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Home / News / Android KitKat is the real, actual name for Android’s next update

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

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

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.

Profile image of Sam Kieldsen Sam Kieldsen Contributor

About

Tech journalism's answer to The Littlest Hobo, I've written for a host of titles and lived in three different countries in my 15 years-plus as a freelancer. But I've always come back home to Stuff eventually, where I specialise in writing about cameras, streaming services and being tragically addicted to Destiny.

Areas of expertise

Cameras, drones, video games, film and TV