Android 4.2 may not be a revelatory upgrade over Google's original version of Jelly Bean, but one area that's received some significant attention is security. The latest Android release includes a malware scanner that instantly analyzes "sideloaded" apps — those installed from sources other than Google's own store — for potential threats.

Android 4.2 also combats bill shock with a new prompt requiring direct user permission before any app can send messages to short codes — such as those operated by political campaigns or donation funds — that automatically bill your cellular account. Finally, Google has brought minor improvements to the permissions screen that pops up before you download any app. New icons and subsections like "privacy" and "device access" should make the menu easier to parse.