While only a very tiny fraction of Android smartphones are running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, rumors and reports of the next version of Google’s popular mobile platform are starting to emerge online.
Today’s report – which discusses features of Android 4.2 – follows the report published two days ago which discussed an overhauled Google Nexus program. Check it out after the jump.
The report comes from the folks over at AndroidandMe. They cite their usual “regular source who has provided accurate information in the past” who claims that Android 4.2 will come with features like a Customization Center, Project Roadrunner, updated Google Now, Play Store, Video Player and more.
Let’s discuss each of these features one by one.
As discussed in the previous post, manufacturers who meet a certain set of guidelines from Google will have their devices Nexus certified. They will come with a stock version of Android without any sort of custom skin like HTC Sense or Samsung TouchWiz on top. However, users who like their custom skins will be able to get them from a new Customization Center along with ringtones, backgrounds, launchers, themes etc.
Customization Center will likely be available from the new Play Store which AndroidandMe’s source claims will come with personalized search options, more billing methods and “easier in-app micro-transactions”
After smoothing out the user-interface with Project Butter in Jelly Bean, Android 4.2 will come with Project Roadrunner to improve battery life.
An updated Google Now will allow users to change basic system settings like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, display brightness – a feature missing in Siri.
The report also mentions an updated video player which will come with APIs allowing third-party developers to integrate their own products and services with it.
All of these features are expected to be announced by Google sometime next month at a joint event with LG where they will introduce the first smartphone certified by the overhauled Nexus program – the Optimus G Nexus.
After adding features upon features till 2.3 Gingerbread to differentiate itself from iOS, Google is now working hard to improve the overall user-experience. Rapid development like this has us really excited, as iOS is getting long in the tooth.
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