Google has released the Android O Developer Preview 3 for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Pixel and Pixel XL, but many are still wondering when Google will name Android O (it’s certain to be Android Oreo) and give it a number. All developer previews were marked simple as ‘O’ under Android version, with the assumption that Android O may not be as large of an overhaul as one would assume.

There have been earlier days in Android history when the next system update didn’t receive a major x.x distinction: Android Jelly Bean came with Android 4.1, right after Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0). Jelly Bean stretched beyond Android 4.1 to 4.2 and even 4.3, then along came KitKat at 4.4. Ever since Android 5.0 though, Google has been designating x.0 for new major system updates, with 5.0 for Lollipop, 6.0 for Marshmallow, and 7.0 for Nougat. Even with this new track record, there’s no guarantee that Google can’t (or won’t) change its mind regarding the designation of updates.

Well, there’s good news for those who have been agonizing over the numeric designation of the upcoming system update: Google has finally listed Android O as Android 8.0.0 in Android O’s Developer Preview 3.

What’s interesting about this designation, apart from the number “8,” is that Google has added the “.0” at the end; this is a sign that Google intends to issue some small incremental Android O updates before moving to Android 9.0 P next year. Small, incremental updates are designed to squash bugs and improve performance; one can never get too much of an improved user experience.

The Developer Preview 3 tells us that Google is soon to release the update (since higher preview numbers move us ever closer to the mass release), and Google’s very own Google Pixel and Pixel XL will be the first devices to get Android O (or Android 8.0.0) in August, with future incremental Android O updates to come.

Via: Android Police