Android 4.2

Google is revising its approach to measuring Android operating system version adoption, promising developers a more accurate portrait of the Android ecosystem as a whole.

Verizon Wireless is updating Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Nexus smartphone to run Google's Android 4.2, a.k.a. Jelly Bean. The operator is pushing the over-the-air update to subscribers in phases over the days ahead.

Google released its Android 4.2 SDK, which it first unveiled late last month. Developers can leverage new engagement features like interactive widgets placed directly on Android device lock screens, simplifying access to the user's favorite applications and content.

LG Electronics and Google officially announced the Nexus 4, the LG-made device that is the latest in Google's series of "lead" Nexus-branded gadgets showcasing the newest Android software. Google also unveiled the Nexus 10 tablet as well as an update to the original Nexus 7.