Google has entered into a partnership agreement with confectionery firm Nestlé for the name of its next operating system: Android Kitkat.
Iterations of Android have been using sweet-themed names since the initial release of Android Cupcake in 2009 and continuing in alphabetical order until the most recent version, Android Jelly Bean.
It was previously rumoured that the latest Android 4.4 OS would be known as Android Key Lime Pie.
To mark the release of Android KitKat, more than 50 million specially branded KitKat bars will be available in 19 countries including the UK and US. The packs will lead consumers toandroid.com/kitkat where they will have the opportunity to win prizes including Google Nexus 7 tablets.
Limited Android robot-shaped KitKat bars will also be offered as prizes in selected markets.
"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," said Marc Vanlerberghe, Director of Android Marketing.
Patrice Bula, Nestle's Head of Marketing, added: "We're excited to announce this partnership with Android, the world's most popular mobile platform, which will help us to enable even more KitKat fans to enjoy their break."
Android powers more than one billion smartphones and tablets.
"Since these devices make our lives so sweet, each Android version is named after a dessert: Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, and Jelly Bean," said Google in a statement.
"As everybody finds it difficult to stay away from chocolate we decided to name the next version of Android after one of our favorite chocolate treats, Kitkat."
http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...tkat-os/031804