- Google recently announced it finalized the name of the new version of Android. It is going to be called Android 10. Here’s why.
Google recently finalized the name of the Android Q operating system. The name is going to be Android 10.
In the past decade, Android’s open platform created a thriving community of manufacturers and developers — which expanded beyond phones to tablets, cars, watches, TVs, etc. with more than 2.5 billion active devices around the world.
Google Android’s VP of Product Management Sameer Samat pointed out that while the engineering team has always used internal code names for each version (based off of tasty treats or desserts in alphabetical order), the naming tradition became a fun part of the release each year externally as well.
“But we’ve heard feedback over the years that the names weren’t always understood by everyone in the global community,” said Samat. “For example, L and R are not distinguishable when spoken in some languages. So when some people heard us say Android Lollipop out loud, it wasn’t intuitively clear that it referred to the version after KitKat. It’s even harder for new Android users, who are unfamiliar with the naming convention, to understand if their phone is running the latest version. We also know that pies are not a dessert in some places, and that marshmallows, while delicious, are not a popular treat in many parts of the world.”
And as a global operating system, it is important that the names are clear and relatable for everyone in the world. This is why Android will simply use a version number and be called Android 10.
“The Android brand has evolved over time. Back in 2014, we updated our logo and brand color, and this year, we’re introducing a more modern, accessible look,” added Samat. “The design of the logo draws inspiration from the most recognizable non-human member of the community, the Android robot. The robot belongs to everyone in the community, and has long been a symbol of the fun and curiosity at the heart of Android. Now, it has a special place in our logo.”
The logo was also changed from green to black. This is due to the green being hard to read especially for people with visual impairments.
