Rumors, Rumors, And More Rumors

Over the weekend, the rumor mill was operating at full throttle, predicting everything we can expect to see at Google’s October 29th Android event in NYC. So what do they have planned for us? Well, here’s what seems to be the rumor consensus:

Android 4.2

No matter what device(s) Google ends up revealing, one thing is certain: it will be running Android 4.2. The next version of Android won’t be a huge leap forward to something as bold as 5.0, but instead, will be a small incremental push forward, retaining the Jelly Bean moniker.

While Android 4.2 won’t be Key Lime Pie, it will have a few great features that Android users are sure to love:

• Multiple User Accounts For Tablets – Just like your “family” computer, the tablet is becoming a household device used by many individuals. Thankfully Google has taken notice of this and plans to introduce a quick and easy method for setting up multiple user accounts. We’ll soon be able to simply hand off the tablet to our kids, wife, etc., and have it load up all their saved settings without affecting our own personal accounts. Much needed in my opinion.
• Quick Settings Panel – A quick settings panel was discovered inside a leaked Android 4.2 system dump that was torn apart by the guys over at Android Police. While it wasn’t fully functional, its placeholder suggests a way for users to quickly access a slew of quick setting by simply swiping down twice. One swipe to bring down the notification panel and a second swipe to bring down the quick settings panel. A brilliant shortcut that doesn’t take up space and remains hidden unless needed.
• Updated Gmail App – The Gmail app will gain some new features in an upgrade slated to take place with Android 4.2. This new app has already been leaked and installed on rooted devices so it’s safe to say it’s ready for prime time. The updated Gmail app brings along pinch-to-zoom on emails, swiping individual emails to the side to archive or delete, and more.
• Updated Gallery App – The Gallery app will undergo a noticeable change, adopting a more Google Now like appearance with a card-like interface.
• Improved security features – Android 4.2 looks to introduce a few new security features built for enterprise users as well as a nifty tool to warn users if a SMS that’s ready to be sent will result in charges to their account.
• Google Now Improvements – Apparently the Google Now cards will be getting a makeover as well as a few new features such as a card comparing how much you’ve walked across months and a card that pops up when ever you go to a new city, showing all the POI’s and distance to them (seems likely a Field Trip implementation).
• Additional Notification Improvements
• Possible Swype-like Keyboard

These are just what we’ve been hearing about and we’re sure there will be more (or less). Most of these features have been discovered in the Android Police Android 4.2 teardown we mentioned earlier.

More Nexus… Nexuses… Nexi?

Nexus rumors popping up around this time are nothing new. However, this year, we’re not talking about just one new Nexus device. Rumors point to two new Nexus devices as well as one Nexus device with an upgrade.

• LG Nexus 4 – This “yet-to-be-announced” Nexus has seen more leaks than Julian Assange. We’ve seen this thing inside and out so there’s no doubt it exists. Expect the Nexus 4 to be sporting a 4.7″ 1280×768 display, quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro (APQ8064), 2GB RAM, 8GB/16GB on-board storage, 8MP rear shooter, 1.3MP front-facing camera, 2100mAh battery and Android 4.2.
• Samsung Nexus 10 – We haven’t seen or heard much about the Samsung Nexus 10 other than a few pics purportedly taken with the device, a code name of manta, and a ridiculous the fact that it’s supposed to carry a whopping 2560×1600 display with a pixel density of 300ppi.

This should be a high-end Nexus tablet to compete with the likes of the new iPad. Let’s hope it isn’t too expensive, because as we all know, expensive Android tablets don’t sell too well.

• 32GB Nexus 7 (possible 3G Version) – Here’s another device that’s been leaked over and over again. We know it exists and even a few lucky people have walked out of Staples with one. The Nexus 7 has been selling quite well and is a great device for the price. However, it could be better. Complaints from users have prompted Google to slap together a Nexus 7 with more storage, and according to rumors, one with a 3G radio.

  Considering these new features haven’t resulted in a price increase, I have no complaints whatsoever. I know early adopters won’t be too happy with the fact that they could have gotten 32GB worth of storage for the same price they spent on 16GB; unfortunately that’s the nature of the beast when it comes to early adoption in the fast moving tech world.

That about rounds up the rumors for Google’s Android event this October 29th. We’ll know with certainty in a week and I’m sure we’ll hear more as the days progress.

Verizon HTC DLX

The DLX (pronounced deluxe) looks to be the first HTC phablet slated for the US. It carrier Verizon’s branding and is purported to be rocking a 5-inch “1080p Super LCD 3 display, a 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro, 2500mAh battery, 12MP rear camera, 2MP front camera, and Android 4.1.2.

Other things to note: The HTC DLX has a non-removable battery (a deal killer for some) and features capactive buttons.

this could end up being the U.S. variant of the HTC J Butterfly — a device many of you have been drooling over since its announcement.

I know some of you have been hoping for another HTC Nexus device, unfortunately, this won’t be it.

Souce: Android Central