Android L Stands For 'Licorice'?: A New Nickname Rumor Surfaces

Of all the mysteries surrounding Android L, Google's latest mobile operating system, the biggest may be what it will be called. Google has a history of giving versions of Android catchy and sweet-sounding names -- like KitKat, Ice Cream Sandwich, Cupcake, Donut, Froyo, Jelly Bean ... you get the picture.

Lots of pundits assumed that the internal Android L moniker meant that Google's next OS would be called "Lollipop." However, a person in the know may have inadvertently leaked the commercial name of Android L.

“What's with all the boxes of licorice?” Giovanni Calabrese, owner of the sculpting firm Themendous said via Google + Sunday, followed by hashtags #thingstheTSAsays #googlebound #googlelawnsculptures. This is evidence that Calabrese was on his way to Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, California, to discuss the next Android-themed statue.

“I never had a great liking for Licorice, but damn! There are some great flavors out there!!!” Calabrese said on Google + last Tuesday.

Themendous is known for creating the Android-themed lawn statues that reside at the Googleplex headquarters, one representing each of the previous Android operating systems.

Since the unveiling of a new lawn statue usually coincides with the public announcement of a new Android operating system, it is likely Calabrese and Themendous have been briefed on details about Android L, possibly "Android Licorice."

Though many details about Android L have yet to be confirmed by Google, including its name and release date, the software is expected to launch sometime this month. Prior reports suggest it may launch within the next week. And the name Android L is expected to change. Google indicated that Android L is simply a working title for the system, which it showcased in June during its I/O conference. The software giant will likely continue its Android naming sequence with a number and a dessert-themed nickname that begins with the letter L.

Notably, Google shared a graphic via social media last month featuring a birthday cake in commemoration of its 16th anniversary. Instead of candles, the cake was topped with lollipops and other candies, which initially prompted speculation that the next Android system would be called Lollipop. But there are also a few pieces of licorice adorning the cake, which could be another hint.

We have to keep in mind, though, that Google is very good at hiding details about its new systems until they're ready for launch. Last year, pundits were certain that the current Android system would be called Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie. Google even fueled the speculation by putting little key lime pie-themed teasers within its presentations at the 2013 I/O conference.

However, Google announced the system's name as Android 4.4 KitKat a month prior to its launch, as part of a cross-promotional deal with Nestle, the maker of the KitKat chocolate bar. Still, older Android nicknames like Jelly Bean and Ice Cream Sandwich were accurately predicted prior to the systems' launch, so the true name of Android L remains as elusive as ever.