The last time Google refreshed its Android brand identity was in 2019. In this update, the company dropped the fanciful dessert naming scheme for Android releases and started using version numbers to make subsequent releases clearer and easier to understand globally.
Now, after a gap of four years, Google has overhauled its Android branding yet again before the launch of the upcoming stable version of Android 14.
“Each time we overhaul our branding, we evaluate not only changing needs, but also future goals. We know people today want more choice and autonomy, and we want our brand to be reflective of Android: something that gives people the freedom to create on their terms,” Jason Fournier, Google’s Director of Android Consumer Brand Management, wrote in a blog post.
“As an open platform, it’s important that both our technology and brand are an invitation for people to create, connect and do more with Google on Android devices.”
The new look is designed to “reflect Android’s core ethos of being open, iterative, and inclusive.” With this update, the Android logo has been raised by capitalizing the “A” versus its previous lowercase stylization of “android”.
According to the company, the capitalization of A will add “more weight to its appearance” when placed next to Google’s logo. The Android logo has added more curves and personality, bringing it closer to the style of the Google logo and create a balance between the two.
“We hope these small but significant updates to the Android typeface will better communicate the relationship between Android devices and the Google apps and services people already know,” Fournier added.
Further, the face and most identifiable element of the Android robot, called Bugdroid, has an entirely new 3D look that showcases its entire body rather than just its head. According to the company, it reflects “playfulness people have come to expect from Android.”
The green Android robot’s full-body appearance has been updated to ensure that it can easily transition between digital and real-life environments, making it a versatile and reliable companion across channels, platforms, and contexts.
The Bugdroid now appears with more dimension and a lot more character. It now comes with colorful variations (including a vibrant rainbow), accessories (such as a headband and hat), and some full of fun animations.
Starting this year, Google said that the new aspects of the brand identity, like the updated logo and 3D Bugdroid, will appear on Android devices and in more places.
Besides the overhauled logo and 3D Bugdroid, Android users can look forward to some exciting upcoming features, such as the Assistant At a Glance widget, Image Q&A on Lookout, Google Wallet Pass photo import, Zoom calls in Android Auto, and more.
Check out the blog post here for detailed information on the upcoming features.
