When talking about the many
versions of Android had been released since its introduction in 2008, one
cannot help perhaps to feel their sweet tooth being tickled. That of course
refers to the sweets-themed naming scheme employed for the Google-developed
mobile operating system that took off from version 1.1, known as “Petit Four”
in development. Android 1.5 “Cupcake” in 2009 was when the nicknaming scheme
was introduced to the public, and succeeding versions followed up with an
alphabetic scheme. Tech-savvy Android users have wondered what Google’s
official name for the Android Q (version 10) would be. As it turns out, it is
just the number.
The Verge reports that Android 10 is the official name being given
by Google to their latest mobile operating system version, and it would seem
the decade-long convention of using names of desserts in alphabetical order is
now out. That pretty much solves the internet giant’s problem of deciding what
sweets name that starts with “Q” will grace this latest Android iteration
following version 9 “Pie” from last year. And it will be the way things will go
from this point on, with Google hinting that Android 10’s successor will be
Android 11, et cetera.
Along with the version naming
change, there also comes a slight visual tweak on the operating system’s logo.
The font is still somewhat the same, but is just slightly slimmer and taller,
with the default color shifting from green to black (on promotional images, not
phone displays). Android global brand director Aude Gandon describes the
alteration as being “more modern.” The robot icon is retained however, because
it is completely linked to the Android name, making the brand “human, fun and approachable”
according to Gandon.
There is also a spirit of
pragmatism in what spurred Google to make this momentous change with a
milestone iteration of Android, as confirmed by Google VP Sameer Samat. The
prevailing opinion in the MOS development team was that using dessert names was
no longer inclusive, particularly ever since Android became a globally
ubiquitous brand. As Samat puts it, the sweets names used for past Android
versions might not click much in certain foreign markets. Numbers on the other
hand are universal in their use. For collectors however, Google will still make
a traditional Android statue commemorating the new version, but with the number
10 replacing the customary dessert item.
But while the version number is
the new branding theme for Android versions, Google will continue to use
nicknames for development, but that will be an internal secret. It is just as
well; apparently the internal name for Android 1.0 way back in 2008 was
Astroid, which is no dessert.
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