Following months of speculation about the title of the latest version of its Android mobile operating system, Google has revealed it will be called ‘Android KitKat’.

Google has teamed up with the food giant Nestle to launch the massive marketing campaign across Australia and 18 other countries.  

To mark the release of Android KitKat, more than 50 million specially branded KitKat bars will be available in the 19 markets.

The packs will lead consumers to the website Anroid Kitkat website 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, and Google’s online store for apps.

Android has been developed by the company’s engineers under sweet-themed names ever since the release of Android Cupcake in 2009 and continuing in alphabetical order until the most recent version, Android Jelly Bean.

The news that the letter ‘K’ will be dedicated to Nestl√©’s KitKat will surprise most technology commentators, who had widely thought the latest version would be ‘Android Key Lime Pie’.

“We couldn’t imagine a better name for our Android K release than the tasty chocolate that’s been a favorite among the team since the early days of Android,” said Marc Vanlerberghe, director of Android marketing.

Patrice Bula, Nestl√©’s head of marketing, said: "KitKat is one of the world’s top ten fast-moving consumer goods brands in social media in terms of fan numbers and engagement. We continue to build on its strong digital presence with interactive, creative branding campaigns."