If you thought that sporting franchises allowing their stadiums to be renamed was bad, then brace yourself for arguably the most cringe-worthy example of corporate influence we’ve seen yet.
That’s right, Google have decided to call the next version of their Android Operating System the Android KitKat despite previous suggestions that it would be called Android Key Lime Pie following in the footsteps of previous operating systems such as Android Cupcake, Jellybean and Ice Cream Sandwich, gradually progressing through each letter of the alphabet.
Having originally planned to call it Key Lime Pie when they got to K, the folks at Google thought that a lot of people wouldn’t know what it was and decided to opt for KitKat instead, which prompted a call to Nestle and the beginning of a tasty relationship which was a closely guarded secret until now.
It is the first time that a specific brand has been directly attached to an Android operating system but according to the BBC, no money will change hands between Nestle and Google. Nestle will, however, be delivering more than 50 million chocolate bars featuring the Android mascot to shops in various destinations worldwide, including the UK, US and Japan.
According to a Nestle press release, the packs will lead consumers to the website 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, Google’s online store for apps, games, music, movies, books and more.
A small number of Android robot-shaped Kit Kat bars will also be offered as prizes in selected markets.
Technically Google and Nestle are doing nothing wrong but it’s surely taking things a little too far? To paraphrase a slogan used widely in connection with the bar in question, give us a break.
