Google announced Tuesday
that the next iteration of its Android mobile operating system (4.4)
will be called KitKat. Google has a history of naming versions of its
Android OS after desserts — Cupcake, Froyo, Gingerbread and Jelly Bean
have all made the rotation — but never has the company chosen a branded
candy for its OS.
We don't know exactly how Google came to choose the Nestle-owned candy over a more general dessert, like Key Lime Pie, but rest assured Google hasn't violated any trademark restrictions. (Not only is the Kit Kat name trademarked, but
the shape is too.) Google would
only say,
"KitKat has been a favorite candy on the team for some time, so for the
K release, we asked if they’d be willing to lend their iconic candy bar
to its name." A Google representative confirmed to
Mashable that "no money was exchanged" in the deal.
The deal, rather, is cross-promotional: Android is naming version 4.4
KitKat, and Kit Kat is in turn marketing Android on its packaging. As
you can see in the image above, a package of Kit Kat Crispy Wafers now
features the green Android mascot on its front side and a prompt to
"Win!." Purchasers will have the opportunity to win a Nexus 7 tablet or a
Google Play gift card.
Now the question is: Who got the better deal?
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