Google will reportedly show off its highly-anticipated Android L operating system in mid-October, but will not actually release it until Nov. 1.
The company first unveiled its Android 5.0 L at its Google I/O developer conference back in June, with the new OS set to make its official debut this fall. Google offered no exact launch date for this Android version, but a new report now claims to have more details on the matter.
More specifically, the folks over at Android Authority claim to have learned from reliable sources that Android L will officially kick in on Nov. 1, although it remains unclear whether that's the date for when it will launch alongside new hardware, or arrive as an update for existing devices.
Google typically releases each major Android version with a launch vehicle in the form of a Nexus device made in collaboration with a partner OEM. This year, the company is widely expected to release a Nexus 9 tablet made by HTC, as well as a new-generation Nexus smartphone in collaboration with Motorola. The new smartphone has surfaced before with the codename "Shamu" and is expected to launch as the Nexus X, as the Nexus 6 branding would draw some copyright issues. The HTC Nexus 9 previously surfaced with codenames "Flounder" and "Volantis."
"Thanks to two different sources familiar with Google's plans, we have learned that the HTC Nexus 9 will be unveiled on either October 15th or the 16th. Additionally there is mention of new phone hardware (possibly the rumored Moto Nexus?) and the unveiling of 'a new software initiative,' which likely refers to Android L's final release," Android Authority reports.
"While Android L and new Nexus hardware will be shown off in mid-October, the final version of Android L won't officially be available until November 1st, according to our sources. Keep in mind it's unclear whether that's when the latest Nexus hardware with Android L will be sold (or shipped?), when existing Nexus devices will get the update, or both. Either way, the wait for Android L and the next generation of the Nexus family appears to almost be over!"
With no official confirmation from Google, however, it all remains in the rumor state for now. Various reports so far have tried to paint a picture of what to expect from the HTC Nexus 9 tablet and the Motorola Nexus X "Shamu" smartphone, but nothing is for certain until the formal unveiling.
We'll make sure to keep you up to date as soon as more information becomes available regarding the release of Android L and/or the next-generation Nexus devices, but take everything with a grain of salt in the meantime.
