Discover the evolution of Android versions, from their code names to release dates and specifications. Dive into the history of one of the most popular mobile operating systems.
Android Version Naming Convention
Android versions are named after sweet treats and desserts in alphabetical order. Each version corresponds to a letter in the alphabet and is released in alphabetical order. This naming convention has been a tradition in the Android ecosystem since the early versions of the operating system.
Introduction to Android Versions History
Android 1.0 (2008)
- Code Name: No code name
- Release Date: September 23, 2008
- Key Features: Web browser with multiple windows Camera support Google Maps and Gmail integration
Android 1.5 (Cupcake) (2009)
- Code Name: Cupcake
- Release Date: April 27, 2009
- Key Features: On-screen keyboard Support for third-party widgets Video recording and playback
Android 1.6 (Donut) (2009)
- Code Name: Donut
- Release Date: September 15, 2009
- Key Features: Quick Search Box Updated Android Market Support for different screen sizes and resolutions
Android 2.0/2.1 (éclair) (2009)
- Code Name: éclair
- Release Date: October 26, 2009
- Key Features: Expanded Account sync Exchange email support Bluetooth 2.1 support
Android 2.2 (Froyo) (2010)
- Code Name: Froyo
- Release Date: May 20, 2010
- Key Features: USB tethering and portable hotspot Improved browser performance Adobe Flash support
Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) (2010)
- Code Name: Gingerbread
- Release Date: December 6, 2010
- Key Features: Improved copy/paste functionality Support for NFC (Near Field Communication)Download manager for files and apps
Android 3.0/3.1/3.2 (Honeycomb) (2011)
- Code Name: Honeycomb
- Release Date: February 22, 2011
- Key Features: Optimized for tablets Redesigned UI with holographic design Multitasking improvements
Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) (2011)
- Code Name: Ice Cream Sandwich
- Release Date: October 18, 2011
- Key Features: Unified interface for phones and tablets Face Unlock feature Improved camera app
Android 4.1/4.2/4.3 (Jelly Bean) (2012)
- Code Name: Jelly Bean
- Release Date: July 9, 2012
- Key Features: Project Butter for smoother performance Expandable notifications Google Now virtual assistant
Android 4.4 (KitKat) (2013)
- Code Name: KitKat
- Release Date: October 31, 2013
- Key Features: Updated launcher and lock screen Better memory management Immersive mode for apps
Android 5.0/5.1 (Lollipop) (2014)
- Code Name: Lollipop
- Release Date: November 12, 2014
- Key Features: Material Design interface Enhanced notifications Battery saver mode
Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) (2015)
- Code Name: Marshmallow
- Release Date: October 5, 2015
- Key Features: App permissions system Doze mode for improved battery life Google Now on Tap
Android 7.0/7.1 (Nougat) (2016)
- Code Name: Nougat
- Release Date: August 22, 2016
- Key Features: Split-screen multitasking Enhanced VR mode Direct Reply in notifications
Android 8.0/8.1 (Oreo) (2017)
- Code Name: Oreo
- Release Date: August 21, 2017
- Key Features: Picture-in-Picture mode Notification channels Autofill framework
Android 9 (Pie) (2018)
- Code Name: Pie
- Release Date: August 6, 2018
- Key Features: Adaptive Battery and Brightness Digital Wellbeing features Gesture navigation
Android 10 (2019)
- Code Name: Android 10
- Release Date: September 3, 2019
- Key Features: Dark theme support Enhanced privacy controls Live Caption for videos
Android 11 (2020)
- Code Name: Android 11
- Release Date: September 8, 2020
- Key Features: Conversations in notifications Screen recording Wireless Android Auto
Specifications of Different Android Versions
Android, the mobile operating system developed by Google, has gone through numerous versions with each release offering new features and improvements. Let's explore the specifications of different Android versions to understand the progression and evolution of the platform.
Android 1.0 (Alpha, Beta)
- Release Date: September 23, 2008
- Kernel Version: 2.6.25
- Features: Gmail synchronization Web browser with tabbed browsing Google Maps with Street View Google Talk for instant messaging Camera support Media player for audio and video playback Bluetooth support
Android 1.5 (Cupcake)
- Release Date: April 30, 2009
- Kernel Version: 2.6.27
- Features: On-screen keyboard Support for third-party widgets Video recording and playback Copy-paste functionality Bluetooth A2DP support
Android 2.1 (éclair)
- Release Date: January 12, 2010
- Kernel Version: 2.6.29
- Features: Live wallpapersHTML5 support in the browser MS Exchange email support Multiple account support for email and contacts Enhanced camera features
Android 2.2 (Froyo)
- Release Date: May 20, 2010
- Kernel Version: 2.6.32
- Features: Adobe Flash support Improved performance and system speed USB tethering and Wi-Fi hotspot functionality Updated Android Market with auto-updating apps
Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
- Release Date: December 6, 2010
- Kernel Version: 2.6.35
- Features: NFC support (Near Field Communication)Improved copy-paste functionality Internet calling (VoIP/SIP support)Enhanced gaming experience with support for 3D graphics
Android 3.0 (Honeycomb)
- Release Date: February 22, 2011
- Kernel Version: 2.6.36
- Features: Specifically designed for tablets Holographic user interface design Multitasking pane for managing apps Updated system bar and action bar for better navigation
Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
- Release Date: October 18, 2011
- Kernel Version: 3.0.1
- Features: Unified tablet and phone OS Face Unlock for device security Android Beam for sharing content via NFC Enhanced camera app with panorama mode
Android 4.1-4.3 (Jelly Bean)
- Release Date: July 9, 2012 (4.1), October 29, 2012 (4.2), July 24, 2013 (4.3)
- Kernel Version: 3.0.31 (4.1), 3.4.0 (4.2), 3.4.39 (4.3)
- Features: Project Butter for smoother performance Google Now for predictive search assistance Photo Sphere for 360-degree panoramic photos Day dream mode for displaying content when idle
Android 4.4 (KitKat)
- Release Date: October 31, 2013
- Kernel Version: 3.4
- Features: Enhanced Google Now integration Immersive mode for full-screen viewing Enhanced caller ID with local business search Improved support for low-end devices
Android 5.0 (Lollipop)
- Release Date: November 12, 2014
- Kernel Version: 3.16
- Features: Material Design UI for a cleaner, more intuitive interface Enhanced notifications with lock screen controls Smart lock for secure device unlocking Battery saver mode for extended battery life
Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)
- Release Date: October 5, 2015
- Kernel Version: 3.18
- Features: Permissions model for users to control app permissions Google Now on Tap for context-based assistance Native support for fingerprint recognition Doze mode for improved battery performance
Android 7.0-7.1 (Nougat)
- Release Date: August 22, 2016 (7.0), October 4, 2016 (7.1)
- Kernel Version: 3.18.31 (7.0), 3.18.91 (7.1)
- Features: Multi-window support for running two apps side by side Enhanced notifications with direct reply feature Vulkan API for high-performance graphics Daydream VR mode for virtual reality experiences
Android 8.0-8.1 (Oreo)
- Release Date: August 21, 2017 (8.0), December 5, 2017 (8.1)
- Kernel Version: 4.10.6 (8.0), 4.4.88 (8.1)
- Features: Picture-in-picture mode for multitasking Notification channels for better control of notifications Autofill framework for easier form completion Treble project for faster Android updates
Android 9 (Pie)
- Release Date: August 6, 2018
- Kernel Version: 4.4.107
- Features: Adaptive Battery and Brightness for optimized device usage App Actions for quick access to frequent tasks Slices for interactive snippets of app content Digital Wellbeing tools for managing screen time
Android 10
- Release Date: September 3, 2019
- Kernel Version: 4.14
- Features: Dark Mode for system-wide dark theme Gestural navigation for intuitive navigation controls Live Caption for real-time captioning of audio and video Focus mode for minimizing distractions
Android 11
- Release Date: September 8, 2020
- Kernel Version: 4.14
- Features: Conversations section in notifications for easier communication tracking Bubbles for multitasking with messaging apps Screen recording feature built into the system Enhanced privacy controls with one-time permissions
Android 12
- Release Date: October 4, 2021
- Kernel Version: 5.10
- Features: Material You design language for customizable themes Privacy dashboard for monitoring app permissions One-handed mode for easier device use with large screens Improved haptics for more responsive touch feedback.
I hope by this topic, you gained valuable insights into the History of Android Versions
