back to article Google asks the public to name the forthcoming Android N operating system

Google has been using its developers conference to show off forthcoming improvements in Android N and is taking the unusual move of asking the public to name it. Traditionally Android builds have been named after foodstuffs, like Jellybean or KitKat – the later picked not for marketing dollars but as an attempt to show how " …

  1. Uncle Slacky Silver badge
    Holmes

    Nougat

    Obviously...

    1. Anonymous Coward
      Anonymous Coward

      Re: Nougat

      "foam banana"

      "Googly McGoggle"

      "Toffee Apple" -that should confuse punters and aggravate other companies

    2. Snowy Silver badge
      Joke

      Re: Nougat

      Considering the number of handsets that are not going to get the update, noget maybe more relevant :D

      1. JimmyPage Silver badge

        Re:Notget

        Why the joke icon ?

      2. BillG
        WTF?

        Re: Nougat

        Nutty feature of Nougat:

        On the apps front, Android N will have a new feature, still in development, called Instant Apps. This allows a user to click on a link to a site that has its own app and just download a few parts of the software to help the link run more smoothly and with more features, but without installing the full code.

        Gee! What could POSSIBLY go wrong with THAT???

    3. This post has been deleted by its author

    4. Nixinkome

      Re: Nougat

      A sweet [or candy] name starting with N. Hmm. I too agree with Nougat but suggest as runner up Noffee as in Banoffee - Slurpable but not a natural taste.

      Also their new messenger, Allo. A nod and a wink to Ian Hunter of Mott the Hoople and a salaam to Mick Ronson. "Once bitten, twice shy".

    5. Ben Liddicott

      Nutty Nougat

      Obviously.

    6. Michael Habel

      Re: Nougat

      Noug'y McNougatface...Obviously

  2. Number6

    I think they should call it Sir David Androidborough.

  3. hellwig

    If they want more sponors...

    Nutella seems like a sure bet. Maybe Necco Wafer if they like it old school.

    1. Sir Gaz of Laz

      Re: If they want more sponors...

      I thought Nutella was a done deal. I seem to recall when asked what N would be called, he said "we're nut-telling you".

      Or maybe I dreamt the whole thing.

      1. Named coward

        Re: If they want more sponors...

        Maybe one of them didn't like the price

  4. MrDamage Silver badge

    Diabetes

    That's what we'll all end up with after consuming all of their previous candy-based offerings.

    1. King Jack

      Re: Diabetes

      Eating sugar does not give you diabetes.

  5. TRT Silver badge

    Nachos

    Everyone loves Nachos.

    1. VinceH

      Re: Nachos

      Looks like at least two people don't! :p

      (And yes, one of them is me. Sorry.)

      1. TRT Silver badge

        Re: Nachos

        Well, it seems that not everyone loves nachos, indeed. Nut butter then.

    2. John M. Drescher

      Re: Nachos

      That is already a name of an OS. Although unless you are a programmer in an OS design course you most likely never heard of it.

      1. TRT Silver badge

        Re: Nachos

        Never heard of it.

    3. Scott Pedigo
      Paris Hilton

      Re: Nachos

      No, not everyone loves nachos. It tacos. So we have to wait for six more versions of the OS.

      Paris because, I've seen the taco.

  6. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    its that guy

    Trojan Horse, no wait that is their business model.

  7. allthecoolshortnamesweretaken

    Slurpy McSlurpface?

    1. Anonymous Coward
      Anonymous Coward

      co-sponsored by 7-Eleven. Brilliant.

    2. Stoneshop
      Big Brother

      Nosey McNoseface

      Does sound less intrusive, but at least fits the "N"

  8. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    High-fructose corn syrup

  9. Matthew Banwell

    The Sainsbury's Effect?

    Isn't this like that Sainsbury's story where they wanted an artist to paint their canteen for free? The naming website just slurps suggestions without a submission form, and the T&Cs take ownership. This is branding, and branding is valuable. Surely Google could afford to, and should pay?

    1. This post has been deleted by its author

    2. asdf

      Re: The Sainsbury's Effect?

      >Surely Google could afford to, and should pay?

      Yeah but maybe Google will learn their lesson once the internet speaks and their free idea is Android NoHitlerWasJustMisunderstood

  10. itbod

    We are the knights that say

    Ni

  11. Lee D Silver badge

    Nutmeg.

    1. Don Dumb
      Coat

      Nutmeg

      As in - it goes between your legs?

  12. Anonymous Coward
    Happy

    Nick Nack

    [image]

    1. Cynical Observer
      Coat

      Re: Nick Nack

      ..... paddy wack give the dog a bone

      Dog and Bone

  13. TeacherMARK

    Nougarty McNougartface.

  14. Youngone Silver badge

    Recycled Options

    These have been used before, but they're good:

    Hitler did nothing wrong

    Don't buy me.

    Both great names, the marketing people will love them.

    1. Anonymous Coward
      Anonymous Coward

      Re: Recycled Options

      Android NothingHitlerDidWasWrong

  15. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    Droidy McDroidface

    Or maybe Phoney McPhoneface

  16. Chris Gray 1
    Gimp

    Nanaimo Bar

    Well, it has to start with 'N' of course. It has to be something sweet. The only suggestion here that works so far is "Nougat". But, as a Canuck, and a fan of the Christmas favourite, I think "Nanaimo Bar" is the winner. It's minor downsides are that its hard to spell for some, and it may not be well know outside of Canada. Whot??? There's no nanaimo bar icon???

    1. Unep Eurobats
      Go

      Re: Nanaimo Bar

      Not only have I eaten a Nanaimo bar, I was actually in Nanaimo at the time. This could deservedly extend the reputation of both confection and place. As for orthographic difficulties - well, remember when no one could spell Hermione?

    2. Darryl
      Thumb Up

      Re: Nanaimo Bar

      Christmas??? I had some last weekend

      But yes, excellent suggestion

  17. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    Finally catching up...

    A new 3D engine? Will it run OpenGL or DirectX games? Not as good as Windows then.

    "windows in windows"? What about Windows(TM) in Windows(TM)?

    "able to run two screens simultaneously" Pft, Windows supports as many screens as you want.

    "the five most-used notification tabs will be displayed at the top of the screen" - Copied from Windows customisable quick actions.

    "Instant Apps"? Windows did that last century - it's called ActiveX.

    "download an updated image of the operating system in the background"? Windows 10.

    "file-level encryption"? Bitlocker.

    "allow people to write messages on their phone using fingers"? Windows does handwriting recognition already.

    1. DryBones
      Boffin

      Re: Finally catching up...

      1) Obvious Troll is obvious.

      2) That'd be the Vulkan graphics API, also coming to Windows to shame both Direct 3D and OpenGL.

      3) "Done first" doesn't matter. "Done best" does. Ask Apple and their huge pile of money.

      4) Android N is wanted by its users. How's Windows 10 working out on that key metric? Oh, looks like it's having to use most of the slimy malware tactics to make any headway against XP. Aw, diddums.

  18. AdamG57

    TINTAYALF

    This is not the android you are looking for....

  19. DerekCurrie
    Happy

    Tuna Surprise

    :-Q*****

  20. Mark Allread

    Nokia

    Nokia

  21. Fink-Nottle

    Nicholas Parsons ...

    A sweetie who's name starts with N

  22. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    Why candy?

    Android Ketamine

    Android LSD

    Android Methamphetamine

    Android ... Nicotine?

  23. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    Loving N on pixel C

    Just took the plunge, update was quick and easy. Enrolled device, 20 minutes later, all done.

    Loving multi window mode, works well . App optimisation is vastly quicker, by a massive amount. Stable and bug free so far

  24. Drinky

    Nobbly Bobbly

  25. Old Buccaneer

    Re: Nougat

    Nougat McNutface for the lols

  26. Kaltern

    Nutella, obviously.

  27. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    Soggy Sao ...

    Although I never played the game myself.

    yes a soggy biscuit ..... yewwww. time to start looking at those russian phones

    goggle at your own risk

  28. cd

    Naked

    or perhaps No Privacy

    1. VinceH

      Re: Naked

      Nosey?

  29. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    Sucker

    Coz is sucks all your data and delivers is to the Chocolate Factory?

    or

    Super Slurper Mk1

    Stopped using Google (directly) a long time ago. I value my privacy.

  30. Tromos

    Just name it after...

    ...what is required to actually get the update.

    'New phone needed'

  31. Tomislav

    It's simply Nuts.

  32. Dan 55 Silver badge
    Windows

    Neapolitans?

  33. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    Don't bother.

    I suspect its true name will not get past Google marketing anyway.

    In the same manner as sweatshop never made it past Nike marketing, I suspect that things like "No more privacy", "No right to privacy" or "No secrets for you" will not even make it into the list to vote on.

  34. Richard Lloyd

    Not a lot of sweets/desserts beginning with N...

    Apart from the "obvious" Nutella, only a couple of others spring to mind: Nesquik (milk shake) and Neapolitan (ice cream, but they've already done Ice Cream Sandwich...).

    I hope they go for another brand name and associated promo like they did with Kit Kat - I won in their Kit Kat/Android compy after consuming a fair number of them (but to be fair, Kit Kat is one of my favourite choc bars).

  35. VinceH

    "As for saving data, Android N will allow users to cap the amount of data that individual apps use. This is good news for someone on a tight data plan, and should help rein in talkative apps."

    So for anything that doesn't actually use the internet for functionality, set it to zero to avoid adverts?

    1. Dan 55 Silver badge

      They depend on adverts, I'm sure they've thought of that one. There'll be a minimum.

      1. VinceH

        Or the limit won't cover in app advertising.

    2. Named coward

      cue in "no internet connectivity" messages from apps if they can't fetch their ads

    3. Adrian 4

      Sounds lilke just the thing to rein in Google Play

  36. muddysteve

    Not sweet, but...

    Nobby McNobface

  37. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    Nah, let's go for a real shocker

    "No bullets", or even more shocking, "Naked".

  38. Jan Hargreaves
    Coat

    Surely... as it has to be sweet, begin with N, and to do with Google and you want a brand tie up... it so obviously should be Android Nerds

  39. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    Nosy Nuts

    Nosy Nuts

  40. Saibot
  41. jimdandy

    Gumby - that friendly and flexible Claymation* character loved by American kids in the 60's.

    Or if you insist on sugar-coating it - Gumballs. I think that adds a certain poignancy and allows things to go on to no N.

    *All Rights Reserved.

  42. PassiveSmoking

    How about "Not quite as insecure as the last one. Maybe"? A bit of a mouthful I know, but it doesn't overpromise.

  43. JimmyPage Silver badge
    Thumb Up

    Funnily enough ...

    I was predicting for work recently, and put forward a view that mobile *hardware* development has hit barrier. You can't make phones much smaller. Screens are as hi-res as possible, and processor grunt and memory seem to be able to handle 80% of everyday life.

    But then, you read that Android Pay is to join Apple Pay, and you see a trend of concentrating peoples lives into a digital device.

    At which point you realise that said digital device is only as useful as it's battery life.

    So my predictions are:

    1) phone development for the short term will concentrate on less sexy - but more useful - tweaks which help keep peoples digital assistant alive.

    2) There's definitely a market for someone to market a "get a spare phone when you buy one" package so that you can charge one while using the other (almost like a return to the days when people bought matched pistols).

    Given point (2) if there are any firms working on software to clone phones - legitimately - then your hour may have come.

    1. tiggity Silver badge

      Re: Funnily enough ...

      Only as good as battery life - and that's why there are Ankers (& many other brands of portable external chargers)

    2. muddysteve

      Re: Funnily enough ...

      Given how much would need to be transferred between phones, how about an easily changed battery, like you get with drills, etc.?

  44. cynic 2

    It's obvious : Nerds Candy.

    [ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nerds_(candy) ]

  45. Cuddles

    Fracas?

    OK, I've seen the Boaty McBoatface incident described variously as a fracas, row, and various other terms implying there was a big argument and fuss about it, but I'm just not seeing it. The whole conversation went basically:

    NERC: We'd like people to think of names for our ship.

    People: Boaty McBoatface is a funny name.

    NERC: Yeah, we're not calling it that.

    People: OK, how about Attenborough?

    NERC: Done.

    People: Hooray!

    No-one ever thought it would actually be called boaty, and no-one complained when it wasn't. They were even sensible enough to make it clear from the start that the poll wasn't in any way binding so there couldn't be grounds for complaint. All that happened was a few people had a bit of fun voting for a silly name and everyone ended up happy with the result at the end (or just didn't care in the first place). It's only now that the media keeps trying to insist there was some big argument about the whole thing, when for once the internet was actually nice and restrained and allowed a little joke to run its course without making a big fuss over it.

    1. muddysteve

      Re: Fracas?

      Absolutely. I voted for Boaty McBoatface just for the laugh - of course it was never going to be named that. Even NERC were pleased with how much publicity it all got them.

  46. Ben Bonsall
  47. TRT Silver badge

    Nom nom nom

    as it gobbles up all your data.

  48. Jungleland

    Not Nutella

    but Nadella

    or...

    Nationalsecurityagencyapproved

  49. Fruit and Nutcase Silver badge
    Thumb Up

    Takeaway

    A Naan Bread, a Vindaloo and some Pappadams

  50. Ugotta B. Kiddingme

    Numpty

    because Google certainly seems to lack understanding about how updates are supposed work...

  51. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    Ninux-Nano

    Naughtynux

  52. David Nash Silver badge
    Black Helicopters

    No one has mentioned

    NSA

  53. Jason Bloomberg Silver badge
    Joke

    N-gger

    Nagger. Or something like that.

  54. Darryl

    Nigella?

    She looks pretty tasty...

  55. td0s

    what about some thing space age and cool like Nexus?

  56. x 7

    is Android N equivalent to the stripped down version of Windows N with Media Player removed?

  57. Neil 44

    Nestle Double Berry

    Nibs

    Nudge (Starbar)

    Nunch (Starbar)

    Nutty

    (all from WikiPedia's list of confectioneries - personally I quite like Nutty!)

  58. stu_san
    Angel

    The choice is obvious

    Nerds

    (This is a candy available here in the "colonies" - may not be named that elsewhere.)

    (Whoops! I didn't go through all of the comments. Already suggested, even with my title. Sorry.)

  59. NeilPost Silver badge

    Curry

    They need to make a break from confectionary, but stay with food.

    Android 'Jalfrezi' obviously

  60. This post has been deleted by its author

  61. d3vy

    Oh I can't wait for the "hilarious" permutations of [X]y Mc[X]Face

    The boat one was funny not because it was a silly name, but because of the number of people that got behind it and vited for it... the very second someone suggested the next [x]y the joke wore off.

  62. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    Well, to follow convention it should start with N and be a type of sweet food...

    I'm not going g to make a suggestion... instead I am going g to ask a question? Who took the time out of their life to create the Wikipedia list of deserts page? Seriously, alphabetical and categorised by type.. And not a complete list..

    they missed sausage, and aardvark!

    1. TRT Silver badge

      Actually, Nyiri isn't a bad name.

      Oh! Desserts! I thought you said deserts.

  63. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    Nixon

    I think google will appreciate the irony

  64. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    Truth or Dare

    Ingsoc ?

    Can we start realizing what is going on here now ?

  65. Bucky 2
    Coat

    Nixon

    ...because when the president does it, it's not illegal.

  66. JeffyPoooh
    Pint

    Pneumonia...

    Oh, wait a second. Nope, cancel that.

  67. JeffyPoooh
    Pint

    Nejneznesrozumitelňovávatelnějšímu

    Czech - to the least able to be making less understandable

  68. JeffyPoooh
    Pint

    Sir David Attenborough

    Although it doesn't start with an N, we feel that it's a more appropriate name.

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