Android KitKat 4.4 Confirmed : Google Nestle Partnership, Announced!

It's not April 1st, so no, this is not an April Fools joke.

Google has finally ended months upon months of rumors and speculations about the name of the freshest version of its Android mobile operating system by formally disclosing today that version 4.4 of the OS will be officially called "KitKat".

android kitkat, android kitkat 4.4
Following Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean, this shocking development in the OS' nomenclature came as a big surprise to Android fans who were totally expecting its latest version to be called "Key Lime Pie." If you ask me, though, KitKat sounds a lot better -- and yeah, I'd prefer to eat KitKat over Key Lime Pie anytime of the day.

Nestle's KitKat chocolate-covered wafer sticks are actually one of the world's leading consumer goods and are definitely amongst the most loved snacks and desserts around. However, Google chose this name not only based on the success and popularity of the product (or that it's the favorite treat of Android Engineering Head, Hiroshi Lockheimer) but also as a result of its new landmark alliance with Nestle.

"We're excited to announce this partnership with Android, the world's most popular mobile platform, which will help us to enable even more Kitkat fans to enjoy their break," shared Ms. Patrice Bula, Nestle's Head of Marketing. She added, "KitKat is one of the world's top ten fast-moving consumer goods brands in social media in terms of fan numbers and engagement. We continue to build on its strong digital presence with interactive, creative branding campaigns."

Google will also benefit from the deal - not because it received money from Nestle (In fact, according to reports, no money was involved in the deal) - as it will make Android more of a household name for average, non-techie consumers who grew up taking a break with KitKat.

android kitkat, android kitkat 4.4

To celebrate the imminent release of Android KitKat 4.4, over 50 million Android-branded KitKat bars will become available in 19 countries including US, Japan, UK, Australia, and Russia among others (Here's to hoping that the Philippine will also be included in the list. The Philippines is the Social Networking Capital of the World and it would make a lot of sense for Nestle to bring those bars here.) Google and Nestle will likewise be giving away Nexus 7 FHD tablets and Android-Robot-shaped KitKat bars via their official websites.