Google I/O Day 1: Nexus 7, Nexus Q, Jelly Bean and Play Store Updates
Play Store changes
- The Nexus tablet could be bought in Canada.
- Apps could be updated or uninstalled from the web.
- Magazines and TV shows were announced, but not yet clearly available in Canada.
Nexus tablet specifications
| Screen | 7-inch 1280 x 800 IPS, 216 ppi, scratch-resistant Corning glass |
|---|---|
| Processor | Quad-core Tegra 3 |
| Memory | 1 GB RAM, 16 GB storage |
| Battery | 4325 mAh, up to 8 hours of active use |
| Size and weight | 198.5 x 120 x 10.45 mm, 340 g |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth, NFC with Android Beam, Micro USB |
| Camera and sensors | 1.2 MP front camera, GPS, gyroscope, accelerometer, magnetometer |
| Software | Android 4.1 Jelly Bean |
The writer called it very tempting and was close to buying one. The Nexus Q was less clear: it looked like a player device, and it was unclear whether it could share files both ways.
Google+ updates
The Google+ app received a new card-style layout. Events were built into the app and linked to the calendar, with a party mode that sends photos taken during the event to the shared gallery.
Jelly Bean highlights
- Project Butter for smoother performance.
- Better search through the Knowledge Graph.
- A notification tray that can condense or expand notifications.
- Camera gestures: swipe to move between live view and gallery.
- Widgets that resize automatically when others move.
- Offline voice actions.
- Google Now, a time and location aware information app, not yet available in Canada at the time.
- Smaller app updates that download only the changed parts.
Frequently asked questions
Could Canadians buy the Nexus tablet?
Yes, it was available in Canada from the start.
What was Project Butter?
Work on Android's architecture to make the interface faster and smoother.
Were these products later replaced?
Yes. They are long out of date, so treat this page as a record of the announcements.