Android: Google serves up sweet new name

The latest version of Google’s Android software has a nickname that follows in the footsteps of Lollipop and Gingerbread.

Mountain View, California - Google is serving a new morsel for fans of its Android software: The next version has been dubbed “Nougat”, extending Google's tradition of nicknaming each overhaul of Android after a sweet food.

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The Nougat name announced on Thursday comes seven weeks after Google sought suggestions during its annual conference for software engineers.

Nougat is scheduled to be released in new smartphones this autumn when the makers of existing Android devices will also be able to enable updates to the new software.

Nougat's new features will include the ability to run apps without actually installing them on a device.

The nicknames for earlier Android versions have included Marshmallow, Lollipop, KitKat, Ice Cream Sandwich and Gingerbread.

Google commemorates the different Android nicknames with statues near its Mountain View, California, headquarters.

ANA-AP