Android 10: Google has no room for dessert with next update to mobile OS
The 2019 version of the OS ends a decade-long commitment to naming major annual updates after treats, such as cupcake and eclair.
Thursday 22 August 2019 15:55, UK
Google has revealed that the next version of its mobile operating system will simply be called Android 10.
It brings an end to a decade-long commitment to naming its major annual updates after a dessert, with cupcake, eclair, gingerbread, honeycomb and ice cream sandwich among the previous picks.
The 2019 version of the OS had been going by the working title of Android Q - and the announcement suggests Google struggled to think of a pudding beginning with that letter.
But in a blog post, Google said it had made the decision to change because the treat-inspired names "were not always understood by everyone in the global community".
The tech giant explained that because the letters L and R are indistinguishable in some languages, not everyone was clear that Android Lollipop was indeed the successor to Android KitKat - and people coming to the OS for the first time were potentially just as confused.
Google said: "As a global operating system, it's important that these names are clear and relateable for everyone in the world. So, this next release of Android will simply use the version number and be called Android 10.
"We think this change helps make release names simpler and more intuitive for our global community."
The newly-revealed logo for the update includes the recognisable robot mascot that has remained a feature of Android over the years, but Google had little else to say of note about the release.
It is due to start arriving on smartphones around the world before the end of the year, and could coincide with the latest entry in the Google Pixel range, which will likely be revealed in October.
Google has already delivered a new phone this year - a budget version of the Pixel 3 - and much like the next version of the iPhone, few major changes are expected from its flagship 2019 device.
As for Android 10, the tech giant has previously said that it will include a dark mode and a "smart reply" feature allowing users to quickly shoot off a quick response to a message as suggested by the phone.
Google has also promised enhanced privacy options, including an incognito mode for its Maps app, and more parental controls for those whose children have an Android device.