Going into Google’s big developer conference, one of the biggest questions was whether or not we would see a whole new version — the “L” version — of Android. The answer is yes, and it comes from Android frontman Sundar Pichai via Bloomberg Businessweek.
From Businessweek:
This year, Pichai will preview the next release (Lollipop? Lemonhead?) for the first time at I/O rather than waiting until the fall. It’s a significant shift toward greater transparency. “I want the world to understand what we are doing sooner,” he says.
Pichai didn’t stop there either, mentioning not only Android Wear but also Android TV. Granted, both of these are pretty much locks for Google I/O considering Android Wear has already been announced and Android TV is pretty much an open secret, although a comment from Pichai on how “crazy” it is that folks have to go to the doctor to have their blood pressure and heart rate checked hints at the as-yet-unannounced Google Fit.
There are still plenty of questions though. In the past Google has announced new versions of Android and immediately started pushing them to Nexus devices and beyond, but it’s possible this new version of Android might be in a significantly more beta-form given its earlier release.
Then of course there’s the issue of what it’s called. Lollipop is probably the obvious choice, but is Google going to opt for a #Brand again? We only have to wait a day to find out. [Bloomberg Businessweek]