The site 9to5Google reported this week that an “extremely reliable source” says Google plans to open retail stores later this year.

The purpose of the stores, according to the post, is to sell Google products like the Nexus line of phones and tablets, and also to promote hard-to-understand future items like the Google Glass idea.

The author speculated that Google might also sell Google merchandise like T-shirts.

All this sounds like either crazy talk, or the kind of Apple envy that may have motivated Microsoft to open a chain of retail stores.

But I think Google Stores could be a huge advantage for Google.

Archos has today unveiled a trio of new ‘Platinum’ tablets, with displays ranging in size from 8 inches to 11.6 inches. These are the most advanced tablets the French company has released to date, and it has clearly taken a leaf out of Apple’s book when it comes to design. Not only do they look a lot like the iPad from the front, they also have similar displays.

The 8-inch model offers a 1024×768 resolution, just like the iPad mini; while the 9.7-inch model has a very impressive 2048×1536 resolution, just like the third- and fourth-generation iPads with Retina display.

I’ve lost count of the number of times the HTC One has been leaked ahead of its February 19 unveiling. Today another render is making its way around the web, this time showing the device in black. Previous renders have revealed the white and silver model, but this is the first time we’ve seen its sibling.

A couple of days ago, Google started rolling out the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean update for the Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10, with the Nexus 4 joining the list today. The update is being rolled out over-the-air, so it can take up to a couple of weeks or more for it to be available on your Nexus device.

If you have root access, you can easily install the update manually. If not, you can try to pull the update manually from Google’s server. Depending on your region and your luck, you might just be able to manually initiate the OTA update on your Nexus device. Here are the steps you’ll need to give it a go.

Earlier this week, Samsung announced a Garnet Red version of the Galaxy Note 10.1 LTE in South Korea, and it published a number of press shots to show off the new device. It seems that within those press shots, the company may have accidentally revealed the Galaxy Note 8.0 as well.

I say “accidentally” lightly, because I have no doubt that Samsung revealed the device on purpose.