Google's Sundar Pichai, head of both Android and Chrome, has confirmed that the next version of Android will be called KitKat. Yes, you've read correctly, KitKat, as in the trademarked name of the candy bar made by Nestle (and licensed by Hershey in the US). A splash page for the new operating system reveals that KitKat will be the codename for Android 4.4, not the long-rumored Android 5.0. To date, rumors have suggested that the next version of Android would be called Key Lime Pie, but it appears Google's decided this time to go for a brand name to keep its long-standing tradition of naming each version of its mobile operating system after desserts.
Google says that "it's our goal with Android KitKat to make an amazing Android experience available for everybody." That's certainly a bit vague, but the statement doesline up with earlier rumors that suggested Google plans to use its next Android release in smartwatches, gaming consoles, low-cost smartphones, and even laptops.
Pichai says in a Google+ post that he's just returned from meeting with hardware partners in Asia, and he adds that there are now over 1 billion Android activations. He goes on to say that he "can’t wait to release the next version of the platform that is as sweet as the candy bar that’s one of our team’s favorites."
It's clear that Google has partnered with Nestle for the new name: the company says that "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." Additionally, a new contest offers buyers of specially-marked KitKat packages a chance to win either a free Nexus 7 or a Google Play credit.
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