Posted Wednesday, June 27, 2012 by Dave Thornton in Android Development

Google Android 4.1 Jelly Bean I/O Release Date

Release Date
Android 4.1 Jelly Bean will be available as an over-the-air (OTA) update for Nexus-branded devices including the Nexus S and the Galaxy Nexus and the Motorola Xoom, GED (Google Experience Device) in July, while developers can already play with the Jelly Bean SDK today. UK users will not necessarily receive the update if your Xoom is MZ604
More importantly, Google wants its OEM partners to have early access to its upcoming OS versions well ahead of their releases, that’s why the company has announced a PDK ( Platform Development Kit ) for Android device makers. It contains all the details needed by these companies to have Android devices running the latest Android version in stores as soon as possible. PDKs will be available 2-3 months ahead of the launch of the next-gen Android version, which should help them launch smartphones and tablets running the latest Android version a lot faster, but also to update current devices to a future OS version in a more timely manner. The Jelly Bean PDK has been available to certain OEMs for a few weeks now, and it will be available to everyone else starting today.

Google Plus for Android Tablets
Today Google announced the availability of Google Plus for Android tablets app, something that many Plus users have long requested. Asides from the obvious modifications to the interface, Google has added some cool new features, that should make using Google’s blossoming social network a joy.
According to a post on the Google Official Blog, the changes include:

A beautiful stream that styles content based on popularity, type and orientation
A “lean back” Hangouts experience that’s great for the couch or common room
Crisper text, fuller photos and easily-tappable actions like +1 and comment

One of the best uses for the new Google Plus app for tablets will be participating to Hangouts. The real estate will be put to good use, meaning that it will be fun and easy to chat with your buddies from your Nexus 7 or your Android slate of choice. The new app will start rolling out today, and Google promises that an iPad version will follow soon. To make the wait easier, check out some screenshots of the new Google Plus app for Android.

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Dave Thornton

Many yrs ago Dave was MSDN trained, a web designer and computer shop owner. Loves walking his dogs, Lab & Welsh border collie. Golden Retriever. Plenty of fields around where he lives in Dundee, Scotland and is 2 miles from the beach.