This has been a busy week for Android M. The next mobile OS from Google is expected to launch this fall in tandem with the second-generation Nexus 5 (2015) flagship smartphone -- and that's looking very likely to be made by Chinese manufacturer Huawei.

Here's what new reports have to say about Android M, the Second Generation Nexus 5 2015, and what's in store from Google as the release date for both approaches.

Nexus 5 (2015) Refresh: Rumor Roundup

New Leaked Image?

First off, is this yet another leaked photo of the Nexus 2015?

(Photo : Android.com/phones)

It looks like it could be, though the original source of the rumor, Android Pit, is hedging its bets. Supporting the claim: Just like the last time we possibly saw a Nexus 2015 image, this one comes from Google. In particular, it's from the top splash image in Android.com's phone page.

The reason for doubt is that it seems too obvious, and looks too generic. Android Pit discovered the origin of the image is from a commercial image archive, so chances are this one's not the real deal.

But there's still a possibility. The last time we saw a possible Nexus 2015 device was also from a Google production, in a video on Android Pay from the Google Developers channel on YouTube. Wait until about three minutes to see mystery device.

Nexus Angler from Huawei Looking More Probable

As we previously reported, some early rumors had both LG and Huawei building different sized versions of the Nexus 5 second generation for a release date in fall 2015.

While the rumored LG 5.2-inch Nexus 5 2 is still up in the air -- after all, Google has used the excellent hardware manufacturer for previous Nexus devices -- it appears the rumors that Huawei's 5.7-inch "Nexus Angler" phablet are gaining steam.

Just this week, The Verge saw the rumor buildup fit to report on, pulling from previous sources that support the Huawei theory such as the International Business Times, Android Police, and now a new report from The Information (semi-paywalled).

All sources say that, in a first for Google, Huawei will indeed be the manufacturer of the 5.7-inch Nexus 5 2015, but The Information's take on why is particularly enlightening and quite interesting.

According to their report, the Huawei Nexus Angler could just be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

The logic is obvious if you look beyond the Nexus 2015:

First, China, and Huawei in particular, is obviously on the rise in terms of the global smartphone market.

While Apple has been making gold-clad overtures to the Chinese market for a couple years, Google's partnering with a local rising star to design your next flagship phone might automatically give Android some easy market share.

Second, you have to remember that Google isn't just Android and Nexus devices. They're the global leader in search, and as such, the company has a long history of butting heads with China over political issues, free speech, etc.

Right now, many aspects of Google's multifarious business are very restricted by the Chinese government. This includes the mobile app store, which Google would very much like to bring to the huge, mobile-growing country. The Information claimed Huawei is in talks with Google to do just that.

Finally, on Huawei's side, it could use the partnership with Google to help its credibility in western markets -- especially as the company has been accused by many of using its devices to spy for the Chinese government. It's also got its first smartwatch coming soon and wants it to have a global audience.

Android M Release Date Inches Closer

As Dev. Preview 2 Rolls Out

Finally, there's the second iteration of the Android M developer preview, which Google launched this week for the Nexus 5, Nexus 6, and Nexus 9, as NDTV reported.

While most will have to wait until the next Nexus device is released to get their earliest peak at the new (still unnamed) Android M operating system, developers with these devices are already getting a peak at its features -- and under the hood.

With the release of the Android M Developer Preview 2 (available from Google here for download) comes the first incremental update and the first tweaks to Android M's foundations. That means updated SDK tools, new system images, and all kinds of technical tweaks based on the feedback from the first couple of months of developers testing Android M.

It also means one more step towards the eventual wide release of Android M. Check out Google's support notes for details on new changes coming in Android M Dev. Preview 2 -- and if you're feeling particularly feisty, you can always scan through the documentation and available code for buried hints of new features or details on the new Nexus smartphones.