OS / Software

Google announces Android 4.4 KitKat, celebrates more than 1 million Android activations

Alexandra Burlacu

The next tasty version of Android will start with a "K" from "KitKat," not the previously rumored "Key Lime Pie," Google has just announced.

Never before has KitKat been so talked about as now, and it's not because of its delicious, milky crunchiness. It's because of software. The KitKat software. Android KitKat, to be more precise.

Google has a tradition of naming its Android versions after sweet treats. We had Cupcake, Donut, Éclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich and the current Jelly Bean flavor. Moving up the alphabet to reach the letter "K," the next Android version will borrow its name from the famous Nestle treat.

A new Android statue has arrived at Google's campus, joining the other figurines that represent each version of Android. Next to the Android Jelly Bean statue Google now has a new star made out of Nestle's KitKat candy bar. If Google used generic sweet names so far, it's all about to change.

The company proudly announced that it has reached over one million Android activations and said that the next version of its software will be Android 4.4 KitKat, not the previously rumored Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie.

"It's our goal with Android KitKat to make an amazing Android experience available for everybody," Google touted on its Android web page, without revealing what features the next version of Android will include.

Google has not only borrowed the KitKat name, but it has also signed a deal with Nestle that will include competitions with various prizes, including limited-edition Android-shaped KitKats.

"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, Head of Marketing at Nestle, in a statement confirming the company's new ties with Google.

"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," added Android Director of Marketing Marc Vanlerberghe.

To celebrate the upcoming launch of Android KitKat, the two companies will offer more than 50 million specially branded KitKat bars in 19 countries including the U.S., the UK, Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, Dubai, and Russia.

The limited-edition KitKat packs will lead consumers to a promotional web page where they will get a chance to win various prizes, including Google Nexus 7 tablets and credits to spend on apps, games, movies, books and more on Google Play. Some select markets will also get a small number of Android robot-shaped KitKat bars as prizes.

© Copyright 2020 Mobile & Apps, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

more stories from OS / Software

Back
Real Time Analytics