Android KitKat is the real, actual name for Android’s next update
No room for Key Lime Pie as Google and Nestle team up to offer a branded name for version 4.4 of the OS
Well, we didn’t see this one coming. Google has announced the name for the next version of Android – and is isn’t the widely-predicted “Key Lime Pie”. It’s “KitKat”.
Have a break with the past
Google has always named its Android editions after sugary items of confectionary – Cupcake, Eclair, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean etc. – but thus far they have all been generic. To choose a brand name product as the inspiration version 4.4 seems a strange step, and is likely to attract accusations of selling out.
It’s hard to shake off the air of tackiness around the naming, and then there’s the fact that Nestlé, KitKat’s owner, has something of a spotty record when it comes to business practices. The choice doesn’t seem likely to do much for Android’s brand image.
Buy a KitKat, maybe win a Nexus 7
But then Google is essentially the world’s biggest advertising company, so perhaps we shouldn’t be too surprised by this decision. Google and Nestlé will be celebrating the news by giving away Nexus 7 tablets and Google Play credit in some branded KitKat wrappers.
Sam Kieldsen
Contributor 
