Android 4.4 KitKat is coming very soon. Users of Android-running devices are craving for the sweeter taste of the next-gen Android. With every Android dessert we have seen, is Google going to consider Key Lime Pie for Android 6.0 or simply as Lemon Meringue Pie?
Android 6.0 Key Lime Pie or Lemon Meringue Pie
Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie was the rumoured upcoming Android version expected on October 2013. However, Google entered an agreement with Nestle and Hershey to use KitKat as the dessert name of the upcoming version - 4.4. So why did they changed the name?
Android Key Lime Pie is still used but right now, it remains as the internal code for Android 4.4 KitKat. Most people do not how good Key Lime Pie tastes unlike with the KitKat chocolate bar.
Once Android 4.4 KitKat was launched, Google will have enough time to reconsider Key Lime Pie on the next version which could be Android 5.0 or 6.0. The only problem is Android was never named twice using the same letter on all major official releases. As an alternative, Android 5.0 or 6.0 may get Lemon Meringue Pie or Lollipop.
Android Version History
For the newbie who do not know how long Android has been and how many versions have taken place, here is the history of the most dominant mobile operating system in the world.
Android Alpha: This early version of the Android OS was internally released in Google and the Open Handset Alliance. Android Alpha was codenamed as "Astro Boy," "Bender" and "R2-D2." Irina Blok designed the currently used green Android logo and Ryan Gibson conceived the confection-naming scheme for public releases of Android.
Android Beta: It was released on Android's official birth date, November 5, 2007, with software development kit or SDK public release on November 12, 2007.
Android Cupcake: This was the first version named after a dessert and having the version 1.5. It featured Linux kernel 2.6.27, widget support, third-party virtual keyboard support, video recording and playback, auto-rotation and multimedia uploads.
Android Donut: This version was dubbed Donut with version 1.6 using Linux kernel 2.6.29. It featured numerous updates such as voice and text entry, multi-lingual speech synthesis, more fully integrated gallery, camera and camcorder, updated technology for network and Wi-Fi and WVGA screen resolution support.
Android Éclair: In October 2009, version 2.0 Éclair was released and delivered tons of new features including Microsoft Exchange support, Bluetooth 2.1, search in messaging app, new camera features, HTML5, optimised hardware speed, newly revamped UI, more screen sizes and resolution support, Google Maps 3.1.2 and live wallpapers.
Android Froyo or Frozen Yogurt: This Android OS version was released on May 2010 having the build version 2.2 which featured performance improvements on speed and memory, push notifications, USB tethering and Wi-Fi hotspot, Adobe Flash, two security patches and numerous bug fixes.
Android Gingerbread: The 2.3 Gingerbread version was based on Linux kernel 2.6.35 and featured new updates such as new UI design, faster and intuitive keyboard, enhanced copy/paste functionality, NFC, download manager, improved power management, native support for more sensors and tons of bug fixes.
Android Honeycomb: Exclusively used for Android tablets which was released on February 2011 based on Linux kernel 2.6.36. It featured the holographic user interface, system bar, action bar, simplified multi-tasking, re-designed keyboard, multiple browser tabs, quick access to camera, two-pane viewing, Google Talk video chat and multi-core CPU support.
Android Ice Cream Sandwich: The next major mark of Android OS released on October 2011 which is compatible on any Android 2.3 Gingerbread-running devices. ICS runs both Android phones and tablets with features such as soft buttons for phones, customisable default launcher, access apps from lock screen, Face Unlock, Chrome mobile browser, new UI called Roboto, data usage section, improved camera app, photo editor, Android Beam NFC type, Wi-Fi Direct and 1080p video recording support.
Android Jelly Bean: Based on Linux kernel 3.0.31 and released on July 13, 2012 with three different sub versions - 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3. It included several features including Google Now, Project Butter, Daydream, actionable notifications, lock screen widgets, Extended Quick Settings, enhanced accessibility, Bluetooth Low Energy, OpenGL ES 3.0, surround sound, Photo Sphere, 4K resolution support and tons of improvements.
Android KitKat: The upcoming version taking 4.4 build is suspected to run a new Linux kernel with low-memory optimisation. Android KitKat replaced Key Lime Pie dessert name and was rumoured to be launched on October or November 2013 in celebration of Android's birthday.
