Jelly Bean’s Easter Egg Upcoming Version Of Android

Always eager to add little treats for their intrepid user-base, Google appears to have added an Easter egg to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean that goes beyond the norm. Fans of Android smartphones and tablets will no doubt already be aware that Google’s engineers like to add a little something for them to find when playing around with their new toys. The most famous amongst these Easter eggs is something that is found inside the Settings app of Android smartphones. Take the latest version, Jelly Bean, for example. Heading into the Settings app, and then navigation to the section which lists the Android software version number will display the expected number of 4.1. From here, repeatedly tapping that number will treat onlookers to a magical tour in which plenty of jelly beans are paraded for our viewing pleasure. Neat, right?

While this same Easter egg has been around in previous versions of Android, it seems Jelly Bean takes things one step further. Tapping again will add a collection of candy canes to proceedings, something which doesn't really fit with the current Android Jelly Bean branding. So, what does it mean? The first and most obvious suggestion is that this is a hint towards what the next version of Android will be called. The problem here is that Google is known for naming its software versions by choosing a dessert that begins with the next letter in the alphabet. So, with the first version of Android being called Cupcake, the next was Donut, with Éclair following that. Next was Froyo, with Gingerbread and Ice Cream Sandwich paving the way for Android 4.1, Jelly Bean. Assuming Google intends to follow the same naming convention, Candy Cane really doesn't work unless someone at the company decides that Candy is really spelled ‘Kandy’ which, to be honest, wouldn't surprise us one bit.

 One school of thought is that Google is planning a Christmas announcement because candy canes are usually a Christmas affair. We’re not convinced, but with Google being the way it is, we doubt those candy canes are there for no reason. They’re telling us something, but we just don’t quite know what it is.

best free Android apps

1. Seesmic


















There are many Twitter apps on Android - and Twitter itself shook up the scene with the launch of its own-brand app - but we're sticking with Seesmic. Offering support for multiple accounts, a home page widget showing latest tweets and an incredibly slick and professional design, it's one of the finest examples of app development out there today.


2. Facebook for Android   

Facebook for Android is lacking in features compared to Facebook itself, but a recent update added Inbox support to the Android app, finally allowing its users to communicate in almost real time. The app's fast and stable, with a simplicity that reminds you of the old days when using Facebook used to be bearable.


3. National Rail Enquiries

After the original free, third-party National Rail apps went paid-for, National Rail has finally brought out its own free app. National Rail Enquiries enables you to check live train times, plan your journeys, and get notifications of delays. On first use, the app prompts you to enter a home and work train station, and then you can use the 'Get me home' button to see the next available trains.


4. Google Maps Navigation 

 An absolute must-get. As long as you have Android 1.6 or above, the latest update to Google Maps introduces turn-by-turn voice navigation, simultaneously devastating the satnav industry while boosting the in-car dashboard dock/charger accessory scene. Route calculations are done at the outset of your trip, minimising data transfer en route and keeping you on target even when the GPS signal drops. It's amazing, it works, and it's free.


5. Skyfire 3.0 

 The USP of the Skyfire browser is that it supports Flash content, popping up a little window when it detects an embedded YouTube video or something similar. The actual Flash business is handled by Skyfire's server, which does all the computery stuff, then sends the file to your handset. A bit clunky on slower Android phones, but it works like a dream on models with faster processors.Despite the arrival of Flash with Android 2.2, this is still relevant for those on phones and Android versions not able to support Adobe's Flash Player.