An anonymous source states that users have been running early builds of an Android/Chrome OS hybrid, known as “Andromeda“, on the HTC Nexus 9, and that Google has been internally testing its new OS. It was intentionally vague, and when called on for clarification by someone querying about whether he’s referring to a rebrand to Pixel, he says it’s “literally not dead”, and further commented that Google’s Pixel line is a nice distraction from Nexus.
Lastly, Android Nougat 7.0 will be released on the E series devices like E3 Power, Moto E Gen 3 and also the G 2015.
Of late, there have been a number of reports that indicate that Google has plans to merge the Android and the Chrome OS, and to come out with a whole new OS, the Andromeda OS.
Rumors say that Andromeda is focused on making Android more suitable for devices like laptops, tablets and 2-in-1 devices. Do you want the Android-powered laptop that runs Android apps and has the Chrome browser, or do you want the Chrome-based laptop that runs Android apps? Apparently, a tweet has nearly confirmed the merger, and it came from Hiroshi Lockheimer, the Senior VP of Android, Google Play and Chrome.
Google’s new series of Pixel smartphones are widely expected to be the biggest showstoppers at its upcoming October 4 event. Google, is essentially going all out with Bison but alike the Pixel Chromebook, this could be merely the ideal showcase of Andromeda’s features.
However, according to Android Police, Andromeda is a completely separate effort from Android apps on Chrome OS.
OK, then. On October 4, we know that Google is more than likely going to announce the Pixel and Pixel XL phones, Google Home pricing and availability, and a new Chromecast Ultra and Google WiFi routers.
Additionally, 9to5 Google has discovered code in the Android Open Source Project for Android 7.0 that directly references “Andromeda devices”.
The merged Android + Chrome operating system is allegedly code-named Andromeda OS, and if you’re wondering what kind of hardware will ship with the OS, Android Police has a follow-up.
Bison is also expected to have 32GB or 128GB of internal storage, and 8GB or 16GB of RAM. It’s thought Bison is the reason why we’re yet to see a new Chromebook Pixel for 2016.
Google’s previous smartphones were branded Nexus, but the Geekbench listing makes it nearly certain that will change.