Google, by tradition, releases its signature smartphones - likely to be labeled Pixel 2 - in the last few months of the year but things could change this 2017. There is a chance the sequels to the Pixel and Pixel XL phones will arrive earlier than expected, thanks to the just confirmed Android O.

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Android version 8.0 is now official and the first developer preview is ready for test driving. The announcement came as a surprise, according to WCCFTech, as normally Google would wait for its annual I/O Developers Conference to introduce a fresh version of its mobile OS. So the move inevitably triggered speculations and one thing that tickles the mind is the likelihood of an advanced debut for the Pixel 2.

It's now a possibility that when the I/O 2017 kicks off on May 17, Google will also uncloak the companion mobile devices to go with Android O. And it makes sense as the next Android will have to make use of showcase devices to best highlight the new Android O features cooked up for optimal mobile experience.

Per BGR, there are many new things to love about Android O aside from the fact that the OS on Pixel phones will be the purest it can be. The notification alerts have been trimmed down, there will be native support for higher quality audio, Picture-in-picture is now part of the package to allow multitasking when viewing clips and a host of other notable enhancements.

But what really stands out for Android O is Google's promise of longer battery life when the OS goes live. This will be made possible by streamlining and optimizing apps behavior when in use or in idle state, BGR said on its report.

It's fair to assume that all these new sweet things about Android O will first spring in action through the upcoming Pixel 2 phones. WCCFTech is convinced that when officially unveiled, the new OS will take the name Android Oreo and this is bound happen in time for the Google I/O 2017, which is less than two months away.

The same event is likely to give birth to the Pixel 2017 smartphones that according to rumors will come in three variants and currently codenamed Muskie, Walleye and Taimen - all boasting of display screens over 5-inch. The release date, if indeed will happen earlier, could follow in the next few months or even weeks instead of the usual October or November rollout.