Google Android L Release Date Pegged for 1 November following Nexus X and Nexus 9 October Launch
According to the latest rumours, the Google Android L OS will be launched in early November 2014, shortly after the Nexus X smartphone and Nexus 9 tablet launch in mid-October.
The latest rumours originate from a report published on Android Authority that pegs Android L for official release on 1 November, and the Nexus 9 on either 15/16 October 2014. The latest reports backup earler rumours to the same effect.
Along with the Android L and the next-gen Nexus tablet, Google is also expected to showcase (during its speculated 15/16 October event) the next-gen Nexus smartphone, rumoured to carry the name Nexus X rather than Nexus 6.
The next-gen Nexus X is expected to pose intense competition to Apple's recently released iPhone 6 smartphone.
What we know so far
Hardware for Nexus X is highly expected to be supplied by Motorola, and the company is also said to be giving a new smartphone codenamed 'Motorola Shamu' the works. Motorola Shamu (or Moto S) is widely believed to be released as the next-gen Nexus smartphone.
As per recent reports, Nexus X is expected to incorporate a large 5.9in display, and run Google's Android L (showcased at the company's IO conference) straight out of the box.
Other tech specs of Nexus X could include a 2.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor with 3GB RAM, 13 MP primary camera with a 2MP secondary camera, and connectivity options like 4G-LTE, Wi-Fi, NFC and microUSB.
Google's next-gen Nexus 9 tablet is said to be manufactured by Taiwan-based consumer electronics manufacturer HTC. Like the Nexus 6, the next-gen Nexus tablet had become the subject of rumour mills that had earlier indicated that HTC was manufacturing a tablet codenamed 'Volantis.' Volantis was also said to feature an 8.9in display, and run Android L straight out of the box.
However, the nomenclature of the next-gen Nexus tablet (manufactured by HTC) is yet to be made official by Google/HTC.
Though not official at this point in time, HTC Nexus 9 will incorporate a 9in display, and will be driven by the Nvidia Tegra K1 processor with 2GB RAM.
An 8MP rear camera and a 3MP front camera are expected to adorn the device. Nexus 9 is also expected to be sold commercially in two storage variants – 16GB and 32GB.
An important aspect to look for in Google's Android L is the 'material design' interface which the operating system is expected to bring along. Recently, Google's Chromium OS research team was reported to be working on incorporating an Android L like user interface (UI) within Google's Chrome OS.
This project is part of a larger initiative termed 'Project Athena' that promises a completely redesigned and new user experience to Chrome users.
Click here to check out the interface that Project Athena will bring along.
Another important functionality, the 'multi-user' mode is also expected within Android L. 'Multi-User Mode' is expected to be prevalent on Android L driven smartphones, which means that multiple user accounts can be created to use any particular Android L smartphone.
Multi-user mode comes with a set of advantages, and the functionality looks custom-made for business users who can virtually separate work files from personal files within smartphones.
Also, with the multi-user mode, it is possible for parents to monitor how/what their children view on smartphones, thereby exerting parental control.
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