MANILA - If Google country manager for the Philippines Kenneth Lingan had his way, this year's version of Android should be named after a Filipino desert.

The 2018 version Android, due out by mid-year, is expected to be named after a sweet treat whose name starts with the letter P.

Google has named annual refreshes of Android after deserts in alphabetical order. Last year, Android was named Oreo, and before it, Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop, Kit Kat, Jellybean, Ice Cream Sandwich, Honeycomb, Gingerbread, Fro-yo, Eclair and Donut.

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"If I would have my preference, I would do something Pinoy, like palitaw," Lingan told ANC's The Boss.

Palitaw is a chewy rice cake that is usually topped with grated coconut and roasted sesame seeds. Android has not been named after deserts that are foreign to the US.

Lingan said Android P will offer "great improvement in user experience" including better battery life.

Android P is expected to launch with the third generation of Google's Pixel phones and connected devices.

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