Google cans Key Lime Pie for KitKat

By Tara Donnelly

Last updated 04 September 2013

Sweet news from Google - the next version of its Android mobile operating system will officially be known as Android 4.4 KitKat. Yes, KitKat, as in the delicious sugary chocolate treat that encourages you to have a break - and is actually a trademark owned by the Nestle corporation.

Google has certainly raised the (chocolate) bar with its choice for Android 4.4, with KitKat being the first time the operating system has used a licensed name. While Google has been naming versions of Android after sugary treats since Android 1.5 Cupcake, each moniker has been a non-commercial generic name such as Ice Cream Sandwich or Jelly Bean.

The decision to go with KitKat required an agreement with the confectionery's manufacturer. According to the BBC, talks between Google and Nestle began in November of last year, and the deal was finalized in February at the World Mobile Congress in Barcelona.

Google says there was no exchange of money between the two companies, but the cross-promotional opportunities of the agreement are huge. To mark the announcement, Nestle has produced 50 million KitKat bars with Android promotional wrappers, for a worldwide release in 19 countries.

The promotion will offer Android fans with a sweet tooth the chance to win a Nexus 7 tablet or Google Play gift cards by purchasing the specially marked KitKats. The offer runs from September 6 through to January 31^st 2014. Sadly, no tours of the Android factory are included as competition prizes.

A 'Kinda' surprise from Google

The announcement has come as a surprise to many who were expecting Google to go with Key Lime Pie, the name both media and Google so far had been using for the next Android release.

However, as KitKats are reportedly a favorite late-night treat for the Android development team, the potential promotional tie-ins resulting from a Nestle/Google collaboration were, like a crispy wafer covered in chocolate, probably too tempting to turn down.

The decision to go with KitKat was so hush-hush, not even Google employees knew about the deal until the official announcement. Google has since celebrated the name reveal by installing a giant, KitKat-inspired version of the Android mascot at the company's California headquarters.

Nestle has stated it is excited about the partnership’s potential to “…enable even more KitKat fans to enjoy their break.” We’re not sure how allowing Google to name a smartphone operating system after KitKat will achieve that goal exactly, but the deal is certainly a marketing coup for Nestle.

Google is yet to announce a release date for KitKat, although it’s heavily rumored the version will launch in late October. Expect Fandroids to be as excited as proverbial kids in candy stores when KitKat is officially launched.