Google CEO Eric Schmidt hit the podium at the Mobile World Congress conference, and announced the next version of Android. Schmidt only hinted about the name of the next generation Android saying it will “start with an I [and] be named after a dessert”, he did detail about the technical aspect. Android Ice Cream Sandwitch, the suggested name will combine Gingerbread and Honeycomb into one operating system.

VentureBeat reports:

“That means we shouldn’t expect to see Honeycomb running on phones anytime soon, and that Ice Cream will be the next major Android update for phones.

Ice Cream, which will likely be labeled Android 3.1, will bring the exciting interface improvements to phones that Google has been showing off for Honeycomb tablets.”

Schmidt also said that Android updates are on a “six month cycle” — but that doesn’t really tell us much.”

PhanAndroid.com delivers an interpretation, suggesting that the six month cycle may refer to Ice Cream’s release cycle. SF Gate continues the discussion, reporting that users may be able to start scooping for Ice Cream devices in 6 months, however Android update roll out have been frequently delayed due to certain factors. These include Google setbacks and issues with carriers and manufacturers.

Further into the MWC conference, Schmidt noted that Google would still be interested in a partnership with Nokia, after the latter confirmed rumors and teamed-up with Microsoft instead.

“He explained that the Android codenames are in alphabetical order — G for Gingerbread, H for Honeycomb — and confirmed the next codename would be a dessert beginning with the letter I. The likely name: Ice Cream Sandwich.

Schmidt also said that he wished Nokia had chosen Android instead of Windows Phone 7, and that he hopes Nokia will embrace Android in the future.”

The Google CEO also discussed Chrome OS, and described how targeted creative TV-format ads will be sent to users and mobile phones.