Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie Release Date: Will Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Or Galaxy S4 Be First To Run Google's New OS?

Android 5.0 "Key Lime Pie" rumors have begun to gain momentum after being dormant since Google's I/O Conference in May. New reports suggest that the operating system will be released in October, in conjunction with the release of the Nexus 5. Samsung enthusiasts are also anxious to know when Android 5.0 will roll out onto their favorite and highly anticipated devices, namely the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the Samsung Galaxy Note 3.

Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie was a hot topic earlier in the year; however, when it wasn't unveiled at Google’s I/O conference, enthusiasts began to pay more attention to increasing reports of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. While the operating systems remain unconfirmed by Google, many are certain that they are both on the way, expecting Android 4.3 to be a minor update while Android 5.0 will be a major one.

Even though Android 5.0 wasn't unveiled at the I/O conference, it did make an appearance. Several attendees noted Google’s use of Key Lime Pie Easter eggs throughout conference seminars, including a graphic slide that featured an Android robot wearing a top hat and eating a slice of key lime pie, and a rudimentary fighting game featuring several characters described as a Cthulhu monster called Biteyboro, whose “powers” include Chrome, Jelly Bean and Key Lime Pie. Google notably made no mention of an Android system number (5.0); however, many have considered that at least we know the conglomerate has the Key Lime Pie name in mind.

Fast-forward a few months and now rumors propose that devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and Samsung Galaxy S3 will soon receive Android 4.3 updates before seeing Android 5.0 roll out. Tipsters from India's Samsung R&D told tech website Temefy that the popular Samsung Galaxy S4 and the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 2 are in the running to receive Android 5.0 updates. But which Samsung device will be the first to host Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie? Here are our suggestions.

Samsung Galaxy S4

Despite conflicting reports about sales for the Samsung Galaxy S4, the device appears to be faring well on the market. Having sold over 20 million handsets in two months of availability, the Galaxy S4 currently holds the record as the fastest selling Android device in the world. The Samsung Galaxy S4 has a number of other accolades under its belt. Not only was it the first device to ship with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, it was also the first non-Nexus device introduced with stock Android in its Google Play Edition, and also the first device to have LTE Advanced capability in its variant featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor.

Samsung has shown that the Galaxy S4 is a device with which it loves to experiment, making it the perfect tester for upcoming versions of Android. With the Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition expected to see updates roll out a lot faster than the original Galaxy S4, it may be through the Samsung/Google hybrid that we get to experience the next Android updates firsthand.

Firmware for the Google Play Edition Android 4.3 is already available, likely indicating that the official software is on its way. If the proposed July release date for Android 4.3 is true, we may see the operating system launch on the rumored new Nexus 7 tablet before rolling out onto the Google Play Edition Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One soon after. With Android 5.0 then expected to launch on the Nexus 5 smartphone in October, the Google Play Edition devices should be in the running to promptly receive a Key Lime Pie update.

This idea is plausible largely due to Google’s loosely consistent pattern of releasing one operating system in the warmer months and one in the colder months. Android 4.1 notably released in July 2012 while Android 4.2 was announced in October and released in November due to hurricane Sandy. As per Google’s pattern, we are currently in prime Android release season. To date, no summer release has occurred past July.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3

Currently, rumors propose that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will be unveiled on Sept. 4 during the preview days of the IFA Expo in Berlin, which would likely make its release date sometime in late September or October, as per Samsung’s release schedule. Devices in the Galaxy Note series are also well known for an autumn release pattern. The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and the original Galaxy Note released in September 2012 and October 2011, respectively. The Galaxy Note 2 also introduced the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean to the Samsung line.

Many expect that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will be released with Android 4.3. If rumors are true, Android 4.3 will have been on the market for several months before the launch of the Galaxy Note 3, giving Samsung ample time to adopt the operating system for its device.

On the other hand, Android 5.0 will likely launch much too close to the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 release to be a feasible option as an introductory operating system, with the Galaxy Note 3 expected to release in September and Android 5.0 expected to release in October. Similarly, the November 2012 release of Android 4.2.2 took place less than a month after the release of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, which again was the first device to run Android 4.1. Considering Samsung’s previous launches, it seems like the Galaxy Note 3 has the best chance of being first to run Android 4.3 before the prompt release of Android 5.0.

Verdict?

Despite the loophole needed to come to this conclusion, it appears the device most likely to receive Android 5.0 between the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and the Samsung Galaxy S4 is the Galaxy S4. Though it remains unknown exactly what Google’s release plans are for its next operating system, the Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition seems to be the most likely candidate to introduce Android 5.0 to the Samsung line due to its “Nexus” status in conjunction with Google’s release history and the timing, for which Android 5.0 will likely release.

Which Samsung device do you think will be the first to run Android 5.0? Let us know in the comments below.

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