Google’s new Android operating system
Google, dissimilar to Apple’s numerical approach with iOS, is into naming its Android
mobile operating systems after desserts. The very first release was named Cupcake.
2010 saw Gingerbread, 2011 saw Honeycomb, and 2012 saw Jelly Bean. This month
Google announced that its next operating system, (the 19th development) will be
called KitKat. This came after months of speculation that the next development would
be called Key Lime Pie.

Additionally, reports state that the name was chosen with permission from Nestlé
and Hershey. Although this suggests that the name is some kind of big PR ploy from
the confectionery companies to advertise their product, most especially to techie
groups, a Google spokesperson stated that no money was exchanged in the deal.
Nevertheless, cross-branding will also occur on the KitKat packaging — with the
Android logo present on the front and a competition to win a Nexus 7 with purchase
of the well-known chocolate bar.
So what would have encouraged the name KitKat? Do Google’s employees really
love the chocolate bar that much? It’s unlikely. Consider Google’s primary mobile
industry competitor: Apple. Apple has a devoted following and a large number
of rumour blogs that are always meticulously looking for upcoming products and
software updates. In this sense, Apple software almost advertises itself, because
talk about their product is present everywhere.
Hence, the desired effect from Google’s point of view is for the software to
become ‘part of the furniture’ so to speak, and compete with Apple, most especially
iOS 7. Google’s goal is for KitKat to become a generalised product that people know
about and speak about, like iOS 7. Now Google is present in convenience stores,
supermarkets and even petrol stations: wherever a KitKat is sold.
With iOS 7’s release, and KitKat’s imminent release, we will soon see how effective
this approach is both competing with the giant Apple and in getting people to know
of, and even pay attention, to KitKat.
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