Name Game: These Are My Best Guesses at What Android N Will Be Called

These Are My Best Guesses at What Android N Will Be Called

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.

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.

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?

Mmmm... Image via Nutella

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.

Image via Food Hacks Daily

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.

May be time for a 2nd lunch... Image via Michelle Groisman

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.

Image by theilr/Flickr

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.

Image via Food Hacks Daily

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5 Comments

I second your vote for nachos!! Both for Android AND for lunch :-0

Nut Goodie? Nero? Probably will end up being Nutella, though I agree Nachos sounds the best, however un-sweet it is.

lol dude, With the exception of Nutella, the other N's are not even close to a dessert or sweet-snack. Were you just looking up N words in the dictionary?

For sure it's Nutella.

Ha, no. As I stated, they may move away from desserts and sweet snacks. Although I agree, it's probably Nutella.

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