Credible sources have confirmed Google will release Android O on August 21st, ahead of the second generation of Pixel phones due to arrive later in the year.
Reputed commentator David Ruddock, Managing Director of Android Police, tweeted out that Google are “planning some degree of spectacle” around Android O’s arrival, and that it may receive its name on August 21st.
According to one source whose information I cannot verify, Android O will receive a name on the day of the solar eclipse (August 21st).
— David Ruddock (@RDR0b11) August 10, 2017
This was followed by another tweet, which informed that the Android O update for Pixel phone is also scheduled for this date.
The Android O update for Pixel is now scheduled for August 21st.
— David Ruddock (@RDR0b11) August 11, 2017
Serial tech leaker Evan Blass also confirmed this not long after.
Android O release scheduled for the week of 8/21, “most likely on the 21st itself.”
— Evan Blass (@evleaks) August 12, 2017
It is speculated that the major software update will add a new picture-in-picture mode, new notification dots to the OS, and introduce improvements to Bluetooth audio playback.
There will also be internal improvements which will allow the smartphone to boot up faster, and increase the speed of loading apps.
Traditionally, Google has released full version name updates to Android by introducing a new device.
Android O’s predecessor, Nougat, launched last year alongside the Google Pixel.
