Google starts rolling out Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean update

Google has started to roll out its latest version of Android, version 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, to the Google Nexus 4 and Samsung Nexus 10 devices. But before you get too excited, you should know that the update mostly consists of relatively minor fixes related to performance and stability. The update should also correct a bug the phones have with streaming music over Bluetooth: with the last update, the music stopped running smoothly and started to skip, as though it was an old scratched CD. If you own either of the devices, but haven’t yet received the update, there’s no need to worry. The company is doing a slow rollout of the updates, so it could take a little while. But Google hasn’t given an exact time frame as to just how long the rollout period will last. The update is a relatively small one at just 47.6 MB, and users should be able to install it over the air, without having to connect to WiFi. We’re not surprised that this update is relatively minor. The next major update isn’t expected to come until Android 5 is released, with a new yet-to-be-known food-related name starting with a “K.” Key Lime Pie, maybe? In a digital world filled with images, have you ever come across a picture and wondered about its origins or wanted to find similar images? That’s where the magic of reverse image search comes into play! Reverse image search allows you to upload an image or provide a URL to find where it appears online, checking for duplicates, higher resolutions, or similar visuals. This can be particularly useful for a variety of reasons: identifying the source of an image, verifying its authenticity, discovering related content, or even finding out more about a product you’re interested in. At Moblie World Congress (MWC ) 2024, Google is bringing a healthy bunch of new features to Android. In line with the AI push all across the industry, some notable AI-driven enhancements are on the table. There are also a handful of core Android features that sound practically amazing.
The first in line is Gemini. The generative AI chatbot recently got a standalone app for Android, and now it’s headed for the Google Messages app. Users can chat with Gemini directly in the messaging app and use its generative capabilities for a host of things, like drafting replies, refining a message, and more. Another feature that was showcased a while ago is finally ready for prime time. Android Auto is gaining support for message summarization for standalone texts and group chats, and it can also suggest replies. With a single tap, users will also be able to drop a message, start a call, and share an estimated arrival time. The idea is to deploy AI for crucial tasks so that it can minimize distractions while driving.
Lookout, an accessibility-centric feature for users with vision challenges, is also getting meaningful AI love. On Android phones, Lookout will now read AI-generated captions and descriptions for media content. For now, the AI boost to Lookout and Messages is limited to the English language. While Google Assistant is a wonderful companion to have around, you don’t always want it chiming in on your life. Whether it’s accidentally taking commands when you’re not speaking to it or getting activated by voices on your televisions, some people find it best to turn off the companion. Google Assistant can be turned off entirely on your smartphone, though you can also limit its abilities — giving it the exact amount of control over your smart home as you deem necessary.