Google is known for naming each major version release of its mobile Android operating system after a dessert, but the next release will be the first one to be named after a specific brand of treat in a marketing deal with Nestle’s Kitkat chocolate bar.
The news was announced today on a new Web page on Android.com and via the Kitkat Twitter account.
Proud to unwrap Android KITKAT – find out more at http://t.co/tmBKRLpFfO pic.twitter.com/8nps9vna8l
— KITKAT (@KITKAT) September 3, 2013
Kitkat will be Android version 4.4. Delicious sounding names preceding it are the current Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, 3.0 Honeycomb, 2.3 Gingerbread, 2.2 Froyo, 2.0 Eclair, 1.6 Donut, and 1.5 Cupcake. There are no details about what the Kitkat version of Android will include, with Google only stating “it’s our goal with Android Kitkat” to make an amazing Android experience available for everybody.”
According to Mashable, Google contacted Kitkat about lending its name to the new Android version and no money was exchanged in the deal. Instead, Kitkat will be marketing Android on its candy bar packaging and offering a contest with a Nexus 7 tablet and Google Play gift card included as prizes.
Kitkat also posted this new Youtube video, a tongue-in-cheek poke at Apple’s marketing videos, to promote its new collaboration with Android:
The inevitable “gimme a break” slogan jokes were flying on Twitter after the news. Here’s a few of our favourites:
I am looking forward to Android Kit Kat, if only because I want to give myself a break.
— Shane Schick (@shaneschick) September 3, 2013
Who comes up with these Android code names? KitKat?! Give me a break!
— Scott Meinzer (@scottmeinzer) September 3, 2013
The next Google Android OS will be called Kit Kat. And the next Microsoft Windows? Kit Kat Chunky.
— Jeff Jedras (@JeffJedrasITW) September 3, 2013