Reporting From Google I/O 2012: Nexus 7 And Jelly Bean (Android 4.1)

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Google unveiled its Nexus 7 tablet and Android 4.1 update. We did deeper and take a more technical look. But that's not all. We go over some new additions on Google+, and share a quick demo of an impressive HTML5-based game (hold the laughter, please).

3D Google Maps And HTML5 Gaming

Google is still touting the benefits of 3D mapping, and its map update is going to look spectacular. You really get a sense for how detailed the maps are when you look at them on a large screen, though most of us will use the feature on a smaller scale.

We also wanted to weigh in on gaming. Unfortunately (depending on how hardcore you consider yourself), many of the demos at Google I/O 2012 looked an awful lot like Farmville. However, EA showcased a really cool HTML5-based game called Strike Fortress. It's just a demo, and the company has no plans to release it. But with that said, the graphics looked close to something out of Total Annihilation.

More to the point, this was perhaps the first time we've seen a compelling 3D Web-based game. Cooler still, EA created a demo that allows multiple people to interact on Android-based devices. It's like playing at a LAN event with a big spectator screen, except everyone uses mobile devices.

There are other cool happenings at Google I/O, and we'll be back with more. Stay tuned!

Andrew Ku
12 Comments Comment from the forums
  • mayankleoboy1
    now if only Google can get this 4.1 on more than 2% devices by the end of this year.....
    Reply
  • _Pez_
    I would like to buy one Nexus 7 and an Asus Prime :D
    Reply
  • hannibal
    Google can do nothing to force manufacturers to use 4.1... Just wondering if even customers can "lob" new operation systems...
    We really need manufacturer black list for bad upgraders!
    Reply
  • amdwilliam1985
    I'm more interest in the battery life, seems like JB increases a lot of UI performance, but at what cost though? Does the battery life take a hit?
    It'll be great if we can increase UI smoothness without significant cost of battery, I'll upgrade to JB in a heart beat. But I value battery life > "smoothness".

    I thought they're giving out Galaxy Nexus preinstalled with JB at Google IO, can't someone run the battery life against the "old" Galaxy Nexus on ICS.
    Reply
  • g-unit1111
    Mmmmmmmmmm... jelly bean ice cream sandwich. :lol:
    Reply
  • Augray37
    amdwilliam1985I'm more interest in the battery life, seems like JB increases a lot of UI performance, but at what cost though? Does the battery life take a hit?It'll be great if we can increase UI smoothness without significant cost of battery, I'll upgrade to JB in a heart beat. But I value battery life > "smoothness".
    That's a good point. Seriously, the battery life problem in mobile electronics needs some real attention here in the next couple years. Smoothness on phones and tablets doesn't need too many more improvements for quite some time, it's the battery life people!
    Reply
  • ojas
    I wish google would go the MS way, provide the OS for everyone to use (as a download on Google Play) and allow OEMs to provide driver support, which the customer can download manually or automatically.
    Reply
  • pacioli
    All I know... Nexus 7 sounds way cooler than Kindle Fire...
    Reply
  • RCx240
    Just ordered a Nexus 7 today, pretty excited for it.
    Now I just hope I'm not left hanging for a JB update on my Nexus S, like with ICS.
    Because promising an update and only delivering for 1/3 of the models, and leaving the other two hanging for another 5 months with no feedback was definitely a great experience
    Reply
  • boiler1990
    amdwilliam1985I'm more interest in the battery life, seems like JB increases a lot of UI performance, but at what cost though? Does the battery life take a hit?It'll be great if we can increase UI smoothness without significant cost of battery, I'll upgrade to JB in a heart beat. But I value battery life > "smoothness".I thought they're giving out Galaxy Nexus preinstalled with JB at Google IO, can't someone run the battery life against the "old" Galaxy Nexus on ICS.
    I installed the JB ROM on my VZW Nexus, and I'm not noticing much of a difference so far (it was pretty terrible on 4.0.4). We'll have to wait for conclusive tests to determine the real draw on battery.

    Some things will inherently draw more battery - Google Now is great, but to get the maximum utility the GPS needs to be left on so it can recommend Places literally right next to you.

    The experience overall is significantly smoother than ICS was, so I'm looking forward to the actual release and the tweaks in the incremental updates.


    In regards to the Nexus 7 - this is an amazing tablet. It does more than the Fire does, and the only thing it can't do is Amazon Instant Streaming (which in reality is basically Netflix's library). I owned a Fire and though it was a huge letdown from day 1; ended up with the Nook Tablet and felt the device and OS were much better crafted, just lacking in content.
    Reply