Next Version of Android Dubbed KitKat, Not Key Lime Pie

The next version of Google Android will be called"KitKat," not "Key Lime Pie," as was widely rumored.

Android chief Sundar Pichai revealed the new moniker in a Tuesday Google+ post, and KitKat owner Nestlé has confirmed it via Twitter. Since version 1.5, each iteration of Android has been named after a sweet treat, including Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, and Jelly Bean. But with Android 4.4, Google is entering new territory, naming the mobile operating system after an actual brand.

"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 post on the Android Google+ page explained.

Android KitKat Bar

As part of the partnership, Google has not only named Android 4.4 after the crispy-chocolatey treat, but also gaven its iconic green mascot a new KitKat coat. For its part, Nestlé will be releasing limited edition KitKat candy bars, with a "lucky few" containing a winning ticket for a new Nexus 7 SEE IT tablet or Google Play app store credits.

There's no word yet as to when Google will release Android 4.4 KitKat, but you can sign up on the Web giant's announcement page to receive more information about the next version of the mobile OS.

Up until now, techies have been referring to the upcoming version of Android as Key Lime Pie. That name first surfaced way back in March 2012 when The Verge reported that Jelly Bean's successor would be named after the tart dessert. More recently, rumors have swirled that Google will be releasing the new version of Android in late October.

At this point, Android now powers more than 1 billion smartphones and tablets, Google said. About 40.5 percent of Android devices are currently running Jelly Bean, followed by Gingerbread at 33.1 percent, and Ice Cream Sandwich at 22.5 percent, according to Google's most recent stats.

Here's our PCMag Live take on the curious case of Android KitKat, with Dan Costa and Samara Lynn:

About Our Expert

Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade.

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The Technology I Use

My little Florida beach bungalow is brimming with smart home tech. I have a smart speaker or display in every room, allowing me to control other connected devices by voice. The Nest Hub on my bedside table lets me set wake-up alarms, control my smart light bulbs, and set the temperature on my smart thermostat. I use the Amazon Echo Show 8 on my kitchen counter to browse recipes, reorder protein powder, check the weather, and watch the news while I do dishes.

Because I suffer from allergies, air purifiers are essential. My favorite model is the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, which doubles as a fan and continuously sends indoor pollution data to its companion mobile app.

My pitbull Bradley sheds, so a good robot vacuum is a must. I currently use a premium Ecovacs Deebot that can both vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash its own mop cloth.

For fitness, I like to mix up my routine with cycling, indoor rowing, running, and strength training in addition to yoga. I take classes on the Tonal 2 smart strength training machine, I row indoors on an Aviron machine, and track my beach runs with an Apple Watch while listening to music on my Apple AirPods Pro. On the weekends, I love riding e-bikes like the rugged, beach-friendly Aventon Aventure for fun and fitness.

My job involves a lot of virtual meetings, so a quality webcam, microphone, and ring light are important. I use the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam, the Elgato Wave: 3 microphone, and a Yesker tripod ring light.

As for my preferred phone platform, I'm an iPhone person, but I've also extensively used Android for product testing.

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