NEW YORK — Google, which is known for nick-naming its Android mobile operating systems for smartphones and tablets after desserts, has chosen a brand-name candy for its 4.4 version that’s expected to launch this fall: Kit Kat.

Financial terms weren’t disclosed for the sweet deal between Google and Hershey, which makes Kit Kat.

Google approached Hershey about six to nine months ago for permission to use the name, said Ms Jennifer Podhajsky, vice president of US chocolate at Hershey, which licenses the Kit Kat brand in the US, while Nestle owns the worldwide brand.

Ms Podhajsky said that Kit Kat’s jingle is a good fit for people taking a break to look at their smartphones or tablets. She added that the deal appeals to Hershey because Android hits the sweet spot of Kit Kat eaters, who are typically between the ages of 18 and 34.

“Kit Kat consumers are young, vibrant consumers of candy and chocolate bars, and that’s a nice match with Android,” Ms Podhajsky said.

Google has named each major release of its operating system after a dessert or sweet treat, in alphabetical order. Previous versions were called, for example, Cupcake, Donut and Jelly Bean.

The Kit Kat name was unexpected since tech pundits have speculated for months that the next operating system would be called Key Lime Pie.

Mr Marc Vanlerberghe, director of Android Marketing, said the name was chosen because Kit Kat bars have been a “favourite go-to snack among the team since the early days of Android”.

The Android 4.4 Kit Kat system is expected to launch in October. The software is now running on more than 750 million smartphones and tablets throughout the world, making it the world’s most widely used mobile operating system. AP