I took a gadget break to scroll down my Twitter timeline just in time to learn about shakes here and there in the tech industry: from Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer abdicating his CEO throne, to Microsoft acquiring Nokia services and devices. Eh.
But this week’s best revelation was Google’s announcement of their partnership with NestlĂ©! Weird, right? Google made a deal within hours with Nestl just so they could name the new version of the Android OS, now officially named Android KitKat.
From my point of view, this is a creative move that could prove to  be a win-win partnership for both sides. We all know that Google has been naming reincarnations of their Android OS after different sweets and desserts, like (in alphabetical order) Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean. I guess that they ran out of ideas for what to name the Android 4.4, especially after realizing this new version has to start with a âK.â One of their engineers suddenly remembered his favorite candy bar and took it to management for approval. Turns out, management agreed and when they proposed the idea to NestlĂ©, it didn’t take for them to agree with this delicious plan. Android and KitKat, who would even expect that? Check out what KitKat’s Chief Breaks Officer had to say about this partnership:
Looking at the KitKat website, it looks like they have already taken their partnership with Android very seriously. Aside from their Android-ized website and production of Android shaped KitKats (WANT!), they’ve also created new variety of packaging which will feature a hungry-looking Android mascot gorging on a KitKat, all the while promoting a chance to win a Google Nexus 7 and gift cards. This packaging will be available worldwide soon.
Hopefully, this is really a win-win partnership where both brands reached their goals by the end of the day, as this is what matters the most. I also hope that Microsoft gets a hint out of this: that by acquiring Nokia devices and services, I certainly would like to see Microsoft come up with a really good Windows Phone OS and get their gear ready to compete head to head with Android. Delicious partnerships will generate delicious profits right? đ
