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In the past, you needed cutting-edge hardware to overcome some ... inefficiencies in the code. With v4.1, you're actually getting more features, without feeling there's a speed hit on the other end. In fact, you're gaining features and perceived speed. And really, who wouldn't be into that?

Android continues to mature with Jelly Bean, a smooth, surprisingly comprehensive upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich that cements the smartphone platform's top-tier status.

Android "Jelly Bean" continues to mature with version 4.2, a smooth, sleek upgrade that cements the smartphone platform's top-tier status.

You won't be left too far behind without it, but Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is a worthy update that brings improved voice search, notifications, and sharing.

Google's new Android 4.1 OS for phones and tablets is faster, more voice-friendly and re-imagines search to save users time.

Android 4.2 is, in essence, a tune-up for Jelly Bean. It brings forth a few very essential, minor features that help the platform keep pace with innovations in iOS, Windows Phone, and Windows 8/RT.

This update, once again, is more like an in-between sort of tweak festival for the most part, but it does have its big advances as well.

You won't be left too far behind without it, but Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is a worthy update that brings improved voice search, notifications and sharing.

The takeaway message is that things feel much smoother across Android’s operating system in its raw form... Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is slick, it’s fast, and although you might not have Ice Cream Sandwich yet, you need to keep your eyes out for that sweet JB hit.

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is a thing of beauty, and should be a nice boost for Google's own Nexus-branded hardware. For those who have been on the fence, you'll definitely want to give Jelly Bean a look – this could be the version to finally sway you into Mountain View's camp.

In our opinion, Project Butter makes the platform so smooth we’d rather be using a Galaxy Nexus that’s starting to show its age with Jelly Bean rather than any other brand new phone at the moment, even the Galaxy S III. And that’s telling, isn’t it?

I’m ultra-impressed with Jelly Bean. And I’m saying that after having the buzz-of-newness wear off. Jelly Bean is infinitely faster and more smooth than Ice Cream Sandwich is on even the best of hardware. That alone is hugely compelling.

Android 4.1 is sleek, comfortable and intuitive. The interface looks great, is easy to understand and has even more functionality.... Most of all, I love the fact that animations no longer stutter, freeze or tear.