to bring internet access to the Nexus 7 when wifi is unavailable. This model costs $299 and will run on AT&T in the US.

Nexus 10

A 10.1 inch tablet from Samsung was also introduced. The Nexus 10 will cost $399 for the 16 GB version. It will cost $499 for the 32 GB version. This tablet runs Android 4.2 and highlights Android’s new multiple profile feature. The Nexus 10 runs a dual core 1.7 GHz Samsung Exynos 5250 processor. This same chipset powers the series 3 Chromebook.

It sports an impressive 2560×1600 resolution for a 298.9 ppi. That tops the fourth generation iPad’s 2048×1536 (263.92 ppi). The battery will support nine hours of video playback, and over 500 hours of standby time. This makes it ideal for watching movies when combined with the front-facing stereo speakers. The Nexus 10 can support full 1080p. It has a 5 MP rear camera, and 1.9 MP front facing camera. It supports advanced MIMO WiFi.

This post was originally published as Android 4.2 and New Nexus Devices for The BrandBuilder Company.