Because of the New York Hurricane “Sandy”, Google’s had to cancel a formal presentation where the Internet giant was to show its new devices. However, Google decided to make an online presentation. Google’s staff just made the information about new devices available on the company’s official blog.
Honestly speaking, even if Google hadn’t done it, its plans would have been disclosed by the U.S. retailers, who have already updated their product lists and added the two gadgets: a new smartphone Nexus 4 and a 10-inch tablet Nexus 10.
Understanding this, Google has made the devices announcement the way it was possible in these circumstances. Both presented gadgets work under the new operating system Android 4.2 Key Lime Pie. It is interesting to note that although the unit-brothers were presented as one brand, different companies are responsible for their production – LG for smartphone, Samsung for tablet.
Smartphone Nexus 4 is the first in a Google line that is able to charge wirelessly (like the Nokia Lumia 920/820). A 4.7-inch smartphone screen is made on the basis of True HD IPS Plus technology and works in 1280×768 pixel resolution, the screen is protected by anti-shock Gorilla Glass 2coating. The main camera is an 8 megapixel one. The processor of the smartphone is the latest modification of the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro 1,5 GHz. The amount of memory is limited to 2 gigabytes.
Naturally, being an Android-based phone, the gadget has an access to Google Play, Google Maps and other Google-branded services, such as Gmail.
Google will sell Nexus 4 in an unlocked form, which allows it to work with about 200 mobile operators. On November 13, the device will be available in the U.S., UK, Canada, Germany, France, Spain and Australia. 8-gigabyte version will cost $299, a 16-gigabyte – $349.
In addition, the company has revealed two new Internet tablet – a new Nexus 10 and an updated Nexus 7, which has now received 32 gigabytes. Google said that the company produces 16-gigabyte version of the new Nexus 7 tablet for $199 and a 32-gigabyte one for $ 249. On November 13, Google will begin selling a 32-gigabyte version with HSPA + for $299.
As for the 10-inch Nexus 10 tablet, this gadget is manufactured by Samsung Electronics, and has a screen with 300 pixels per inch density, which gives a resolution of 2560×1600 – this is higher than the latest iPad has. However, even with such high resolution of the screen, the tablet will work for over 9 hours. The tablet will be available in a 16 GB version for $399 and 32GB for $499. The sales are to start on November 14.
Google also announced an update of Android interface specifically for 10-inch Nexus. There are a better gestures support and the new predictive search.
In addition to these gadgets the company introduced Android 4.2 – a new version of its mobile operating system.
Like Android 4.1, introduced in June, Android 4.2 has a Jelly Bean code-named. It is very similar to its predecessor, but offers several new features.
Users can install widgets on the lock screen. This could be done in earlier versions of the system, but only by external applications. Now this possibility is implemented into the OS.
Users of tablets with Android 4.2 can create multiple user accounts. Each account has the preferences and its own set of applications. But the option isn’t available for smartphones.
Photo Sphere function appeared in new Android version. It allows users to create spherical panoramas from photos taken by the device camera. Previously the built-in app allowed only the creation of horizontal panoramas.
Users can enter text keeping the finger on the touch screen keyboard smartphone. A similar entry method offers application Swype. Devices on Android 4.2 allow users to broadcast video and YouTube videos on TV if it supports Miracast.
The first devices based on Android 4.2 will be tablets and smartphones from Nexus line: Nexus 4, Nexus Nexus 7 and Nexus 10. They will go on sale in November.