Google has a tradition of naming Android operating systems after sweets. With Android L due to be released soon, speculations are swirling as to what the newest Android OS will be called. Google's birthday cake might have just revealed what Android L will stand for.
Google turned 16 over the weekend and like anyone it celebrated with cake. But more than just signifying the company's growth, this birthday cake was important because it possibly gave out clues about Android L.
The company has been generally tight-lipped about the names it assigns to versions of Android, only ever giving hints that fuel speculations until a name is officially revealed. So far, the biggest surprise has been KitKat.
Since Android 4.4 was announced, guesses as to what the OS will be called have poured in. It was believed to be Key Lime Pie for the longest time but Google decided against it (even though it was extensively used to tease) because it was believed that the dessert was not as well-known as KitKat.
Not to mention that Google had a cross-promotional agreement with Nestle and that the candy was also reportedly a staple for the Android coding crew.
Fast forward to Android L and a similar tactic is in place. The assumption that it could be Lemon Meringue Pie is strong because of references to an "LMP" in Android code in various devices. But should another promotional deal be struck, how many trademarked names correspond start with "L?"
Not many. But there are enough to frustrate.
Or maybe will go by way of a more generic sweet treat?
That seems certainly the case if Google's birthday cake is to be believed..
It's a birthday cake that looks like any other. Except for the fact that instead of candles, the cake is topped with an assortment of lollipops.
So is Android L going to be Android Lollipop?
Possibly. No official date has been announced for the launch of the next Android OS but reports say it will be in October, either on the 15th or 16th. Along with the unveiling of Android L, it is also reported that Google will also be using the event to announce the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9. The smartphone and the tablet are assumed to be made by Motorola and HTC, respectively.
Some of the new features Android L is purported to have include: enhanced notifications, a new lockscreen, a card-style layout for multi-tasking, better security, and improved battery life.
