Android 4.1, also known as Jelly Bean, is a version of the Android operating system released by Google in July 2012. It introduced several enhancements over its predecessor, Android 4.0, including a smoother user interface and improved performance through a feature called Project Butter. This made animations and transitions more fluid, providing a better overall experience for users. Additionally, Android 4.1 brought new features such as Google Now, which offered personalized information based on user preferences and location. The update also included improved notifications, allowing users to expand and interact with them directly from the notification shade, enhancing usability and convenience.