Google could push out Android O before Apple releases iOS 11, and new Pixel phone might come packed with the new operating system in mid-August. Earlier, it was expected that the next version of the OS would be released about the same time as the new Pixel devices, which is usually in October.
Android O coming to Pixel phones first
David Ruddock of Android Police stated that the Pixel and Pixel XL will be the first smartphones to get the Android O update. According to Ruddock, the new version of Android will be released either in the first or second week of August before the Nexus devices.
Ruddock stated that the source of information can be trusted, but there could be some changes in the release day. Once the updated version is launched for the Pixel devices, other Android-based manufacturers will be able to get its hands on it.
As of now, there is no information on if the older Nexus devices or the Google Pixel C will also get the new Android version at the same time. Ruddock, however, does say that for the Nexus devices, the update will come a little later. It must be noted that the Android O Beta was compatible with the Nexus 5, Nexus 6P and Pixel C.
Apart from Android O, Google is also preparing to launch new Pixel phones this year. It has been reported that the search giant is keen to invest $880 million into LG Display to make sure that the supply of curved OLEDs does not fall short. If the companies come together, then the next generation of Pixel phones could sport a curved display similar to the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+.
Is iOS 11 better?
Android O was one of the most talked-about things during Google I/O 2017, but ever since Apple showcased its latest version of iOS, comparisons are being drawn between the features of Android O and iOS 11. During WWDC, Apple talked about new features coming to iOS, such as augmented reality and upgrades to Siri.
Both Android O and iOS 11 will come with smart voice assistance, better speed and augmented reality. Android’s latest version allows videos or Google Maps navigation to be embedded in a floating thumbnail to help users view them while doing other things. It will also allow for auto selection of the name, address or business and phone number to copy and paste.
On the other hand, among the attractive features that Apple is offering in iOS are paying friends in iMessage through Apple Pay and playing audio on multiple speakers in your house. Critics think that features such as copy/paste offered in Android O will be more useful, and Android Phones are already capable of playing music from a phone to multiple speakers. On the other hand, making payments in iMessage is also useful.
When it comes to augmented and virtual reality, Android is clearly the leader with Daydream for VR, Tango for AR and the latest handsets, notes CNET. Apple, on the other hand, has just started with augmented reality but is confident that it will become the world’s largest reality platform with the launch of its ARKit developer platform later this year.
