Google teases name for new Android M operating system

Andoird Phone — Google to release next version of it's mobile software, Android M Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images

Google has released a new video that teases fans and audiences about the name for Android M.

Every year, guesses are made among Android fanatics about what Google decide to call their upcoming release of the Android operating system.

Previous versions have been developed under dessert-themed code names and released in alphabetical order, beginning with Android 1.5 "Cupcake." Earlier versions 1.0 and 1.1 were not released under specific code names.

Some suggestions put forward by Google include marshmallow, milkshake, macaroon and meringue — but the actual name of the latest M release remains to be seen. M&Ms could be a good guess, if Google decides to do another KitKat-style licensing deal.

Past versions of Android names

Alpha (1.0)
Beta (1.1)
Cupcake (1.5)
Donut (1.6)
Eclair (2.0–2.1)
Froyo (2.2–2.2.3)
Gingerbread (2.3–2.3.7)
Honeycomb (3.0–3.2.6)
Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0–4.0.4)
Jelly Bean (4.1–4.3.1)
KitKat (4.4–4.4.4, 4.4W–4.4W.2)
Lollipop (5.0–5.1.1)
Android M (developer preview 2)

Google enjoys building anticipation, speculation and buzz each time they release a new Android operating system, and this year's release is no different.

Past names include Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, KitKat and Lollipop.

The launch of the new version of Android will be celebrated with the addition of a new robot statue on the lawn of Google's headquarters in Mountain View, California.

The large volume of Nexus phone video leaks may have pushed Google to release its next round of hardware and software updates sooner. Android Lollipop and the Nexus were both announced on October 15 last year.

The new Android M will feature improved battery life, better app management, native support for USB Type-C and fingerprint authentication. It will also include new Android Pay system and an even smarter Google Now. User Interface with an alphabetised App menu and refined volume and notification controls are anticipated.

In June 2015, Statcounter has determined that Android devices that accessed Internet accounted for 59.1% of the worldwide smartphone and tablet market, 68.3% of the Chinese market, and 40.78% of the US market.

Tech blog alphr predicts the release of Android M to arrive around late October or early November.