HERSHEY, Pa. -- Google has announced the name of the latest version of its Android mobile operating system, calling it Android KitKat after the confectionery brand. The creators of the mobile platform have teamed up with The Hershey Co. in the United States for the next release of the platform "Android KitKat."
"We couldn't imagine a better name for our Android K release than the chocolate treat that's been a favorite go-to snack among the team since the early days of Android," said Marc Vanlerberghe, director of Android Marketing.
Android KitKat is version 4.4 of Google's mobile operating system, developed by the company's engineers under sweet-themed codenames that began with Android Cupcake 1.5 in 2009. The codenames have continued alphabetically through to Android Jelly Bean 4.3, released earlier this year.
The news that the letter "K" will be dedicated to the iconic Kit Kat brand will surprise many technology pundits, who expected the latest version to be named "Android Key Lime Pie."
"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," said Jennifer Podhajsky, vice president of U.S. Chocolate for Hershey. "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."
This news complements the recent launch of Hershey's new Kit Kat Minis product that represents the latest innovation in confectionery and on-the-go snacks. The product is the result of many months of research and development by Hershey engineers to miniaturize one of the world's most popular candy bars without compromising the taste, texture and shape of the wafers covered in milk chocolate.
As part of the U.S. campaign, Kit Kat brand and Google will offer consumers the chance to win 1,000 Nexus 7 tablets, 150,000 Google Play $5.00 credits and 20,000 coupons for a free eight-ounce bag of Kit Kat Minis. To enter the promotion, consumers should look for a code inside the wrapper of specially marked Kit Kat 1.5-ounce bars where they will need to visit www.android.com/kitkat for their chance to win. The promotion will run between Sept. 6, 2013, and Jan. 31, 2014.
To celebrate the announcement, the brand is also launching a Kit Kat USA Facebook page (www.facebook.com/KitKatUSA) and a Kit Kat USA Google+ page (www.google.com/+kitkatusa) to connect with Kit Kat U.S. fans and keep them up-to-date on the latest details of the Android KitKat campaign. A giant statue of the Android made out of the iconic Kit Kat bars will reside at Hershey's headquarters in Hershey, Pa.
The Google announcement is part of a larger global partnership with Nestle. Kit Kat is a registered trademark under license from Societe des Produits Nestle SA. But Hershey is a license holder of the Kit Kat trademark in the United States, where it manufactures and sells the Kit Kat brand.
To mark the release of the Android KitKat, more than 50 million specially branded Kit Kat bars will be available in 19 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Japan, Middle East, Russia and the United States.
Hershey is a leading producer of chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and sugar confectionery. With revenues of nearly $6 billion, it offers confectionery products under more than 25 brand names, including Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Hershey's Bliss, Hershey's Special Dark, Kit Kat, Twizzlers and Ice Breakers. Hershey also offers premium and artisan chocolate products under such brands as Scharffen Berger and Dagoba through the Artisan Confections Co., a wholly owned subsidiary.
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