Intellectual Property licensing can be a difficult business, particularly when dealing with brands that are worth billions of dollars. Sometimes when you want something, you just have to have it, and that appears to be the logic behind the naming of the next version of Android. Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is set on calling the next version of its mobile operating system KitKat.
The news was delivered by the head of Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android and Chrome business Sundar Pinchai earlier today. According to reports from the BBC and elsewhere, the deal did not involve any money changing hands. It is likely to be beneficial to both Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Nestle, the owner of the Kit-Kat brand, as a cross-promotional tool.
Google’s Willy Wonka Contest
According to a press release from Nestle, the company is happy to be brought on board for the next version of Android, and will be celebrating the deal with a Willy Wonka-styled competition. Select Kit Kats sold in the United States will have a “Golden Ticket” inside, entitling the holder to Google Play credits, or their very own Google Nexus 7 tablet.
The contest won’t just be for customers in the United States, however. It will be rolled out in 19 separate countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, the Middle East, Russia, and the UK. Those looking to catch a free Nexus tablet will have to try their luck and purchase a Kit Kat according to the release.
Android Kit Kat features
It’s not clear what kind of experience Kit Kat is going to offer Android users. The most recent update to Android, Jelly Bean, was rolled out in July, meaning users will probably have to wait a full year to get their hands on the Kit Kat version of the mobile operating system.
Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) also announced today that Android activations had hit 1 billion, cementing the company as the biggest mobile platform builder in the world. At the most recent Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) I/O conference, the company announced that activations had hit 900 million. That means an impressive 100 million Android devices have been added in little over a month.
Android is the world’s most important mobile OS, and the Kit Kat brand is going to be plastered all over the launch of the company’s next device. The deal seems to be good for everyone, except perhaps fans of Key Lime Pie.
