Android O is gradually starting to emerge and it seems like Huawei may be the first OEM aside from Google to start testing it.
The next version of Google's mobile operating system is dubbed Android O for now, and is rumored to launch as Android 8.0 Oreo, maintaining the company's tradition of naming its OS versions after delicious sweets.
Google fired up the Android 8.0 O developer preview earlier this month, offering a glimpse of the exciting new features, and some Pixel and Nexus users are already running the new OS build before the final release.
Huawei Mate 9 Testing Android O
It now looks like the same applies to the Huawei Mate 9 although it's not part of Google's device lineup. Huawei apparently chose the sleek and powerful Mate 9 to test the unreleased preview of Android O, which indicates that the handset will be among the first in line to get the latest OS once it hits the scene. Nevertheless, it's intriguing that Huawei chose the Mate 9 for testing and not the more recent Huawei P10 or P10 Plus unveiled recently at the Mobile World Congress 2017.
As XDA Developers reports, Huawei has already released internal builds of Android O for the Mate 9 in an attempt to fine-tune its own EMUI user interface to play nice with the new OS.
Huawei Mate 9 Android O Limitations
As exciting as it sounds, it's worth pointing out that these internal builds of Android O that are currently making rounds among testers are facing some limitations for now. As often the case with such test builds, these versions lack some important features and are therefore not suitable for use as daily drivers.
The Google Play Store, for instance, doesn't work unless users specifically sideload Google Play Services after they've installed the Android O test build. At the same time, only two languages are currently available with this Android O build - English and Chinese (Mandarin). Considering that it's just a test build, however, it's hardly a surprise that it comes with some limitations.
On a more positive note, Huawei did sprinkle some new developer options and more goodies to sweeten the build.
Android O Release
Google is expected to unleash the final version of Android O later this year, with the highly anticipated Pixel 2 line as the launch vehicles for the new OS. Each year Google launches new devices made in collaboration with other OEMs to highlight the stock Android iteration and other non-Google devices get the new OS sometime after that.
If it's already testing Android O, Huawei might be able to release the new OS for the Mate 9 soon after Google launches the final version. Huawei seems keen on delivering major new updates to customers before other OEMs and more devices in its lineup will likely get the treat as well.
It remains to be seen just when exactly Android O will officially hit the scene, as Google has yet to announce a specific launch date. As always, we'll keep you up to date as soon as we learn more.
