Crazy Rumor: Android 5.0 "Jelly Bean" in 2Q12

[Jailani]

Earlier this week, Motorola said that the delay in launching Android
4.0 mainly rests on Google's shoulders, as the company developed the
platform based around one hardware set and is currently writing code
that will make Ice Cream Sandwich edible on all hardware
configurations. Motorola also released its upgrade schedule on
Wednesday, clearly showing why devices have yet to receive the v4.0
upgrade.

Yet despite this, Taiwan-based supply chain makers claim that Google
will launch Android 5.0 "Jelly Bean" -- notice it doesn't even follow
the frozen treat theme -- as early as 2Q12 because the adoption of Ice
Cream Sandwich has fallen short of original expectations. They also
claim Google will launch Jelly Bean in this specific timeframe so that
it will be ready for Windows 8 this fall.

According to the sources, Android 5.0 will be further optimized for
tablets while also integrating Chrome system functions. This means
Google plans to push for dual-operating system designs on Windows 8
devices. Vendors can either choose to use Android 5.0 solely on the
device, or pack it with Windows 8 and provide the means to switch
between the two operating systems without the need to reboot.

Notice the word "device." There's indication by the unnamed supply
chain makers that Google intends to use Android 5.0 "Jelly Bean" to
enter the notebook and netbook markets again. But given that Android
4.0 did not perform as well as expected even though it's really not
completely available on the market, several Google downstream partners
are turning conservative about the rumored Android 5.0.

What's likely the case is that Android 5.0 "Jelly Bean" is actually a
new version of ChromeOS, not Android. It may be a long time before we
see the next version of Android released given Google's developmental
track record with the mobile OS.

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/Android-Windows-8-Jelly-Bean-5.0-ChromeOS,news-14203.html