android 4.2

Android 4.2 rolling out for Nexus 7 tablet

Android 4.2 is finally here for Google's Nexus 7 tablet.

Anxious owners can install it manually right away or simply wait a bit for the over-the-air update. A post on Google+ today confirmed that Android 4.2 has begun rolling out for the Nexus 7 and the Galaxy Nexus as an OTA update.

As described by blog site Android Police, users can download the 4.2 manual installation package as a zip file from Google. Once you've downloaded the file, you can follow the steps offered by Android Police to update your tablet.

But most users may … Read more

Nexus 10, Nexus 7 are here -- now all they need are apps

With an expanded line-up of Nexus tablets, Google isn't just making a case for Android tablets to consumers, it's courting developers, too.

In the Nexus 10, Google and Samsung managed to put together a tablet that outdoes the new iPad both in screen resolution and price. Google and Asus shoved in another 8 gigabytes in the Nexus 7, and added a 32 GB version in addition to cutting their prices, both of which are at a considerable discount to the upcoming iPad Mini. The message is clear: Google is willing to go all out in establishing a beachhead … Read more

Google challenges Apple's Siri

While CNET's New York office works to get power back after the storm, we're bringing you the Update show from our San Francisco office. Tuesday's top tech stories include:

- Superstorm Sandy has knocked out power, Internet and phone service across the east coast. Nearly 8 million people were without power as of Tuesday.

- Google introduced new gadgets: The Nexus 10 will go head-to-head with the iPad. It has a 10-inch screen with higher resolution than the iPad. (But these screens are so good, the difference may be imperceptible to most of us.) And Google released … Read more

Blame Nokia? Multiuser accounts a no-go on Android phones

Nokia may be to blame for limitations on multiple user accounts in Google's latest Android update, according to a report.

Google yesterday unveiled Android 4.2, an updated version of Jelly Bean that will come preinstalled on the company's new line of Nexus devices. One of the big features of the OS is the ability to add multiple user accounts. However, it will only work on tablets, and TechCrunch is speculating that's because Nokia owns the patents for such a feature on phones.

However, Nokia says it actually abandoned its application for such a patent several years … Read more

Android 4.2 adds multiple users and panoramic photos, copies Swype and AirPlay

While Google's big press event scheduled for today in New York may have been canceled, the company still decided to move forward with a slew of announcements via blog post. Among them was the release of Android 4.2, an updated version of Jelly Bean to come preinstalled on the new line of Nexus devices.

Swype fans will be pleased to hear that Android 4.2 includes a keyboard that lets users input text via gliding gestures. Not only that, it offers predictions based on common strings of word combinations for "smarter" typing. While the news is … Read more

Nexus 4 already on sale at one retailer

Lately, it seems an increasing number of mythical tech devices are becoming reality before their makers actually make them official.

The iPad Mini was a foregone conclusion before Apple finally made it so this week, for example. And now a U.K. retailer is pushing the Nexus 4 into the world before its existence has been confirmed by the officialdom at Google and LG.

Carphone Warehouse is already offering preorders for the next Google Android reference design -- days before it's expected to be announced at a media event -- and is promising delivery on October 30.

Google has … Read more

iPad Mini won't be the only Apple news

Monday's CNET Update dusts off the crystal ball:

Everyone is eager to learn about the rumored iPad Mini, but today's tech news roundup looks at what else Apple will be announcing. We're expecting to see at least one new computer, such as an iMac or Mac Mini. Apple CEO Tim Cook has said that the Mac Pro will get an update in 2013, so it may be too soon to announce that. As for laptops, there have been reports that Apple will give the 13-inch MacBook Pro a retina display.

When Apple does unveil the iPad Mini, … Read more

Google, LG to debut Android 4.2 next month, report says

Google will announce a new Android version next month, according to a new report.

At some point in November, Google will co-host an event with LG where it will unveil Android 4.2, according to blog Android And Me, citing a source. The Android tracker says that LG will take the opportunity to show off its Optimus G Nexus, a device that will be based on the previously announced Optimus G, but will run the latest operating system.

LG unveiled the Optimus G last month. The device comes with a host of impressive specs, including a 4.7-inch WXGA screen, … Read more

Setting the mapping bar

As far as mobile mapping goes, Google Maps for Android offers one of the best experiences you can get. The feature-fest, which Google has been building on for years, doesn't just tell you where you are using nothing but GPS or cell tower triangulation. It also tells you how to get where you want to go by car, public transport, good old-fashioned shoe leather, and now, by bike. Voice-guided navigation takes you turn by turn, and voice search keeps your typing fingers fresh.

A variety of add-ons layers information on top of the base map, so you can view … Read more