After stops on Nexus 4, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 devices, Android 4.2.1 lands in AOSP

by Jeff Causey on
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Android 4.2.1 Update

Over the course of the past day, we have seen Google start to rollout an Android update, first to Nexus 10 devices, then to Nexus 4 devices, and most recently to Nexus 7 devices. The OTA update to version 4.2.1 is probably still in the process of propagating to all device owners. In the meantime, the source code has landed in the Android Open Source Project according to Technical Lead Jean-Baptiste M. Queru. Factory images for devices are expected to be available in a few days according to Queru.

The update is small, but packs an important fix in correcting the missing month of December. According to sources, the update also includes support for HID gamepad/joystick devices and some improvements to handling of vibration notifications.

source: Android Building Google Group

Nexus 7 Getting Updated To Android 4.2.1

by Rudy Rivapalacio on
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 Android 4.2.1 Update

The Nexus 7 is getting updated to Android 4.2.1 beginning today. Like with the Nexus 4 and Nexus 10, the update brings only minor bug fixes, including the promised December fix. You can wait for the OTA update to hit your device or if you’re feeling daring (and you know what you’re doing), hit the link below and flash your way to build number JOP40D!

Manual download link

Does your Nexus 7 lag after the 4.2 update? There’s a fix for that

by Alexon Enfiedjian on
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Users are reporting severe performance issues after updating their Nexus 7 to Android 4.2. General lag, choppiness, and stuttering performance seem to be plaguing nearly every aspect of the device, from swiping across the home screens, opening the app drawer, typing on the keyboard, scrolling in the browser or even simply unlocking the device. Even getting the screen to turn on takes several seconds after pressing the power button! Needless to say, this is causing quite a frustrating experience for many users, especially since we’ve grown accustomed to the buttery smoothness of Android 4.1.

I personally experienced all of these issues and more, so I decided to do some research on how to fix it. Turns out the fix is a very simple one. Read on after the break to get the scoop.

» Read the rest

Google Nexus 4 Smartphone Is The Only Nexus Device To Currently Support Miracast At This Time

by Roy Alugbue on
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While we know that the new Nexus 4 will support the coveted Miracast feature thanks to Android 4.2, it appears that the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 will each not support Miracast, despite operating on Android 4.2 as well. There seems to have been a major discussion on a Google Forum on whether or not the tablets would feature Miracast and while some users reported it worked and others didn’t— a user by the name of Eth@n took some time to confirm the following:

 

“Just wanted to confirm that Nexus 4 is currently our only Nexus device that works with Miracast wireless display on Android 4.2. There was a reference to wireless display on our Help site for Nexus 10, but we’ve since removed that reference. Our apologies for any confusion that may have caused.”

 

So there you have it— don’t try looking for Miracast for now— unless of course, you have a Nexus 4. Let’s see how Google handles this moving forward and wait for a possible update which should enable the feature for the rest of the Nexus devices out there.

source: Google Product Forums

 

XCom Global offering Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 up for rent

by Sean Stewart on
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XCom Global has announced, in an interesting move, that you’ll now be able to rent a Nexus 7 or Nexus 10 while traveling abroad. Yes, I said rent. This interesting business model takes into account a lot of assumptions, like say your current laptop setup isn’t ideal or is too cumbersome. Or you currently do not own a compact tablet more conducive for travel. Or maybe you just don’t want to risk traveling with your own epuipment. Well XCom Global has quelled those issues by offering up a rental option on arguably the hottest tablet lineup out there.

The price to rent is set at $2 per day for the Nexus 7 and $3 per day for the Nexus 10. However, they’re offering a special introductory rate of $1 and $2 per day respectively. I’ve got a feeling that consumers will look at this as more of a test drive for the product rather than actually using it to replace their device while traveling. What do you think about this business plan? Hit the break for the full press release.

 

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TalkTalk UK To Offer Free Nexus 7 When Customers Purchase Android Smartphones

by Roy Alugbue on
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The holiday season is just about here folks and that means many retailers and services will be vying for your business by trying to entice customers with some sweet deals or promotions, and TalkTalk is no different with its latest promotion out in the UK. It has announced that from Tuesday, November 20th, it will give away a free Nexus 7 tablet when customers purchase select devices and sign up for a smartphone plan. While we’re sure to see other promotions from other retailers in the coming days, we suspect many customers will get out and sign up as soon as the promotion is live because hey— who doesn’t want a free Nexus 7 tablet with their smartphone?

source: Android Central

[Deal] 32GB Nexus 7 for $219.99 with free shipping from OfficeMax

by Colton Kaiser on
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Perhaps you’ve been waiting to pull the trigger on purchasing a Nexus 7 until you found just the right deal to satisfy your thinning wallet. Well, it appears OfficeMax is holding an incredible sale on the 32GB Nexus 7, offering the device for just $219.99 + tax with free shipping.

Currently, the only way to receive the discount is by placing your order via telephone. You’ll also need to use the coupon code indicated within the instructions below. As of the writing of this post, the deal is still valid, though there’s no telling just how long it will last. If you’re interested, jump past the break for the how-to.

» Read the rest

Final Android 4.2 OTA now rolling out to Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 review units, brings new features

by Colton Kaiser on
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Google has begun rolling out an updated version of Android 4.2 Jelly Bean to pre-release Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 devices. Just as we had anticipated, the new software brings several key enhancements, including lock screen widgets and multiple account support for the Samsung-built Nexus 10. Additionally, it has been confirmed by Google that the new firmware is the same build that will be present on both the Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 when they begin shipping tomorrow.

Source: Engadget

Nexus 7 explodes, gives new meaning to ‘burning rubber’

by Colton Kaiser on
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What exactly happened to the above Nexus 7, you ask? Well, put simply–it exploded. Apparently the device spontaneously combusted as a result of being plugged in to a standard wall charger.

The owner, who posted the set of images in a Chinese forum, claims she left the device to charge for a total of 3 hours using the factory OEM charger before the tablet went up in flames. As we’ve seen before, these types of incidents leave plenty of room for controversy, though it seems as though this particular case is legitimate. In fact, ASUS has already acknowledged the problem and has sent out a fresh replacement free of charge.

Considering this is the first we’ve heard of this type of thing happening to a Nexus 7, we’re hoping the problem is isolated to this single unit. However, until we hear something official from ASUS, you may want to make sure your device isn’t sitting next to anything valuable or flammable.

Hit the break for a duo of additional images. » Read the rest

Google and Asus offering refunds to certain Nexus 7 owners who purchased before recent price drop to cover the difference

by Sean Stewart on
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Both Asus and Google have announced a price protection program for those that bought a Nexus 7 within a specific time frame, before the price drop. First up is Asus. They’re offering UK customers that bought the 16GB Nexus 7 directly from either Google or Asus a ₤25 refund for those who bought one before October 29th. You must register your device with Asus and also provide a proof of purchase. You must also do so by November 30th. Next is Google as they are offering a $50 refund towards your account for those in the U.S. that purchased the 16GB Nexus 7 on or after October 14th.

source:  The Verge