Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Google says next version of Android will be called KitKat

Sundar Pichai, head of Android division at Google, on Tuesday revealed on Twitter that the next version of the company's mobile operating system (OS) will be called Android KIT KAT.

"We now have over 1 billion Android activations and hope this guy in front of the building keeps that momentum going," Pichai tweeted as well as posted an image of a giant Android mascot built like KitKat chocolate.

Earlier, there were rumours that the next version of the OS would be called Android Key Lime Pie.

Since Android 1.5, Google has named each version of the OS after a sweet. Android 1.5 was Cupcake. Android 1.6 was Donut. Android 2.0 was Eclair. Android 2.2 was Froyo. Android 2.3 was Gingerbread. Android 3.0 was Honeycomb. Android 4.0 was Ice Cream Sandwich. And Android 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 have been called Jelly Bean.


"Android is the operating system that powers over 1 billion smartphones and tablets. Since these devices make our lives so sweet, each Android version is named after a dessert... As everybody finds it difficult to stay away from chocolate we decided to name the next version of Android after one of our favorite chocolate treats, Kitkat," Google said.

The KitKat will be Android 4.4. So far there is no word on when Google will release this OS but it is likely to debut in the market with the new Nexus  phone in the coming months.

Google announced the new version of Android just minutes after Apple sent out invites for an event on September 10 where it is likely to launch the next version of iPhone.

For KitKat name Google has tied up with Nestle, which makes KitKat chocolates.

"We couldn't imagine a better name for our Android K release than the tasty chocolate that's been a favourite among the team since the early days of Android," said Marc Vanlerberghe, director of Android marketing.

Nestle said that to mark the release of Android KitKat, more than 50 million specially branded KitKat bars will be available in 19 countries including Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Japan, Dubai, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The packs will lead consumers to the website www.android.com/kitkat where they will have the opportunity to win prizes including a limited number of Google Nexus 7 tablets, and credits to spend in Google Play.

A small number of Android robot-shaped KitKat bars will be offered as prizes in selected markets.

Ref : Times Of India

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