Google's 'Android KitKat'
Google's
next mobile operating system is called Android KitKat and will appear on 50
million Kit Kat wrappers around the globe in the coming weeks, the digital
giant and Hershey, the candy brand's parent, revealed today. The
companies forged a no-cash, publicity-focused agreement for the co-branding
effort, according to multiple reports.
The development surprised many in the tech space, which had
expected Google's next mobile OS to be called Key Lime Pie. The Mountain View, Calif.-based
company has customarily given Android iterations sweets-minded names, such as
Cupcake in 2009.
"We are proud and excited to have one of the world's leading
mobile innovators pair up with one of America's favorite chocolate
brands," Jennifer Podhajsky, vp of U.S. chocolate for Hershey, said in a
statement. "Google's choice to name their next Android platform release
Kit Kat brings together two well-known icons from pop culture and technology and
gives the classic jingle of 'Gimme a Break' a whole new
meaning in the tech world."
In addition, Hershey and Google are offering consumers the chance
to win 1,000 Nexus 7 tablets, 150,000
Google Play credits worth $5 apiece and 20,000 coupons for eight-ounce bags of Kit Kat Minis.
Starting Friday and running through Jan. 31, 2014, the giveaways will be
advertised on Kit Kat packaging.
The co-branding arrangement appears to be the first of its kind in
terms of blending software and a consumer-packaged item. And it shouldn't hurt
Google's reputation with the sweet-tooth set.
Google's Android already garners 46 percent of the domestic
smartphone OS market, besting Apple's iOS (38 percent), per eMarketer.
Lastly, Kit Kat is licensed and sold by Hershey in the U.S., though
the candy brand is produced and marketed elsewhere globally by Nestlé.
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