Just reported over at Android Police, there are rumors flying that not only is Google planning a fully separate OS codenamed Andromeda, but there is also a Pixel 3 that will be launched to show it off.
This event sure is bringing the hype, isn’t it?
You can read the original article right here, but a quick summation is that the Wall Street Journal article we discussed over here last night could be coming to fruition via a new OS codenamed Andromeda and a new Pixel codenames ‘Bison’. The OS and its flagship device look to be available about a year from now in Q3 2017.
Yeah, one year from now.
The sources could not be revealed for obvious reasons, but according to these sources, Android Police reports they are confident that this project is a totally separate initiative from the Play Store coming to Chromebooks, unlike what we posited just last night. While this likely won’t be the center of the 10/4 Event, it looks possible that Google may tease something about it. We are honestly unsure right now, but that tweet from the Android/Chrome/Play SVP still makes me think there’s going to be something at least mentioned at the event.
Anyway, here are the proposed specs of ‘Bison’ as of right now:
- Core m3 or i5
- 8GB or 16GB RAM
- Fingerprint Scanner
- 2 USB-C ports
- Headphone Jack (yeah, it’s a feature now)
- 4 Speakers
- 10-hour battery
- Back-lit Keyboard
- Wacom Stylus
- 10mm thin
- $799 price tag
To be fair, this is Google we are talking about. They test a lot of things and see what works. In the article, it seems Android Police are saying the sources and info are firm, but not to write this stuff in stone yet.
And I feel the same way. As much as I love Google’s products and services, their M.O. with new products and services disappearing after a short amount of time is infamous. Wave and Buzz were a big deal and were done away with. Google+ was supposed to be huge and kinda failed. Hangouts seemed legit, but is now being pushed aside for Allo. Anyone remember GPE devices? Android TV? Nexus Q? The list goes on, but my point is: don’t assume too much, too soon.
While it does seem that something is happening with Andromeda, there’s just no way to know it will actually show up. And, if it does, there’s no way to know what it will look like, either. Who knows, by next year, the landscape of tablets, phones, and laptops could look very different.
With this timeline in mind, what do you all think Google is up to? Love to hear in the comments!