Google is holding an event on October 29 that promises to introduce a couple new gadgets to the world such as a new LG Nexus 4 smartphone and a 32 GB Nexus 7. Alongside the two devices, Google is also expected to show off Android 4.2 on the same date.
The press invite reads "Join us for an Android event" and "The playground is open," similar to the event earlier this year that launched the Google Nexus 7 and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.
Android 4.2 will be the latest version of Google's Android operating system. It won't be a major overhaul to Jelly Bean, but should still sport some new features much in the same way that Android 4.1 Jelly Bean improved upon Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.
There isn't much known about Android 4.2 except what the folks over at Android Police have been writing about.
For starters, the Gmail app in Android 4.2 will have a couple new additions that are sure to please users. Gmailers will be able to finally pinch zoom and archive or delete files (depending on what they set it to) with a simple finger swipe.
Android 4.2 will also have a second pull-down page dubbed 'Quick Settings." This will give the user easy access to settings such as Wi-Fi, BlueTooth, and GPS.
The new Android will also have a number of security enhancements that should close some loopholes in the Android ecosystem. Apps will only be restricted to the necessary files they need to run, so that they cannot access the entire Android account, and the exploit where premium SMSs added fees to an unwary user's monthly bill should be practically eliminated.
Devices are still playing catch up to Android 4.1.1, so don't expect Android 4.2 to be available on anything but Google-branded devices for a long time. A release date should be given by Google at the October 29 event.
No word on what Android 4.2 will be named, although many have taken to calling it 'Key Lime Pie,' but that could be the name of Google's Android 5.0, which is sure to be a much more radical upgrade.