Search engine giant Google launched the new and improved Android operating system, Jelly Bean. This new mobile software will battle head on with the upcoming OS - iOS 6 and Windows Phone 8.

When Android 4.0 made its debut with the Samsung Galaxy Nexus smartphone, it caused so much fuss and instantly made Google's mobile operating system popular. Thus, many anticipated what changes this new OS will bring to Android devices. The Ice Cream Sandwich was the first Android software that is designed for both smartphones and tablets.

The new Android Jelly Bean is expected to starred in the Google's I/O developer conference tomorrow. The Android version 4.1 is expected to bring a number of incremental changes in terms of features. Rumor has it the new OS could even debut on a Google-branded, Asus-built Nexus tablet, and it could land on Google's developer-friendly Samsung Galaxy Nexus phone as well.

Below is the comparison of some of the similar features of Android's Jelly Bean, Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 and Apple's iOS.

  • Speed

Google promises "buttery smooth" browsing experience with its new Android Jelly Bean. Apple iOS 6 did not discuss much about the speed of the new mobile OS. However, we can expect it to be faster than its predecessor. Microsoft also did not highlight the speed of Windows Phone 8.

  • NFC

The three mobile OS features Near Field Communication. This feature works similar with Bluetooth. In Windows Phone 8, it allows users to share things over short distances. Users can now photos, Office docs, and contact info.

Android Jelly Bean will also support this emerging wireless technology. Speakers in the Google conference announce that they are still exploring this feature and continuously improving it. However, the new Android allows users to share contents via NFC.

For Apple iOS 6, there are rumors that NFC will be one of the major features that Apple will launch in a few months. NFC is the gateway for mobile payments which is believed that Apple is meticulously working on.

  • Voice Recognition

Apple gain popularity because of Siri. The Siri in the new iOS 6 now supports more languages from different countries. Google jumped in the bandwagon and release its own Siri-esque feature integrated in its mobile search and voice typing. Windows Phone 8 trails behind by not supporting this kind of feature.

  • Maps

Google and Microsoft's Bing are known to offer maps and further improved them in their respective mobile OS. Windows Phone 8 will provide more detailed maps and turn-by-turn directions in many countries, plus the ability to store maps offline on your phone so you can work with maps without a data connection.

Google's Android Jelly Bean, on the other hand, will support Google Maps. Lastly, Apple dropped Google Maps as it developed its own iOS maps. Cupertino-based company boasts that its map is more detailed compared to others.

  • Mobile Digital Wallet

One of the new features of iOS 6 is Passbook which allows users to store digital tickets and passes. Get in on events by flicking your iOS device. Windows Phone 8 is more detailed by allowing users to store debit and credit cards and access them right at your fingertips. However, Google's new Android do not support this particular feature.

  • Accessibility

One of the best and improved features of the various mobile operating systems is their accessibility to all walks of life. Fortunately, iOS 6 and Android Jelly Bean became user-friendly to people with disabilities. The new iOS 6 comes with Guided Access that allows people with disabilities access the technology. With Guided Access, users can restrict sensitive touch input. Moreover, it comes with VoiceOver for blind or low-vision users.

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, on the other hand, comes with Gesture Mode that will benefit blind users. Jelly Bean also enables support of external Braille input and output devices via USB and Bluetooth. However, Microsoft did not discuss any support for this kind of accessibility.

The aforementioned features are only some of the features of the three upcoming mobile operating systems. It is important to note that each software has its own key features that serve as its edge over other OS.

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