Android O is O-fficially launching August 21

Google has revealed the launch date for the final version of Android O: August 21. Google will be livestreaming an unveiling event live from New York City at 2:40pm ET to coincide with the solar eclipse. There's a new teaser site up at Android.com/eclipse, which counts down the time until the event. "Android O is touching down to Earth with the total solar eclipse," the site promises, "bringing some super (sweet) new powers!"

Android O (which we know will be version 8.0) is currently on its fourth developer preview, having originally launched in March. At the event we're expecting Google to unveil the traditional snack-themed codename for the OS, finally revealing what the "O" in "Android O" stands for. It should also start pushing out OTA updates for at least the Pixel and Pixel XL, with updates for older Google devices happening the day of the event or shortly after

Android O is not a mystery at this point. The OS brings a big revamp of the notification panel with a new layout, colors, and features like snoozing. Google is clamping down on background apps for more consistent performance and better battery life. There are new, updatable emoji, a faster startup time, an all new settings app, and lots of security enhancements, including the new "Google Play Protect" anti-malware branding. Most importantly, Android 8.0 brings Project Treble to new devices, a modularization of the OS away from the hardware. That initiative should make it easier to develop and roll out new Android updates.

Google's Android rollouts always come in two stages, though. After the AOSP release are the proprietary Google app releases and updates, which often bring the most significant features. Maybe we'll get a taste of what new things the proprietary side of Google has been cooking up (like Google Lens!), or maybe Google will save that for the launch of the Pixel 2, which will be later this year.

Tune in on Monday for the latest from the event. Once we get a feel for the final version, you can expect to find our usual book-length Android review soon after.