Evolution Of Android Versions

Evolution Of Android Versions

Smartphones frequently run the Android mobile operating system (OS). It is an extremely useful user interface built on a modified Linux kernel. Android's evolution can be traced back to 2003, but it really came into its own in 2005, thanks to Google.Andy Rubin, Nick Sears, Rich Miner, and Chris White created Android Inc. in Palo Alto, California, and began working on the Android operating system in October 2003. First of all, Andy Rubin created the Android operating system for digital cameras, but he soon realised that there may not be a very large market for such operating systems. Google acquired Android in 2005, and Andy Rubin and the other co-founders continued to work for the new company. 

Apple Inc. released  the iPhone on June 29, 2007, along with iOS, the first mobile operating system. As a result, Android had to overcome new obstacles to defeat iOS, but Google continued to work on Android in secret. Version 1.0 of Android was released by Google in 2008, and further versions included 1.1, 1.5, 1.6, 2.0, 2.2, 2.3, 3.0, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, and 9.0. In 2018, the 9.0 version was released. Future versions will continue to develop into more sophisticated ones. After Android 1.5, names began to appear, and Google officially said after Android 4.4 that "Since these devices make our lives so sweet, each Android version is named after a dessert."Because of this, all Android versions have dessert-related names.

Android holds an 86 percent market share for smartphone operating systems as of 2023. Android is undoubtedly the most popular smartphone operating system. Apple's IOS is currently its lone rival in the market for smartphone operating systems. Android, though, is not that old. When the first Android smartphone was released in September 2008, it didn't take long for Android to stifle all of its competitors—with the obvious exception of iOS. Many new Android versions with improved functionality were introduced during this time, cementing Android's position as the leading mobile operating system. This article will go over the development of Android throughout its history. The development of mobile apps was undoubtedly influenced by the Android versions.

1. Android 1.0: Alpha

On September 23, 2008, Android 1.0, the first version of the operating system, was made available. This early version had a lot of flaws, like the requirement for hardware buttons or keyboards. It has level 1 of the Android API (application programming interface). The numeric value known as API level designates the API framework revision made available by the Android platform's version. The basic collection of classes, packages, XML elements, intents, and permissions that an application can ask for are included in the API framework.  

Features

Google Maps, the browse

the calendar

the camera, and a scrollable notification bar with contacts,

Gmail integration, and Google Sync.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are supported wirelessly.

2. Android 1.1: Beta

On February 9, 2009, Google released the Android Beta version, fixing bugs and altering the API. Only T-Mobile G1 devices received this Android update.

Features

Display location information and ratings

Include a message attachment and save it.

Give specific details by selecting the company

3. Android 1.5: Cupcake

On April 30, 2009, it was published with the first acknowledged public code name and incredible upgrades over the previous iterations. Additionally, it introduced the third-party app widgets, which were the most distinctive and useful feature.

Features

A search function and an on-screen keyboard.

putting films and photographs online

Videos and the ability to copy & paste

assistance with MPEG4 and 3GP formats

4. Android 1.6: Donut

The ability to function on a variety of different screen sizes and resolutions was one of many useful additions in the Android 1.6 version, which was released on September 15, 2009. Donut offers voice and text entry search, bookmark history, the option to select multiple photos for deletion, and both.

Features

Power Control widget for Bluetooth, GPS, and other wireless technologies.

Quick-toggle features for the camera and gallery

Technology support for CDMA/EVDO, 802.1x, VPNs, and a text-to-speech engine. WVGA screen resolution speed

enhancements to camera and search performance

Instant Search Box

5. Android 2.0: Eclair

On December 3, 2009, Éclair 2.0 - 2.1 with multiple account synchronisations of email and contacts was published. Additionally, a number of additional functions, such as flash support, scene mode, white balance, colour effect, macro focus, and digital zoom, have been included. The Éclair received bug fixes and stability enhancements in Android 2.1. Real-time traffic updates and voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation were the most useful features.

Features

Improved UI with Bluetooth 2.1

Improve Internet map

Little-changed API

Support Animated and live wallpapers

Adding a contact's photo and choosing between calling, texting, and emailing

6. Android 2.2: Froyo

On May 20, 2010, Google announced Android version 2.2, which had performance, memory, and speed enhancements. It was released with improved Bluetooth capabilities, dock compatibility, and a portable WiFi hotspot for distributing the 3G connection. The first smartphone running Android 2.2 was the Google Nexus One. The list of Android versions gives you a comprehensive overview of all previous upgrades and enhancements to the Android operating system.

Features

Animated GIF support and multiple keyboard languages

increases in performance and speed

Support for uploading files via the browser Support for alphanumeric and numeric passwords to increase security

Increased compatibility with headphone and vehicle kit systems

Wi-Fi support for the hotspot feature

7. Android 2.3: Gingerbread

Gingerbread, which was made available on December 6, 2010, is listed as the seventh Android version. The release of gaming API with improved graphics-intensive gameplay was the primary upgraded feature, which led to a surge in mobile games.

Features 

Improve Support for the VP8 and WebM video formats Updated UI design Copy & Paste functionality

Social networking and video calling are supported

Quicker and more intuitive typing on a simple keyboard

8.Android 3.0: Honeycomb

The Honeycomb  was introduced in 2011 with the release of Honeycomb, a tablet-only version of the Android operating system. It was also appropriate for older mobiles with wider screens than modern smartphones.

Features

Improvements to Gmail, contacts, camera, and gallery

support for complicated character passwords

improved 3D UI and encrypted storage

supports recent programmes and multiple processors for simple visual multitasking

From an SD Card, Media Sync

Application control action bar

Global status and notification system bar

Support for Google Talk video chat and eBooks A browser with more sensor support and Adobe Flash

Wi-Fi connections and locks with high performance

a new keyboard, and writing in Chinese

9. Android 4.0: Ice Cream Sandwich

On October 19, 2011, the ice cream sandwich was released with a number of upgraded features to usher in the modern design period. Holding the volume and power buttons together allows you to take screenshots with the snapshot feature. There are many different Android operating systems listed in the Android version list, however ice cream sandwich widgets are more capable and resizable than those in any previous version.

Features

the ability to spell check

On-screen buttons and Wi-Fi direct Photo Decor functionality

fixing the face during unlocking.

Card-like design for toggling between apps

enhanced high-resolution video recording

improved camera functionality

web browser's ability to open up to 16 tabs

10. Android 4.1: Jelly Bean

Jelly Bean, a more advanced version of Android, had Google Digital Assistant functionality and was made available from the home screen in June 2012. The amazing predictive intelligence tool offers interactive and expandable notifications. The multi-user support for play as well as many other beneficial features are also available to users.

Features

Searching by voice and typing Panorama

Project Butter Expandable alerts

as a screensaver, daydream

power management

Support USB sound

an enhanced camera app

Security upgrades

new gestures and features for accessibility

several user accounts (available only on tablets)

4K resolution assistance

A Bluetooth low energy support

support for bilingual text and several languages

Set or modify the incoming call volume, and display a message alert.

Based on your search history, Google presents relevant information.

native support for emoji

11 Android 4.4: KitKat

On September 3, 2013, Android version 4.4 was released, with a greater emphasis on improving user experience. KitKat is designed to function at a wider range of older Android versions from the list. The smartphone needs to have 512 MB of RAM at the very least.

Features

screen capture

Contact Order Priority

GPS Support Smarter Caller ID Support for Offline Music Updates to the Alarm and Google Maps User Interface

The 'OK Google' feature in KitKat's Google keyboard lets users contact Google without having to touch their smartphones and adds cartoonish ideograms and emojis.

12. Android 5.0: Lollipop

With a new user interface and "material design" construction, Lollipop, or Android 5.0, was released on November 12, 2014. It gives all Android, applications, and Google goods a fresh, contemporary look. The Android version list includes Lollipop, which has a tonne of wonderful improvements, including support for improved notification management.

Features

Encourage ART

improved device security

From the lock screen, notifications can be dismissed with a flick.

Improved and upgraded user interface Built-in battery saver feature

a fresh material design

new navigation bar

Multiple SIM card support

call with high definition voice.

 13. Android 6.0: Marshmallow

Google referred to Android version 6.0 in 2015 as "Macadamia Nut Cookie" before the official release of Marshmallow.

Features

assistance with fingerprint readers

USB Type C support

Sleep Mode for several windows to conserve battery life

Clearly defined permissions

enhanced copy-pasting and customised Google tabs

14. Android 7.0: Nougat

With a native split-screen mode, data-saving features, and a "bundled-by-app" mechanism to group notifications, Android 7.0 was introduced in 2016.

Features

Allow for split-screen and multitasking

upgrades to the storage manager

toggles for quick settings

Touch screen improvements

more effective setting application

without opening programmes, reply to messages and notifications inline.

15. Android 8.0: Oreo

Oreo was released in the year 2017 having native picture-in-picture mode, notification snoozing options and better control over how applications can alert you by notifications.

Features

Password autofill

Auto-enable Wi-Fi

Downloadable fonts

Multi-display support

Support Picture-in-Picture

Notification channels and snooze notification

Google Play support and new emoji styling

Adaptive icons and smart text selection

16. Android 9: Pie

On August 6, 2018, the pie was made available to the general public with a tonne of wonderful features tailored to the needs and interests of the users. Pie is the operating system that Android users utilise the most, according to a report.

Features

Sound booster with choices to shout out loud

compatibility with artificial intelligence (AI)

With background limits, adaptive battery and brightness

Support for several cameras and interoperability with external cameras

New App Actions and Gesture Navigation

a fresh screenshot Menu for accessibility and shortcuts

Support for edge-to-edge screens and simpler screen rotation

improvements to the sound and volume

a programmable dark mode

Multiple Bluetooth connections, HDR, and HD audio

Slices and long presses for selection overview

New security measures for increased safety

Digital Wellbeing includes do not disturb, dashboard, and timers for apps

17. Android 10: Android Q

On September 3, 2019, Google officially unveiled Android version 10, which has improved features and higher API levels.

Features

support for flexible-screen, foldable smartphones

Dark mode for comfort of the eyes

ever-faster and intuitive gesture navigation control

a sound booster that produces a clearer sound

Intelligent reply suggestions for all messaging programmes

Live captions for mobile media playback

Reverse app removal

improved notification management with lots of choices.

18. Android 11

According to user needs, Android developers are constantly attempting to provide more sophisticated applications. The majority of developers are comparing Android Developer vs Web Developer to see which field is hot right now.

The new Android 11, which will be the most recent version in the list of Android versions, will come with the new features listed below.

a native screen capture

increasing touch sensitivity while notifications are muted in the video

Historical Notifications

Automatic app permission revocation

The upgraded or revised features are as follows:

updated shortcuts for the menu and screenshots

Undoing recently cleared programmes using a new text selection mode  

No longer does Aeroplane mode disable Bluetooth.

In the Pixel 4, Face Unlock requires you to open your eyes.

Pinnable apps in the sharing menu

Enhancements to notification conversations shades

Context-aware dark mode and conversation bubbles

Enhancements to one-time permissions

19. Android 12 Snow Cone

On October 4th, Android 12 was formally announced, and on October 19th, it began rolling out to Pixel smartphones that were compatible. After that, a number of manufacturers followed suit and began sending out the stable Android 12 upgrade to their premium handsets, including the OnePlus 9 series and the Samsung Galaxy S21 series. The update rollout roadmaps for each OEM's device have also been made public.

Android 12 is more exciting than the previous iterations of the operating system because most advancements are mostly surface-level. 'Material you' is the name of a new standard that is included in the upgrade. The information you provide gives the Android experience an entirely new appearance and feel that is not just restricted to system-level components. 

Features

Redesigned quick settings and notifications

markers for the camera and microphone

game console

alterations to widgets

privacy display

screenshots that scroll

20. Android 13 Tiramisu

Android 13 has been officially released by Google to the AOSP (Android Open Source Project), and Google Pixel smartphones have begun receiving the Android 13 stable update as of August 15. Android 13 is the follow-up to Android 12, which featured the new Material You design language and one of the biggest design updates the OS has seen since Android 5.0. According to the business, Android 13 will be made available "later this year" for devices made by Samsung, Asus, HMD (Nokia phones), iQOO, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, Vivo, and more. 

Features

new icon themes for the photo picker app

enhancing individual app language preferences

new modules for Project Mainline

Audio using Bluetooth LE

enhanced command over app notifications

Downgradable rights for developers

an enhanced text support