Since 2009 Google’s Android has name each iteration of their operating system with word, running in alphabetical order, the BBC reports. Aside from the first two versions these have been named after something sweet (the most recent in-use version is ‘pie’). The full list is shown below:
The Android operating systems to date have been:
Android (Alpha)
Android (Beta)
Android Cupcake
Android Donut
Android Eclair
Android Froyo
Android Gingerbread
Android Honeycomb
Android Ice Cream Sandwich
Android Jellybean
Android KitKat
Android Lollipop
Android Marshmallow
Android Nougat
Android Oreo
Android Pie
Android ….. ?
Now the pattern has been broken. The reason for doing so is because Google thinks the use of names has made it too difficult for consumers to know which version of the operating system is the latest. The new version won’t begin with something named after the letter ‘Q’; it will simply be called Android 10.
In a blog post, Google states: “We’ve heard feedback over the years that the names weren’t always understood by everyone in the global community.” In the message, Google indicates that the letters L and R are “not distinguishable when spoken in some languages”. So this means that, “as a global operating system, it’s important that these names are clear and relatable for everyone in the world.”
Google is also going to change the Android branding, in relation to the logo and color. The word “Android” will be given a different font and it will appear in black instead of green. The robot symbol will join the wordmark. The new logo has been designed to be easier to spot and read.
