Leaked icons under the program name "Moonshine" suggest that Android is getting a redesign.
Android operating systems have not received much of a visual change since 2012's Jelly Bean 4.2. KitKat 4.4 was introduced in October 2013, and while there were improvements in device compatibility and RAM, it still lacked an updated display. With four versions of KitKat in Android's history, perhaps the designers are ready for a change.
Leaked design photos show more two-dimensional, planar phone icons than the ones currently on Android devices and Google websites. According to AndroidPolice, the icons will appear on most Google applications, including YouTube, Gmail, Chrome, Hangouts, Calendar, Maps, Camera, Play Music, Google+, Play Movies & TV, Games, People, Play Books, and Play Store.
Among other changes, the Play Music headphone icon is slimmer, and Play Books is now forward-facing instead of showing us the binder. Also, Play Movies & TV features a purple clapperboard instead of a pink film reel.
Yahoo reports that the new icons also appear on a Google Partners page, which appears to confirm that the leaked pictograms are legitimate.
It is unknown whether the icons will be used in a KitKat 4.4.4 or 4.5 software update, or if "Moonshine" is the name of an entirely new Android version. Up to this point, Android has named its software versions after sugary treats such as donuts, cupcakes, and jelly beans.
Clarification may be made at the upcoming Google I/O 2014 Developers Conference, June 25-26 in San Francisco. The annual event features keynote speakers, hands-on coding, and other "interactive experiences built with Google technologies."
