Google has ended months of online speculation about the name of the latest version of its Android mobile operating system, revealing that it is to be called ‘AndroidKitKat’, after Nestlé’s popular wafer-filled chocolate bar.
The Android operating system has been developed under confectionery-themed names since 2009, which brought the release of Android Cupcake. The tech company continued with its confectionery-themed naming system through the alphabet, hitting Android 'Jelly Bean' with its last launch.
The news that the letter ‘K’ will be dedicated to Nestlé’s KitKat comes as a surprise to many technology commentators, with wide speculation that the latest version would be dubbed ‘Android Key Lime Pie’.
“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.
A small number of Android robot-shaped KitKat bars will also be offered as prizes in selected markets.
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.
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.
© 2013 - ESM: European Supermarket Magazine by Ellen Lunney
