Google Nexus 7 Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update delayed

The update for the Google Nexus 7 to Android 4.2 Jelly Bean has been delayed -- and Asus blames Google.

Google originally stated the 4.2 update would be available for 29 October, but there's no sign of the new software. "We're still waiting on Google for the update," says Asus, emphasising, "We haven't put out an official statement as it is a software issue rather than hardware."

Asus says the update "is expected shortly", although Google has yet to respond to my question about 4.2.

Jelly Bean is the latest version of Google's Android software for phones and tablets, and 4.2 is the latest update to Jelly Bean. 4.2 makes its debut on the Google Nexus 4 smart phone made by LG and the Nexus 10 tablet made by Samsung.

4.2 adds cool new features such as Photo Sphere and user accounts, as well as a Swype-style keyboard and other minor improvements.

Photo Sphere creates ace super-panoramic photos that go all the way round. Instead of a photo that just shows you what was in front of the photographer, a Photo Sphere lets you spin round and see what was behind, below and even above the person snapping the snap.

The Nexus 7 should also include the new user accounts feature seen on the Nexus 10 tablet (but not the Nexus 4 phone), allowing you to sit back and let the kids play games and watch videos, safe in the knowledge they won't accidentally delete something crucial or stumble across something private.

The Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 are both solid-gold bargains at £240 and £320 respectively. Even ignoring the price, they're serious bits of kit: the Nexus 4 just earned a coveted CNET Editors' Choice award. 

Are you looking forward to Android 4.2? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.