Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) named its latest version of Android operating system “Kit Kat” and not Key Lime Pie as rumored.
Sundar Pichai, senior vice president at Google who oversees the development of Android operating system, Chrome browser, and Google Apps announced it through Google Plus, and Twitter.
In his blog post, Pichai proudly shared that Google reached a significant milestone wherein 1 billion mobile devices powered by the Android operating system have been activated. He also said that the search engine giant’s partners in Asia developed high quality Android devices.
“All this Android innovation is driving tremendous ecosystem momentum, and I’m excited to share that together we’ve now passed 1 Billion Android device activation. Huge thanks to the entire Android community from the hardware manufacturers, chip makers and carriers to the developers and content creators to all of you – our Android users around the world – for making this possible,” wrote Pichai.
Google’s partners will be launching their new devices during the IFA in Berlin on September 6 to 13, 2013. Pichai played or tested the devices created by the company’s partners in Asia, and he said the devices are “really nice.”
Pichai added that he was thrilled the new statue of Android was waiting to greet him. He said,“Love the new Android Kit Kat statue and can’t wait to release the next version of the platform that is as sweet as the candy bar that’s one of our team’s favorites.”
Nestle (VTX:NESN) also announced its branding partnership with Google as part of its initiative to leverage digital technology and online content to get closer to its consumers and understand their preferences.
According to Nestle, it will sell more than 50 million specially branded Kit Kat bars to mark the release of Android Kit Kat. The bars will be available in 19 markets including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, Middle East, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Consumers who will purchase the special Android Kit Kat bars will be directed to visit android.com/kitkat to have the chance to win Google prizes such as Google Nexus 7 tablets and credits to spend at Google Play. Nestle will also produce a limited number of Android robot-shaped Kit Kat bars as prices in selected markets.
Marc Vanlerberghe, director of Android Marketing said, “We couldn’t imagine a better name for our Android K release than the tasty chocolate that’s been a favorite among the team since the early days of Android.”
Image credit: @sundarpichai/Twitter
