Android 5.0 could debut this summer

Supply chain sources close to Google state that the release of the latest version of the Android™ mobile operating system, believed to be internally nicknamed Jelly Bean, could debut as early as this summer. There are also rumors circulating that, like versions 3.0 and 4.0, Android 5.0 is being developed with devices other than smartphones in mind.

"Android 5.0 will be further optimized for tablet PCs, while Google will also integrate its Chrome™ system functions to push dual-operating system designs," sources tell DigiTimes. The projected release date is in the third quarter of this year, the sources added.

This means original equipment manufacturers will have the option of building tablet computers and netbooks that run both Android and the forthcoming Windows® 8 operating system. DigiTimes reports the move demonstrates Google's desire to increase its stance within the laptop industry.

Google's previously released Android 3.0, known as Honeycomb, is also optimized for tablet computers. And rumors of Android 5.0 are beginning to circulate even as version 4.0, also known as Ice Cream Sandwich, is in its infancy.