Google IO 2012: Jelly Bean, Nexus 7, Google Glasses and Nexus Q

SlashGear: During Wednesday’s keynote address at the Google I/O event, the company rolled out a host of new hardware and one major software upgrade. First up was the unveiling of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system. Key features include app encryption, Project Butter interface improvements, Voice search (similar to Apple’s Siri) and Google Now context-aware search.

Next, Google took the wraps off Nexus 7, an Android tablet similar to the Kindle Fire that will retail for just $200.

Then Google was on to the Nexus Q, a new media-hub device that streams Google Play content to TVs. To use it, you’ll need an Android smartphone or tablet to use as a remote control, and it costs $299.

Then Google’s Sergey Brin “interrupted” the conference with an entertaining announcement about Google Glass. The wearable computer will become available on a limited basis early next year. I/O attendees can pre-order for $1,500.