It’s about that time again. Spring weather is here, a new season of Game of Thrones is upon us, and we’re getting ready for the next version of Android.
According to Google’s naming convention, the Alphabet company names each Android version for a dessert or sweet-snack, in alphabetical order.
To date, here are the Android versions Google has released to the public so far:
- Cupcake: Android 1.5
- Donut: Android 1.6
- Eclair: Android 2.0
- Froyo: Android 2.2
- Gingerbread: Android 2.3
- Honeycomb: Android 3.0 (tablet only)
- Ice Cream Sandwich: Android 4.0
- Jelly Bean: Android 4.1
- KitKat: Android 4.4
- Lollipop: Android 5.0
- Marshmallow: Android 6.0
So what will Android N be called? At this point, it’s anyone’s guess.
I don’t think Google even knows yet, as I recently received a Google Opinion Rewards survey asking what “tasty” food comes to mind that starts with N.
- Don’t Miss: Get Android N Features on Your Phone Right Now
What makes the guessing game even more complicated is that these versions usually have two names: one that Google uses internally, and one that is attached to the final version — which have never been the same.
KitKat was originally Key Lime Pie, Lollipop was Lemon Meringue Pie, and Marshmallow was Macadamia Nut Cookie. Clearly, they’re okay with the long name for internal use. According to Android Police, “N” is currently being called “New York Cheesecake” inside Google HQ.
With that knowledge in hand, journey with me as I explore potential names for Android N, from most-likely to least-likely, and share your own thoughts in the comment section.
- Don’t Miss: How to Install Android N on Your Nexus
Nutella
This one seems like a no-brainer. Nutella is freaking delicious, has a ravenous following, and we know Google is open to proper names (KitKat). But, is it too obvious?
Nougat
It doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but neither did Ice Cream Sandwich. And frankly, nougat is awesome. It’s in a ton of your favorite candies, like Snickers, 3 Musketeers, and Milky Way, and it’s certainly sweet enough to fit with Android.
Noodle
Sure, noodles are savory, but then again, there’s noodle pudding and noodle kugel, so it wouldn’t be that much of a stretch. And “Android Noodle” may be the most fun name yet.
Nacho(s)
While I don’t think Google would go this route, Android Nacho is my personal favorite pick. And the reasoning is simple… I love nachos. Like, obsessively.
Nuts
“Android Nuts” actually has a nice ring to it, but nuts seems too general. Even if Google were to loosen the dessert requirement, they’d likely go with a more specific type of nut, but I can’t think of any that start with N.
Plus, I don’t even want to get into the anatomical or psychological puns possible from naming an OS nuts.
Nerds
They’re sweet, and many Android lovers are nerds at heart, so the fit is good, but to me, a little too easy. That, and the alliteration of “Android Nerds” just doesn’t sound right, does it?
New York Cheesecake
While this one clearly fits, I’m ranking it last simply because its the name being used internally for this Android version, and those internal names have never been used in publicly released Android versions before.
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