Latest reports claim that the Android L release date is Oct. 16, and that the new OS will be named Android Lollipop.

Google dropped a hint or two when the  tech giant celebrated its 16th birthday last weekend.  The company's birthday cake suggested that 16th of October will be the release date of Android L.  Also, because the cake was topped with a giant, colorful lollipop, it is speculated that Android L will be called Android Lollipop.

"Today our cake has 16 candles (plus 1 to grow on)," said the caption.

Android L is reportedly the biggest Android version in history, packed with more than 5,000 new Application Programming Interfaces (API). However, this is not finalized and more could be revealed in the final build.

Incidentally, the alleged Nexus 9 tablet is also speculated to have a mid-October release date.  Android Authority cited two different sources familiar with Google's plans who revealed that the Nexus 9 tablet will be released alongside "a new software initiative" and will debut either on Oct. 15 or 16.

The HTC Nexus 9 will allegedly pack an 8.9-inch screen display with 2048 x 1440 pixel resolution and 221dpi, 2GB RAM, and HTC's famous front-facing speakers. Reports also stated that there will be a bump in the price of the tablet. There were speculations that the alleged HTC-made Nexus 9 will replace Google's previous tablets – Nexus 7 and Nexus 10.

Moreover, the Google Nexus 9 will come with various case accessories, including a keyboard folio. The tech giant will fuse the features and capabilities of iPad's Smart Cover and Surface Pro's Type Cover keyboard. However, due to the smaller width, the keys are expected to be more cramped compared to a standard keyboard. Nevertheless, it offers access to QWERTY keys as well as to Android function keys.

However, Google has not confirmed nor denied any of these rumors.