Android 4.2 New Features: Plus Video of Nexus 4, Nexus 10, Android 4.2 at Google HQ

[dgstorm]

[video=youtube;66-4uMQqerA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=66-4uMQqerA[/video]​

We thought you guys might like to get a bigger taste of the new features in Google's newest Android 4.2, so we put together this little bullet-point article, complete with a link to Google's page with further details. We also included a cool video produced by The Verge showcasing Google's new big gadgets today, and featuring an insider look at Google HQ. Here's the summary of Android 4.2 features:

• New mode called Photo Sphere - New Photo software Photo Sphere lets users take 360-degree photos with Android 4.2. It also allows users to take full 360-degree photos composed out of stitched images. Also, the composite images can be viewed right on the device and shared on social networks, and can post them on Google Maps.
• There is now an improved on-screen virtual keyboard - This new keyboard features Gesture Typing. It's basically Google's take on Swype with upgrades. This new software automatically adds spaces and can predict the next word you are trying to type. Additionally, voice typing is improved. You ca speak your messages out-loud and the software can convert them to text even while offline.
• Now includes multiple user support, and enhanced keyboard features (this feature is for tablets only) - Interestingly, the code for this feature was already in 4.1 but Google only just now "activated" it for users. Google indicated, "Everyone can have their own homescreen, background, widgets, apps and games – even individual high scores and levels! And since Android is built with multitasking at its core, it’s a snap to switch between users – no need to log in and out."
• Android 4.2 Now includes wireless mirroring on any TV that is connected through the same Wi-Fi. This allows a user to display anything from your on your device's screen onto your HDTV, like YouTube, movies, pics and websites.
• The final new feature is called Daydream - this new feature attempts to "jazz up" your lock screen. It basically displays entertaining or useful information (like your own personal photo album, or favorite headlines) while your Android is locked or idle.

It's amazing how much Google decided to pack into an "incremental" .1 update. Some of these features are things Google has been teasing or sorely needing for some time. What do you guys think?

Source: Android - What's New in Android 4.2

 

[WildcatRudy]

Lovin' the new features! Sadly, the carriers are still dragging their feet getting ICS out to customers, and even most new devices only come with ICS. I wonder how long it'll take even the newest phones to get 4.2 (or better yet, the third party ROM developers).

Shameful. It's the one thing I dislike about the whole Android experience. Great new features I'll probably never see for another year or two.

 

[combatmedic870]

Nice and informative. Hopefully with a Nexus 4 will be more of a powerhouse vs how the G Nex was(which was behind(tech wise), from its launch date). I cant wait to get the update!

 

[SwiftLegend]

16 GB No es bueno. I don't have an upgrade available and I don't want to give up my unlimited plan so I'll probably wait until I can afford full retail for a phone. That rumored HTC is the only phone that's interesting me.

 

[tgyberg]

Cant wait for Google to drop the source and then for BAMF to update their rom to 4.2!

 

[bluefire7002]

I guess they really didn't want verizon having this phone.. why not include LTE

 

[syndicate0017]

I guess they really didn't want verizon having this phone.. why not include LTE

Covered that in a different thread. Neither Sprint or Verizon will be getting this phone and AT&T uses a different LTE band. LTE is also few and far between outside of the US. Google wanted to avoid carrier interference. Something the Galaxy Nexus had plenty of.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[djspy]

this really pisses me off about Android fragmentation. so much cool and innovative stuff and hardly any one will get to experience it.

 

[dezymond]

Awesome video. Seems the Nexus line and Android have a very bright future and hopefully I can support them. I know I'm loving my Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 7 right now:hail:

 

[Sydman]

While this does increase my Android love the others are right on the money, unless you have a Nexus device you won't see these features until this time next year probably. I love my Nexus 7, but I won't be happy until that Motorola Nexus device becomes a reality.

 

[geoff5093]

Can't wait to upgrade my N7 to 4.2!

 

[PereDroid]

Nice to see other big Android fans also annoyed about the constant updates. FFS I am still on freaking GB for my Dinc2 and contract not up til spring. HTC 2 months late for the ICS update so looking like that's a bust.
Finally got ICS on my Thrive, but that's the end of the road for that device. Won't be getting a new tablet for QUITE a long time.
Every time I see what I have coined YAU (Yet Another Update) I just have to yawn and wonder what we will be on when I am eligible for a new one...
At this rate it's going to be YEARS before everyone is on JB... by then Peanut Butter will be out...

 

[WildcatRudy]

this really pisses me off about Android fragmentation. so much cool and innovative stuff and hardly any one will get to experience it.

I hate to give apple any credit for anything, but they do present their OS as a unified front...that is probably the only area in which they do better than Android. I will definitely go with Nexus devices in the future. I hate being versions behind...

 

[syndicate0017]

I hate to give apple any credit for anything, but they do present their OS as a unified front...that is probably the only area in which they do better than Android. I will definitely go with Nexus devices in the future. I hate being versions behind...

Even on iOS, there's fragmentation. Every phone gets "updated" but Apple leaves out features. Just because it gets updated, doesn't mean you'll get everything that the update entails. Its just a marketing ploy against Android... at least when the OEM's get around to updating, you get all the features.

Though getting a Nexus device is a way to avoid any fragmentation. That's what I'll be doing from here on out.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[Vulcan1600]

While this does increase my Android love the others are right on the money, unless you have a Nexus device you won't see these features until this time next year probably. I love my Nexus 7, but I won't be happy until that Motorola Nexus device becomes a reality.

Not true, tonight I got the .apk that allows it to install on my Samsung Galaxy S3. It's 3:30 a.m. so there's not much to take a PhotoSphere yet, but can't wait until morning to see how easy it really is.