Over the past few days the rumors regarding Google‘s next version of Android, and their next Nexus device have really been coming on strong. We’ve heard tons of talk, from multiple sources, all about the LG Optimus G Nexus running Android 4.2 and more. Today many of those same reports are now dropping additional details on what we could see in Android 4.2, although we don’t know if it will be called Jelly Bean.
The name doesn’t really matter. Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, Key Lime Pie, Kandy Cane as some have suggested, whatever. It’s fun though. Yesterday an anonymous tipster mentioned a few things we could be seeing in Android 4.2 as it accompanies the next Nexus. Some of those included a new customization center — almost for manufacture skins or “themes” as well as a new Google Play Store. Today we have even more to report and most of it is about this “Nexus certification program.”
First off these are rumors, nothing but rumors. While we can’t confirm these reports from AndroidandMe, they’ve had good sources in the past so we’ll just report what’s being talked about. The next version of Android will have a customization center. This will be the same place we know now for settings, wallpapers, ringtones and more. But it’ll also have templates or themes so you don’t have to use stock Android as Google intents it. This is where manufacturers can put their HTC Sense UI, Samsung TouchWiz UX, Moto Blur and everything else. The same will also hopefully work for the developer community who builds themes for Android — only we won’t need to root our phones to enjoy this.
This same customization center is said to be a place where stock Android will always be updated to the latest from Google. Sources claim you’ll be able to choose stock and updated Android, or wait for the manufacturers updated skin to appear with the next version of Android. This would be a dream come true for those who hate waiting for updates because the OEM’s custom skin. I don’t see this happening, but would absolutely love it.
Project Roadrunner is like Android 4.1 Jelly Bean’s project butter. Roadrunner is a massive project at the hands of Google to enhance and improve battery life. While battery technology isn’t evolving very fast — software and hardware is. Google intends to make significant increases to battery life with project roadrunner all through software.
Google Play being changed is something I’m sort of against. It’s been tweaked and completely changed its look and feel way too many times already. They need to keep it simple so people aren’t always confused. We are fine, but the mass public might struggle. However, the rumors claim the Play Store will have personalized search options, but along with that comes personalized ads for apps you might want — in your notification bar. Obviously you can opt out of this if you’d like, but hopefully they aren’t aiming for Amazon’s approach with ads everywhere. There will also be more billing options and easier in-app purchases.
Lastly is Google’s extremely impressive Google Now. The voice search companion that blows Siri away will be getting even better. Google will be adding system level functions. This will allow new users to simply ask “How do I turn down the brightness” or other simple system level tasks and Google Now will do all the work. Same goes for current features like setting the alarm or making a calendar entry. There’s also talk of a new video or media player that adds to the secure 64MB of cache for media streaming we reported on yesterday. This could be an attempt at securing media from piracy.
Now obviously this is a lot of information. Some very well could be true based on how specific it is, but at the same time this could all just be nothing but pure speculation and rumors. Yesterday we reported Google staff received the LG Optimus G Nexus — so we should be hearing more about Android 4.2 and some Google Nexus devices all month long. Who’s getting excited?
I want one of those Android Figurine’s…………He is adorable…
That was silly 4.1 is Jellybean. The author must not know android too well.
Yea, I know 4.1 is Jelly Bean. It hasn’t been confirmed that they’ll use another name for 4.2 or not. They might save that for 5.0
2.0 and 2.1 were both Eclair, same goes for 3.0, 3.1, and 3.2 Honeycomb 😉
Play Store’s look isn’t what needs changing (again). Play Store’s CONTENT needs upgrading, particularly the video, book, music, magazine stores. They are all godawful compared to Amazon.
I thought each update was named after sweets! Where does Road Runner come from!?
Android versions are called after different deserts. Project roadrunner is NOT an android version, like project butter is NOT an android version. Think before you post.
All but the first two versions of Android are named after desserts. Astro and Bender weren’t made popular because Android wasn’t that popular and they are trademarked. The projects the Google come up with are large updates to the software that inprove performance. Project Butter improved framerate. Project Roadrunner is going to improve battery life. Project Butter was released with Jellybean and Roadrunner will be released with Key Lime Pie. At least that is what the rumormill says.
No need to get personal. It was an honest question, sharing knowledge shouldn’t be that hard to do without criticizing.
Named after different deserts?!
I think you mean desserts… 😉
I never liked lg products but I’m in need of a new phone. Hopefully this device doesn’t disappoint.
Negro Bean
Regarding changes to Google Play store: “They need to keep it simple so people aren’t always confused. We are fine, but the mass public might struggle. ”
Come up guys, give the Joe public more credit, we adapt to change. Changes don’t make people struggle, bad design and poor usability do.