Mobile OSs Android 4.4 KitKat revealed?

[jamezr]

'google' the biggest personalised 'ad' seller teaming up with KitKat is just a happy co-incidence ?

For me the issue is it's a road that I just do not want to get on. I do not want my future OS's and more commercially endorsed by food or fashion brands.

Like I say to me it's the start of opening a flood gate - and we all know Google have enough info on us without factoring their OS being so closely tied to ANY manufacturer / brand and the possibilities of that info leaching further. Even just the potential for it to do so.

If anything could sway me back to iOS - it's' actually that prospect.

Well said MRU....well said....

 

[tbayrgs]

Yeah it is just a name....I already said earlier in the thread i was not fond of the desert theme for a name. But seriously what is wrong with Android 4.4? or Android 5? It does seem like they are having fun with the name and marketing.......maybe coupons in the Kit Kat wrappers for Playstore credit? Next promotion buy a song from the Play Store and get a coupon for a Kit Kat bar? So maybe instead of all this fun with the name and marketing themes they could just focus on enriching the OS and adding features and have fun with that? Does anyone know what features 4.4 will have? No but we all know the name is Kit Kat.......

I neither like nor dislike the name, doesn't make a difference in the functionality. However, expecting Google (and Nestlé) to forgoe an opportunity to enriched both of their brands and more importantly, to make money all for the betterment of the OS, is simply naive. Do you really think that they cannot create a marketing campaign AND work on enriching simultaneously? Are Google's resources stretched so thin?

It's no different than how professional sports teams sell the naming rights for their stadiums. Sure, we might not like it but I'd wager you can put the number of people who've refused to go watch a match at that arena because the team sold the name of the stadium on one hand.

 

[onthecouchagain]

'google' the biggest personalised 'ad' seller teaming up with KitKat is just a happy co-incidence ?

For me the issue is it's a road that I just do not want to get on. I do not want my future OS's and more commercially endorsed by food or fashion brands.

Like I say to me it's the start of opening a flood gate - and we all know Google have enough info on us without factoring their OS being so closely tied to ANY manufacturer / brand and the possibilities of that info leaching further. Even just the potential for it to do so.

If anything could sway me back to iOS - it's' actually that prospect.

You're not suddenly going to see KitKat branding on Android devices or in any significant parts of Android (maybe an easter egg like they always do, but I can't imagine anything more). I think Android is fine. The names have always just been that, names. Again, they only get as far as appearing on software/hardware as easter eggs.

This is really small apples. I think they're just having fun here.

Have to reiterate, everyone worried should read the BBC article about how this came to be. In short, no one really knew how Key Lime Pie tasted, and someone suggested KitKat since it was one of their favorite snacks. The talks began in secret, no money was exchanged, details were hammered out, and they kept it super secret, and boom. Now they're having a bit of fun. Again, look at the KitKat website.

 

[Oletros]

So maybe instead of all this fun with the name and marketing themes they could just focus on enriching the OS and adding features and have fun with that?

Yap, because resources has been distracted from developing Android to that deal being done

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For me the issue is it's a road that I just do not want to get on. I do not want my future OS's and more commercially endorsed by food or fashion brands.

There is no commercial endorsement, why would will have one in the future?

 

[jamezr]

I neither like nor dislike the name, doesn't make a difference in the functionality. However, expecting Google (and Nestlé) to forgoe an opportunity to enriched both of their brands and more importantly, to make money all for the betterment of the OS, is simply naive. Do you really think that they cannot create a marketing campaign AND work on enriching simultaneously? Are Google's resources stretched so thin?

It's no different than how professional sports teams sell the naming rights for their stadiums. Sure, we might not like it but I'd wager you can put the number of people who've refused to go watch a match at that arena because the team sold the name of the stadium on one hand.

I get the marketing and opportunities for all the hype.......but maybe they should let the FEATURES drive the buzz and market that? Don't you think Google can afford to do that as well? They have the bankroll to promote the feature set just like they are doing with the Moto X. What did they say they are spending on advertising for the Moto X? Something like half a billion dollars? So what enrichment have they done to Kit Kat? Can you name one? No but you know its called Kit Kat huh? Kinda like putting the cart before the horse...creating a buzz around candy but not any features or enhancements that will make the OS better.....but hey.....its named after a candy bar......
The whole sports team analogy does not work......what is the first thing you think of for a sports team? How good they are! Not whether they have a corporate sponsor......they let the teams performance speak for themselves....the corporate sponsor is just an after the fact thing.......do you see advertisements for Heinz products when the sports shows talk about the Pittsburgh Steelers? No but Heinz sponsors the stadium.
Do you hear the announcers say the Heinz Steelers are playing today? I could go on but i think you get the picture.

 

[Oletros]

So what enrichment have they done to Kit Kat? Can you name one? No but you know its called Kit Kat huh? Kinda like putting the cart before the horse...creating a buzz around candy but not any features or enhancements that will make the OS better.....but hey.....its named after a candy bar.....

Can you name any feature from the new version when the statues arrived to Googleplex?

Google has never talked about features before the OS presentation, like now.

 

[MRU]

[/COLOR]

There is no commercial endorsement, why would will have one in the future?

Money may not have exchanged hands, but this IS a commercial endorsement.

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You're not suddenly going to see KitKat branding on Android devices or in any significant parts of Android (maybe an easter egg like they always do, but I can't imagine anything more).

As I said it's the potential door it opens for further deeper integration in the future. It also means / clear indicator that google is open to doing so.

Why even open the door at all ?

 

[jamezr]

Can you name any feature from the new version when the statues arrived to Googleplex?

Google has never talked about features before the OS presentation, like now.

you are proving my point.......hype with no substance........
I think they should provide features to get the hype created....not candy.........
"hey public here is our new OS.....named it after candy.....oooh ahhhhh chocolate" Something shiny and sweet....not a leak about what features or enhancements are coming....but hey its chocolate.......

 

[tbayrgs]

I get the marketing and opportunities for all the hype.......but maybe they should let the FEATURES drive the buzz and market that? Don't you think Google can afford to do that as well? They have the bankroll to promote the feature set just like they are doing with the Moto X. What did they say they are spending on advertising for the Moto X? Something like half a billion dollars? So what enrichment have they done to Kit Kat? Can you name one? No but you know its called Kit Kat huh? Kinda like putting the cart before the horse...creating a buzz around candy but not any features or enhancements that will make the OS better.....but hey.....its named after a candy bar......
The whole sports team analogy does not work......what is the first thing you think of for a sports team? How good they are! Not whether they have a corporate sponsor......they let the teams performance speak for themselves....the corporate sponsor is just an after the fact thing.......do you see advertisements for Heinz products when the sports shows talk about the Pittsburgh Steelers? No but Heinz sponsors the stadium.
Do you hear the announcers say the Heinz Steelers are playing today? I could go on but i think you get the picture.

I'm sorry but your i think your interpretation of the analogy is off. In much the same way that an endorsement for a sports stadium in only one small aspect of the entire team organization, the nickname for this version of Android is only one small aspect of Google. People don't refer to a team by its stadium endorsement and nobody will be saying KitKat Google. However, how many times during a broadcast is the name of a stadium spoken, or the signage seen? It's exactly the same as anytime an article will mention this version of Android as KitKat. What will people be more inclined to remember, Android 4.4 or Android KitKat? And let's face it, the point is Google wants people to be talking about their products and this will do a far better job.

And why the assumption that associating with a brand means that the product will now suffer? You act like naming this version of KitKat automatically means we will now have an inferior product? The point was to simply generate buzz before an actual future announcement and I'd say Google achieved their goal. Do you seriously think a list of upcoming specs would have had the same result? You need to remember we here are not the typical smartphone customer.

Everyone needs to stop jumping to conclusions and let this all play out before passing judgement.

 

[jamezr]

I'm sorry but your i think your interpretation of the analogy is off. In much the same way that an endorsement for a sports stadium in only one small aspect of the entire Organization, the nickname for this version of Android is one one small aspect of Google. People don't refer to a team by its stadium endorsement and nobody will be saying KitKat Google. However, how many times during a broadcast is the name of a stadium spoken, or the signage seen? It's exactly the same as anytime an article will mention this version of Android as KitKat. What will people be mor inclined to remember, Android 4.4 or Android KitKat? And let's face it, the point is Google wants people to talking out their products and this will do a far better job.

And why the assumption that associating with a brand means that the product will now suffer? You act like naming this version of KitKat automatically means we will now have an inferior product? The point was to simply generate buzz before an actual future announcement and I'd say Google achieved their goal. Do you seriously think a list of upcoming specs would have had the same result? You need to remember we here are not the typical smartphone customer.

Everyone needs to stop jumping to conclusions and let this all play out before passing judgement.

But they can't......all we have been given is candy fluff......
The name of a product greatly influences how it is perceived by the public. It greatly influences buying habits. As you said yourself the general public are not technophobes like most of us are. They only know the next version of Android is named after a candy bar. They haven't heard anything about its features....but that it is candy. Do you think they will take it seriously after that? You are correct we should relax until we hear more.......like maybe features and what will make it better than the previous version of Android......but all we have now is a candy bar called Kit Kat.

 

[Oletros]

you are proving my point.......hype with no substance........
I think they should provide features to get the hype created....not candy.........
"hey public here is our new OS.....named it after candy.....oooh ahhhhh chocolate" Something shiny and sweet....not a leak about what features or enhancements are coming....but hey its chocolate.......

Really, the OS has not been presented. Like all the other times, Google first shows the statue and name and then, after some time, presents it.

Nothing has changed from the previous iterations.

 

[2298754]

I don't understand why everyone is getting worked up over a name. Who cares. It's funny.

Is the next one going to be laffy taffy? livesaver? lolly pop?

 

[onthecouchagain]

As I said it's the potential door it opens for further deeper integration in the future. It also means / clear indicator that google is open to doing so.

Why even open the door at all ?

Maybe, but at this point in time, I don't think you have anything to fear.

How will this potential threat work anyway? One year, we'll see KitKat integrated into the software/hardware, the next year we'll see Laffy Taffy? Then after that, M&M's? So each year, they'll partner up with a new dessert company and it'll affect/integrate with the software and hardware just for that year until they move onto the next company?

Besides, how much can candy really affect the software? What are you imagining will happen? Every time we download an app from the Play Store, we'll get a pop up ad for KitKats? What is it that you're exactly afraid of? That makes no sense and there's no reason to believe that'll happen.

There is, however, reason to believe these are just names, that Google is having a bit of fun, and that these are names that only make it as far as easter eggs in the software and nothing at all in the hardware.

Your cause for concern, even for future-concern, is simply unfounded. I could be wrong, of course, as I don't know the future either, but I honestly think you can rest easy.

 

[Bacong]

the kitkat apple parody is perfect. Love it.

 

[jrswizzle]

Maybe, but at this point in time, I don't think you have anything to fear.

How will this potential threat work anyway? One year, we'll see KitKat integrated into the software/hardware, the next year we'll see Laffy Taffy? Then after that, M&M's? So each year, they'll partner up with a new dessert company and it'll affect/integrate with the software and hardware just for that year until they move onto the next company?

Besides, how much can candy really affect the software? What are you imagining will happen? Every time we download an app from the Play Store, we'll get a pop up ad for KitKats? What is it that you're exactly afraid of? That makes no sense and there's no reason to believe that'll happen.

There is, however, reason to believe these are just names, that Google is having a bit of fun, and that these are names that only make it as far as easter eggs in the software and nothing at all in the hardware.

Your cause for concern, even for future-concern, is simply unfounded. I could be wrong, of course, as I don't know the future either, but I honestly think you can rest easy.

I think he's simply pointing out that given the vast amounts of personal data Google has (and the HUGE value of that data), extremely tight partnerships with other consumer products are a bit unnerving given data could perhaps exchange hands.

I'm not insinuating this will happen in the slightest, nor do I think it will and personally am not worried about it anyways. But I do understand other people's concerns.

Its like when you get nervous when your parents meet your significant other for the first time. You're afraid that your parents (who know WAY more about you than you care to share with anyone) might let slip some information you don't want exchanging hands because of the new relationship.

Anyhow, I think the whole dessert naming thing is idiotic regardless, but it doesn't have any effect on the OS as a whole so whatev.

 

[Oohara]

I don't understand why everyone is getting worked up over a name. Who cares. It's funny.

Is the next one going to be laffy taffy? livesaver? lolly pop?

I'm hoping for Butterfinger

 

[tbayrgs]

But they can't......all we have been given is candy fluff......
The name of a product greatly influences how it is perceived by the public. It greatly influences buying habits. As you said yourself the general public are not technophobes like most of us are. They only know the next version of Android is named after a candy bar. They haven't heard anything about its features....but that it is candy. Do you think they will take it seriously after that? You are correct we should relax until we hear more.......like maybe features and what will make it better than the previous version of Android......but all we have now is a candy bar called Kit Kat.

Yes, the names of previous versions of Android instilled such a sense of sophistication--with names like cupcake, donut, eclair, froyo, gingerbread, honeycomb, ice cream sandwich and jellybean, how could anyone take KitKat seriously?

Seriously guys, get a grip. It's a name, just as silly as every previous version's name. Google and Android seem to be making do just fine.

 

[MRU]

I think he's simply pointing out that given the vast amounts of personal data Google has (and the HUGE value of that data), extremely tight partnerships with other consumer products are a bit unnerving given data could perhaps exchange hands.

Yep. That's basically what I am getting at. I'm not saying they are doing it - but by gearing up with brands the 'potential' to do so is there. I'm well aware of the lengths companies go to - to buy our data. Here is a company with basically all of it at their disposal..... the potential for misuse or for commercially benefiting from it (as they already do to a big extent with advertising) is there.

 

[onthecouchagain]

So y'all are worried that Google might potentially, intentionally, or otherwise accidentally let our personal info slip to KitKat and/or future dessert brands that they may pair up with?

Really? I'm not being dismissive or sarcastic here. Really?????

I am not the slightest bit worried about that!


Fear of KitKat integrating with the software/hardware is actually more worthy of your concern than that happening.

 

[MRU]

So y'all are worried that Google might potentially, intentionally, or otherwise accidentally let our personal info slip to KitKat and/or future dessert brands that they may pair up with?

Really? I'm not being dismissive or sarcastic here. Really?????

I am not the slightest bit worried about that!

1) not accidentally at all.

2) Were not just talking about food brands. Besides KitKat is owned by NESTLE who make a whole range of products. The deal will be with NESTLE to use KitKat brand.

Potentially in the future it could be any big conglomerate partnering up, and not necessarily a food manufacturer.

Google and other companies know the type of info google already has about its user base. They may see that as potentially a great reason to 'vie' for future google partnership with a probable lucrative deals for google.

Anyone believing google are doing it for 'giggles' is kidding themselves. They didn't get where they are 'for giggles'... THey are a massive corporation - beholden to shareholders and investors. It's the money that makes google sing - not the giggles.

The KitKat / Nestle deal is just a door opening ...... How far will that door open in the future is the question ask and would be concerned about ? Not the immediate 4.4 - but the potential for future endorsement deals.

 

[onthecouchagain]

1) not accidentally at all.

2) Were not just talking about food brands. Besides KitKat is owned by NESTLE who make a whole range of products. The deal will be with NESTLE to use KitKat brand.

Potentially in the future it could be any big conglomerate partnering up, and not necessarily a food manufacturer.

Google and other companies know they type of info google already has about its user base. They may see that as potentially a great reason to 'vie' for google partnership in the future with probable lucrative deals for google.



The KitKat / Nestle deal is just a door opening ...... How far will that door open in the future ?

I don't know what else to say. You really think Google will sell out its billions of user base just to call Android 4.4 KitKat? Just to use that branding because it just so happened they were up to the letter "K" and so they made a deal with Nestle that could potentially compromise their user base? All for a bit of fun with software naming purposes?

I ask again, really???

If you're that concerned about that -- to the point of considering leaving Android for iOS over it -- then so be it. I think you have little to no cause for concern (like I said, fear of KitKat integrating with the software/hardware would actually be a more viable concern than this) but if you're that worried, can't stop you.

 

[MRU]

I don't know what else to say. You really think Google will sell out its billions of user base just to call Android 4.4 KitKat? Just to use that branding because it just so happened they were up to the letter "K" and so they made a deal with Nestle that could potentially compromise their user base? All for a bit of fun with software naming purposes?

You are seeing everything I'm posting as black and white. Well it is not like that. I'm talking about the potential for a grey area going forward that a marketing deal like this brings.


I 'personally' would not be comfortable with Google teaming up with other brands/companies in the future for endorsement / sponsorship / partnership of their Operating System.

 

[Dr McKay]

You are seeing everything I'm posting as black and white. Well it is not like that. I'm talking about the potential for a grey area going forward that a marketing deal like this brings.


I 'personally' would not be comfortable with Google teaming up with other brands/companies in the future for endorsement / sponsorship / partnership of their Operating System.

Its part of Googles user agreement that why will not give your personal data to other companies. Same as Apple etc for their iAds.

 

[zbarvian]

You are seeing everything I'm posting as black and white. Well it is not like that. I'm talking about the potential for a grey area going forward that a marketing deal like this brings.


I 'personally' would not be comfortable with Google teaming up with other brands/companies in the future for endorsement / sponsorship / partnership of their Operating System.

My opinions are influenced only by Google keynotes, some management bios, and campus pictures, but the corporate culture at Google seems unlike your textbook conglomerate, strategically planning every move. I really do believe that KitKat was chosen (mostly) for the promotion opportunity and for fun.

 

[onthecouchagain]

You are seeing everything I'm posting as black and white. Well it is not like that. I'm talking about the potential for a grey area going forward that a marketing deal like this brings.


I 'personally' would not be comfortable with Google teaming up with other brands/companies in the future for endorsement / sponsorship / partnership of their Operating System.

Were you this concerned when Apple partnered with Nike? A company that they're actually working with on the software level?

There is, as of yet, no indication Nestle/KitKat will actually even work with Google on any level of the software or hardware. There is indication, however, that this is just to name 4.4 "KitKat" and to let them all have a bit of fun, slap on the Android guy on some KitKat wrappers, and have an Android shaped KitKat bar made. Google has partnered with others on a far deeper level (Hyundai comes to mind. I'm sure there are many more) and you didn't seem to be overly worried about those partnerships before.

What makes you more concerned that Nestle will somehow manage to get personal information of Google's billions of users that you're not concerned with their other partners? Even if this is a gray matter where this could open the door to potential crossing of personal info, there is absolutely no hint or indication that this might happen other than your own imagined fear. Why would Nestle suddenly be the one to break open that door?

I'd be more worried about NSA or the government getting Google's user info (at least there's precedence of this happening) than Nestle or any future partnerships to name their future OS versions.

Are you really that worried about this, to the point of leaving what I understand is your preferred smartphone OS? Are you going to stop using all of Google services now? What makes you think if this does happen, Google still can't give your personal info through Gmail or YouTube or Chrome?

Anyway, I don't know what else to say. I'll leave it at that.