The media giant has a tradition of using the names of confectionery and desserts for their new software. Previously there was Ice Cream Sandwich, Gingerbread and Jelly Bean. Now Google has teamed up with chocolate behemoth Nestlé to launch the new KitKat 4.4 version of the Android operating system that is expected at some point in October.
This came as a surprise to many technology experts as it was thought that the new name would be Key Lime Pie. News of the partnership was confirmed by Sundar Pichai, head of Android, who tweeted a photo of a giant Android statue made from KitKats standing proudly next to its Jelly Bean and Gingerbread forebears.
“We now have over 1 billion Android activations and hope this guy in front of the building keeps momentum going,” Mr Pichai added.
This figure confirms Android software as the world’s biggest mobile operating system. According to Larry Page, Google’s chief executive, around 1.5 million Android devices are activated every day and the company shows no signs of being complacent.
Nestlé were reportedly approached by Google last November about the potential team-up. The new coalition also means that buyers of Nestlé’s famous four-fingered bar will be able to win Android tablets through a Willy Wonka-style special wrapper prize-giving. There are 50 million of these special wrappers.
This all leaves the other food group needing to steal back some of this momentum. Apple has long been the major competitor to Android-powered devices, which currently have a 79% share of the Smartphone market.
A special event on September 10 is thought to be the platform for Apple to show off a variety of new devices – including the latest iPhone and a rumoured cheaper version currently dubbed the iPhone 5C. Whether it will be enough to temper the success of Android only time will tell.
