Google Nexus 8 release date was reportedly scheduled in July with the upcoming Android 4.5 Lollipop OS.

It was initially speculated that Google will unveil the next generation of its Android operating system, dubbed as 4.5 Lollipop, in June at its annual I/O Conference alongside the rumored tablet Google Nexus 8. The alleged tablet will hit the shelves in July with the aforementioned Android OS right out-of-the-box.

However, The Next Digit cited a Google employee from Dublin who claimed that the tablet may hold its separate launching event in July. He said that Google will stick to introducing its new operating system at the I/O conference. The tech event will also highlight other Google services.

The report continued that the Nexus 8 will replace the current Nexus 7 tablet and will battle head on with Apple's iPad Mini with Retina Display. The report added that the sudden shift is because Google see that the 8-inch tablet market has fewer competitors compared to the 7-inch section. Thus, Google can exploit and capitalize more in the 8-inch arena.

The search engine giant announced the first and second generation of Nexus 7 in July 2012 and July 2013, respectively. Thus, it is most likely that Google will do the same this year. Grapevine also claimed that Google Nexus 8 will sport a higher price tag because of the larger screen display as well as improved specs and features. Reports stated that Google was working closely with Taiwanese manufacturer HTC in creating the 8-inch tablet.

Meanwhile, Google was reportedly working on giving the Android 4.5 a major facelift. Rumors added that Google will also give its web apps a makeover based on the leaked photos which emerged last week showed how Android 4.5 may look like. According to Android Police, Google will make it mobile icons to resemble icons web icons.

However, Google fans may have to wait a little longer as the company has not confirmed any of these rumors.