Names Or Numbers: How Should We Label Tech?


The names of technology releases are often anything but descriptive. Android distributions are christened after desserts (Ice Cream Sandwich); Mac OS X versions take their labels from big cats (Mountain Lion); Windows jumps arbitrarily between years (95), labels (XP) and numbers (8). Which do you prefer?

Picture by Abul Hussain

Any product that has multiple versions will have a version number, something that’s especially evident with software. However, it’s increasingly rare for that to be the main focus when it comes to discussing a product. We’re much more likely to say Mountain Lion than 10.8, or Jelly Bean than Android 4.1. The numbers are a slightly more accurate reflection how the product has evolved, but it’s easier to market cuteness than accuracy.

Anyway, I’m wondering: which naming convention do you think is best?

Feel free to expand on your viewpoint in the comments.


The Cheapest NBN 50 Plans

Here are the cheapest plans available for Australia’s most popular NBN speed tier.

At Lifehacker, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. We have affiliate and advertising partnerships, which means we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. BTW – prices are accurate and items in stock at the time of posting.

Comments


35 responses to “Names Or Numbers: How Should We Label Tech?”

Leave a Reply