Rumour: Android 4.2 to feature Customization Centre, Project Roadrunner, Updated Google Now and Play Store

Nexus and Android OS version rumours are going around town like crazy today, with information flying all over the place. While some points sound great, some are as likely as running into a 6 legged unicorn. We’ve already heard of the LG Nexus phone that has almost had it specifications guaranteed and the multiple Nexus rumours, but there’s more coming in on the software side of things.

The most recent reports are coming from Android And Me, who are doing a fantastic job of getting us all incredibly excited. They say that they were tipped “from a regular source who has provided accurate information in the past.” As this is a rumour, we must take this with a grain of salt. But, as Android And Me tend to be right, we’re leaning towards this becoming a reality very very soon. We’re going to break through this point-by-point:

THE NEXUS PROGRAM

The Nexus program will become less of a one phone game and more of an anyone can join system – well, as long as you meet Google’s prerequisites. Google is rumoured to be introducing a ‘Nexus stamp’-like program where any OEM can make a pure Android phone as long as it meets Google’s specification check-list. Apparently, the list goes as follows on A&M:

The devices have to fulfill some basic requirements. The phone has to ship with a stock version of Android, it needs to have the hardware power to run all “Nexus Games”, and they have to support Google Wallet, aka have NFC.

THE CUSTOMIZATION CENTRE

We spoke about the customization centre the other day, but there’s been a little more information break on the matter. In short the customization centre will allow you to alter and customize your Android phone however you like – you can select ringtones, language packs, backgrounds, launchers and other unnamed features.

Two of the newer features we’re hearing from the source article are the ability to select from templates that change the appearance of all dynamic icons at once and post filters that can change the appearance of the while UI. If you need a little more info then hit the source link at the bottom of this piece.

PROJECT ROADRUNNER

Project Roadrunner is essentially a program like Project Butter. However, instead of making a smoother, more well-rounded experience like Butter does, Roadrunner will be focusing on improving battery life. Ladies and gentlemen, it looks like El Goog may in fact be giving us that little bit more juice we’ve all been praying for.

GOOGLE PLAY

Google Play has been going through some changes recently, and we hope to see many more G Play services hitting Australian shores. We’re still waiting on Google Music, TV Shows, Magazines and Movie purchases. But, is anyone really listening? With the LG Nexus phone supposedly going to be shipping in 8/16GB variants, it looks like there’ll be a heavy focus on cloud services – which, us Aussies just don’t have at the moment. Want to sell the Nexus is high numbers down under? We may just need a few more services to sway us over. Google Play will according to A&M’s source supposedly be receiving  “personalized search, optional promotional campaigns with notification center integration, more billing options, and easier in-app micro-transactions.”

GOOGLE NOW

Google Now is reportedly also about to go through some changes. It will be able to find help items for the Android OS through searching via text or voice.

VIDEO PLAYER

The video player found on Android will be receiving some changes as well. While many of us don’t ever really use it, this may be enough to swing us back into action!

Keep in mind that all of this is just a rumour, based on word from a source close to the guys at Android And Me. However, they usually tend to pan out and become a reality! Stay tuned on this one, we know we will!

Source: Android And Me