Android Partnership With Kit Kat Goes Beyond operating system Name

Google announced Tuesday that the next iteration of its Android mobile operating system (4.4) will be called KitKat. Google has a history of naming versions of its Android OS after desserts — Cupcake, Froyo, Gingerbread and Jelly Bean have all made the rotation — but never has the company chosen a branded candy for its OS.

We don't know exactly how Google came to choose the Hershey-owned candy over a more general dessert, like Key Lime Pie, but rest assured Google hasn't violated any trademark restrictions. Google would only say, "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." A Google representative confirmed to Mashable that "no money was exchanged" in the deal.

The deal, rather, is cross-promotional: Android is naming version 4.4 KitKat, and Kit Kat is in turn marketing Android on its packaging. As you can see in the image above, a package of Kit Kat Crispy Wafers now features the green Android mascot on its front side and a prompt to "Win!." Purchasers will have the opportunity to win a Nexus 7 tablet or a Google Play gift card.

Now the question is: Who got the better deal?

Adapted from mashable