Google's Android lead, Sundar Pichai, just revealed something completely unexpected -- a picture of a new Android statue, which clearly signifies a new version of the Android OS platform. On the lawn in front of Google's building 44 is a big chocolate monolith, and it's clearly not Key Lime Pie, its a KitKat. And furthermore this update is only a small bump until the big 5.0 Android OS update. The official KitKat Twitter account responded moments after Pichai posted the image, confirming the company was aware of the Android OS naming. In fact, the KitKat logo has been changed to the new Android 4.4 KitKat logo. Google has partnered with Nestle to use the KitKat name and offer free goodies to Android and KitKat fans.
KitKat follows in a long line of yummy names for Google's mobile operating system. Previous versions have been called Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, and Jelly Bean. This is the first time, however, Google is going with a brand name. The mobile company said that they chose KitKat because "everybody finds it difficult to stay away from chocolate." We're sure Nestle couldn't resist a big promotion with the largest mobile operating system, too. Nestle reportedly did not pay to collaborate with Google nor vice versa. It was just a mutual agreement between both companies.
Google has not given too many details on the new OS other than the name, but based on rumors circulating the Internet it is expected that KitKat 4.4 will become accessible to Android-running devices with lower RAM such as 512MB and older Android version such as 2.3 Gingerbread. This optimisation has been rumoured to be included in Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie.The latest release named "Jelly Bean" boasted improvements like user profiles, built-in security protection, and more useful notification actions.
Catch Google and Nestle's full press release below for Android 4.4 OS.
Google and Nestlé announce Android KitKat
Sep 3, 2013
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'.
Sweet themes
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 KitKat will surprise most technology commentators, who had widely thought the latest version would be 'Android Key Lime Pie'.
"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.
Strong digital presence
"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," said Patrice Bula, Nestlé's Head of Marketing.
"KitKat 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."
To mark the release of Android KitKat, more than 50 million specially branded KitKat bars will be available in 19 countries including Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Japan, Dubai, 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.
A small number of Android robot-shaped KitKat bars will also be offered as prizes in selected markets.
Closer to consumers
Nestlé's branding partnership with Google is the company's latest move in its ambition to leverage digital technology and online content to get closer to its consumers to better understand and cater to their preferences.
Earlier this year, Nestlé acquired its first-ever piece of online content property, the Petfinder website in the United States. The online database, which links prospective adopters with adoptable pets, is visited by more than 100 million pet-lovers annually.
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