The latest Android operating system version is 4.1, otherwise known as Jelly Bean. It was introduced at Google I/O this year, and is now slowly working its way into devices around the world. Rumors indicate that the next version of Android would be called Key Lime Pie or Kandy Cane, but it looks like we’ll be stuck with Jelly Bean for a while longer.
Google will be announcing a number of Android devices and updates at an event next Monday. There have been numerous rumors regarding what’s going to be on display, but a report from The Next Web reveals all. A source close to Google disclosed that the company will be announcing the Samsung Nexus 10 at the event. This is the rumored 10-inch tablet that Google will be using to take on the regular iPad at its own game with an impressive 2560×1600 display.
It’s also reported that the Nexus 10 will be equipped with Android 4.2. Everybody thought the next version of Android would be getting a name change, but Google is reportedly sticking with the Jelly Bean name for now. The extra time with Jelly Bean will hopefully convince them that Kandy Cane is an awful name for the next major upgrade.
In other good news, the leaked LG Nexus 4 will also feature the new Android 4.2 operating system. As for those leaked specs from last week, The Next Web reports that those are correct. It looks like we’ll be getting a powerful phone at a cheap price if the rumored price of $300 sticks.
It’s great that Google is pushing Android 4.2 on two different devices at once, but what does the new OS offer over previous iterations? According to the report, Android 4.2 will have a new feature called “Content in the center.” In essence, it allows users to access Google Play via a widget.
The other more interesting feature in 4.2 is “Tablet sharing.” It allows users to create multiple accounts on one device with different apps tied to each account. This is something that Apple and Amazon have still not done, and it’s a welcome addition for tablet owners who want to set up separate accounts for family members. Parental controls can only do so much after all.
Leaks take some of the fun of anticipation out of events, but it looks like Google is going to have one heck of a show on their hands. Android 4.2 looks to be exciting enough as it is and tablet sharing needs to be a thing across every mobile device. Here’s hoping Google inspires Apple and Amazon to follow.