So I got the OTA update to 4.2.
To be honest, it's ever so slightly disappointing. I can see why Google still calls it Jelly Bean; it's a fairly minor upgrade, not really worthy of a major version change.
My thoughts on some of the new features:
1. New keyboard: It's pretty cool. Probably my favourite new feature in 4.2. I'm currently testing it to see whether I want to switch from Swype. If I could sum up the difference, Swype feels more like a power user's keyboard, with tons of gestures and shortcuts that are difficult to learn, but can be powerful if you're willing to put in the effort. Where as Google's solution feels much more simplified, almost like gesture typing for the masses.
2. Multi-user support: Unfortunately I don't share my tablet with anyone, so I haven't had any cause to try this feature out.
3. Quick settings menu: On the Nexus 7, it's kind-of... annoying. I keep trying pull down the notifications tray with my right hand and getting this instead. I also agree with the criticism that all of these should be toggles and not shortcuts.
4. New clock app: iPhone fans probably find it hilarious that Android had to reach version 4.2 before it finally got a built-in stopwatch and timer. That said, the good news is that this app has a really attractive and well-executed interface. The bad news is that it's clearly optimised for phones and not tablets. What the hell, Google? If the developers of
Timer can build a tablet-optimised interface, why can't you? Oh, and another problem is that if you use the World Clock feature, it makes your lock screen really ugly.
5. New Gmail app: Swipe-to-delete is really cool. Although I'm surprised this hasn't been enabled on the Play Store version yet.
6. Lockscreen widgets: In practice I find that I don't use these at all. I already have widgets for my calendar and email on my homescreen, and using the lockscreen widgets doesn't any time (you still have to swipe to the side and unlock before you can access anything). It might be a useful feature for people who want to completely replace their clock with, say, their calendar.
7. Photo sphere: Not enabled on N7 due to lack of rear-facing camera.
8. Small, misc changes: I notice that the "TV" animation when you switch off the screen is gone. I kinda miss that. The icons in the dock are now somewhat smaller than rest of the icons. That's a nice detail that serves to visually differentiate the dock from the rest of the homescreen. Oh, and the new wallpapers are pretty.
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Now I mostly just want 4.2 on my phone. I expect the new features will be a lot more useful on a phone than on a tablet. Having a stopwatch and timer tends to be more useful on a phone. Quick settings are more important in a device with limited battery life. And since my phone has a camera, it will get to have the headline feature of 4.2: Photo Sphere. On the Nexus 7, Android 4.2 is more like an interesting preview of a bunch of cool features that aren't all that useful in practice.
