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Android O launch reportedly delayed, but we should finally get a name soon

Published Aug 11th, 2017 9:18AM EDT
Android 8.0 Release Date
Image: YouTube

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Google was supposed to release the Android 8.0 update for Pixel phones by mid-August, various reports from trustworthy sources claimed, but it appears that the upgrade was delayed. We have no idea what caused the schedule change, but at the very least, we may soon find out what Android O stands for.

Android Police’s well-informed David Ruddock said a few days ago that the Pixel’s Android O update was imminent. Now he’s back with bad news, and there’s no reason not to trust him:

https://twitter.com/RDR0b11/status/895711402995757056

“The Android O update for Pixel has been pushed back (surprise),” he tweeted, adding that there’s no new release for the upgrade. However, he followed up with an interesting rumor that he can’t verify at this point. Apparently, Google is going to tell us the official name of Android 8.0 on August 21st, on the same day of the eclipse:

https://twitter.com/RDR0b11/status/895720329745530881
https://twitter.com/RDR0b11/status/895720628426166273

It’s unclear what the relationship between the solar eclipse and Android O is — maybe “O” looks like the moon?

https://twitter.com/RDR0b11/status/895720859070898176
https://twitter.com/RDR0b11/status/895720986510741504
https://twitter.com/RDR0b11/status/895721538162380800

And it’s not clear why Google would make a big deal about Android O, beyond installing a new Android statue as is customary every year. On the other hand, the iPhone 8 is coming in September, so Google may be looking to steal some of Apple’s thunder with a splashy Android O name unveiling event.

On the other hand, if Oreo is Android O’s dessert name — one can only hope — then it would definitely require some sort of special attention. Though that doesn’t explain the space connection.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.