Google and Nestlé announce Android KitKat

Google has ended months of online speculation about the name of the latest version of its Android mobile operating system by revealing it will be called ‘Android KitKat’ after Nestlé’s popular chocolate and wafer confectionery.​​

The creators of the world’s most popular mobile platform have teamed up with the world’s biggest food and beverage company to name the next release of the platform ‘Android KitKat’.

Android has been developed by the company’s engineers under sweet-themed names ever since the release of Android Cupcake in 2009 and continuing in alphabetical order until the most recent version, Android Jelly Bean.

The news that the letter ‘K’ will be dedicated to Nestlé’s Kit Kat will surprise most technology commentators, who had widely thought the latest version would be ‘Android Key Lime Pie’. ​​

“We’re excited to announce this partnership with Android, the world's most popular mobile platform, which will help us to enable even more Kit Kat fans to enjoy their break,” said Patrice Bula, Nestlé’s Global Head of Marketing.​​

“Kit Kat is one of the world’s top ten fast-moving consumer goods brands in social media in terms of fan numbers and engagement,” he continued. “We continue to build on its strong digital presence with interactive, creative branding campaigns.”

Director of Google’s Android Marketing, Marc Vanlerberghe said Kit Kat was a popular choice.

“We couldn’t imagine a better name for our Android K release than the tasty chocolate that’s been a favourite among the team since the early days of Android,” he said.​​

To mark the release of Android KitKat, more than 50 million specially branded Kit Kat bars will be available in 19 markets including Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Japan, Middle East, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.​​

The packs will lead consumers to the website android.com/kitkat where they will have the opportunity to win prizes including a limited number of Google Nexus 7 tablets, and credits to spend in Google Play, Google’s online store for apps, games, music, movies, books and more.​​

Editor's Note:

IN AUSTRALIA, THE ANDROID KITKAT IS AS SCARCE AS HEN'S TEETH!

The limited edition Android-shaped Kit Kat will be harder to track down than the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!​​

​Just 500 Kit Kats, hand crafted in secrecy and moulded into the shape of Google’s Android, have been made to celebrate the naming of Google’s next mobile platform. ​​

And just 10 Australian Kit Kat fans will have the opportunity to win an Android KitKat next week on the Kit Kat Facebook page.​​

Only a handful of people were involved in the making of the Android KitKat in Europe, and all were sworn to secrecy.​​

The Android is made up of individual handmade Kit Kat Fingers designed and created by a team of Nestlé chocolatiers. Each Android KitKit was then packed into its own specially numbered box and sent to the four corners of the globe. ​​

Those who miss out on the Android KitKat will still be able to compete to win Google Nexus 7 tablets and credits to spend in Google Play next month via specially marked Kit Kats that will be available in Woolworth’s supermarkets.​​

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