The latest iteration of the Android operating system from Google is a minor update from Android 4.1, otherwise known as Jellybean. Android 4.2 keeps the same moniker as it's predecessor while adding more features to an already robust OS. New features vary depending on the device. The list of new Nexus devices has also grown to include not only the now OG Galaxy Nexus from Samsung but the Nexus 7 and 10 tablets as well as the LG made Nexus 4 phone. To hit on a few of the more notable add ons in the latest version of Jellybean the system now includes a quick settings drag down notification bar. This can be accessed on tablets by swiping down from the right hand side of the notification bar where you see the battery and signal strength. On phones it can be accessed by using two fingers to swipe down the notification bar or by clicking the icon in the upper far most right section of the normal notification swipe down bar. This brings up options such as settings, bluetooth, wifi, multiple user accounts, ect. This brings me to the next improvement of Android Jellybean 4.2 that many Android users have been longing for since the beginning. Multiple user accounts, just like on a Windows based machine. Each user can now have their own log in password, account picture, and apps as well as settings easily accessed through the lock screen or drop down notification bar in settings. So if multiple members of a family are sharing a tablet such as the Nexus 7 or 10 each family member can have their own account. New security settings make it easier to keep track of what your kids can and can't do on the device as well as providing password protection to download apps and such. Developer options are now hidden in Jellybean 4.2 and can be accessed by hitting the last option under about phone which is build number. Hit this 7 times and a window will appear notifying you that you are now a developer. If only it were that simple, huh? Once enabled the developer options will appear in their normal place under settings so that you can enable USB debugging and whatever else you like. The camera software is much improved as well. The new Nexus 4 made by LG surprisingly enough has a panoramic camera with new software called photo sphere. It allows the user to essentially create a 3D image of their environment by piecing together various pictures taken by the phone's ample 8 megapixel camera. Yes, I said it. A Nexus phone with a not good, but great camera. Is it the best out there right now? Probably not. The HTC One X series and Samsung high end phones along with the Iphone take that honor but it's close. Widgets on the lock screen also allow more customization and a quick way to access the camera without having to open the phone per say. The widgets aren't that varied just yet but more and more developers are optimizing their applications to use this new feature. HD widgets is one such developer that has already done so and offers a varied set of choices so check them out if you have a chance. Facial recognition technology is included as well as Android beam and NFC. A media sharing technology is also included but there apparently isn't anything on the market just yet that actually supports it so I won't get into that too much. Daydream is another feature that will allow the device to show certain pictures or content while on a dock or charging. It is more a gimmick than anything else but cool if your into that sort of thing. There are of course various bug fixes and optimizations as well. With the advent of project butter in Jellybean 4.1 Android has finally left behind the lag and frustration of former builds and moved onto a smooth and fluid experience. Nexus devices are currently the only ones running the latest version but that will shortly change. Hardware has also vastly improved and the new Nexus line is nothing short of gorgeous and well built. If your in the market for a new unlocked phone or a tablet of the 7 or 10 inch variety you can't go wrong with these devices especially at the price points they are coming in at. The Nexus 7 comes in 16 and 32gb wifi only for $200 and $250 respectfully. Another 3G enabled Nexus 7 comes with 32gb of storage and costs $300. The Nexus 10 is wifi only so far and is offered in 16 and 32gb flavors. It will run you either $400 or $500. On to my favorite of all the Nexus phones and tablets, the Nexus 4. This phone is stunning and is beyond fast. If you have been trying to decide on a new phone look no further as long as your not on Verizon or Sprint. Even if you are I left Sprint for this phone. That is how good it is. The 8 and 16gb variants are unlocked and will only run on AT&T or T-Mobile. No 4G LTE but HSPA+21 or HSPA+42 is still extremely speedy. If you head over to Android Central there is even a way to enable certain LTE bands in certain countries so check that out as well. The 8gb will run you $300 and the 16gb $350 if you can even find this phone because it is so hot right now no one, even Google themselves, can keep it in stock. T-Mobile is also selling it on contract for $200 if you want to go that route as well. I recommend picking one up and going pre paid. Straight Talk is $45 a month for unlimited anything and will run on either AT&T or T-Mobile depending on which micro sim chip you order off the website for $10. The Nexus line has always been for Android fanboys and enthusiasts but is now becoming mainstream and I for one believe it is for the better. As the price of hardware and the quality of software continue to improve we the consumers can only continue to reap the benefits.
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