What Android version is your smartphone currently running? | Google's Android Version History

August 08, 2018 0 Comments

Initially developed by Android Inc., which Google bought in 2005, Android was unveiled in 2007, with the first commercial Android device launched in September 2008. The operating system has since gone through multiple major releases, with the current version being 8.1 "Oreo", released in December 2017. The core Android source code is known as Android Open Source Project (AOSP), and is primarily licensed under the Apache License.

Android Version History

Android 1.0

Android 1.0 was the first commercial version of Android released and this release was made by the HTC Dream on 23 September 2008. The HTC Dream was the first phone with the Android operating system to be in the market.

Android 1.1

Android 1.1 was a small update posted on 9 February 2009, also to exist at that time only the HTC Dream, this update was geared exclusively to this small terminal resolving errors detected, improving and changing the API and adding a series of new features.

New features:

• Added detail and reviews on places and businesses in Google Maps.
• Change the screen and call new screen where handsfree use and ability to show-hide the keypad.
• Ability to save attachments in emails.
• Support for marquee in system designs.
• 
  

Android 1.5 (Cupcake)

Starting from Android Cupcake, Google commercializes the use of this mobile operating system. Android Cupcake was released on 27 April 2009 with the linux kernel 2.6.27 and this version is the first to use the name of the food as a code name officially. Updates for this version are the addition of some new features.

New features:

• Ability to record and play MPEG-4 and 3GP formats
• Bluetooth pairing
• Copy-paste feature on browser
• Transition animation
• Auto rotation option
• Boot animation
• Various interface improvements
• 
  

Android 1.6 (Donut)

Android 1.6 is a minor platform release deployable to Android-powered handsets on 15 September 2009. The platform includes new features for users and developers, as well as changes in the Android framework API.

Android 2.0/2.1 (Eclair)

On 3 December 2009 re-launched Android phone with version 2.0 / 2.1 (Eclair). Changes were made to the hardware optimization, improved Google Maps 3.1.2, change the UI with a new browser and support for HTML5, the new list of contacts, support flash for the camera 3, 2 MP, digital zoom, and Bluetooth 2.1.

Android 2.2 (Froyo)

Taking the name of Frozen Yogurt food abbreviated to Froyo, this android version was released on 20 May 2010 . Android 2.2 is a minor platform release Including user features, developer features, API Changes, and bug fixes. For information on developer features and API Changes, see the Framework API section.

Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)

Android Gingerbread is the seventh version of the Android mobile operating system, launched on 6 December 2010. Includes support for Near Field Communication (NFC), allowing the user to read the NFC tag embedded in a poster, sticker, or advertisement, and new audio effects such as reverb, EQ, headphone virtualization, and bass boost.

Starts support for the use of multiple cameras on the device, including front-face camera, if available. In addition to support for WebM video playback / VP8 encoding and AAC audio, made improvements in audio, graphics, and entry for game developers. And Native support for more sensors such as gyroscope and barometer.

Android 3.0 (Honeycomb)

The Android 3.0 platform introduced to many new and exciting features for users and developers. Android 3.0 is a new version of the Android platform specifically that is optimized for larger screen devices with sizes, particularly tablets. It introduce a brand new, truly virtual and "holographic" UI design, as well as an elegant, content-focused interaction model.

Android 3.0 builds on the things people love most about Android - refined multitasking, rich notifications, home screen customization, widgets, and more - and transforms them with a vibrant, 3D experience and deeper interactivity, making them familiar but even better than before.

Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)

Android 4.0 was released on 19 October 2011. This update is more emphasis on enhancement of the interface and the android system and fixing various bugs.

Android 4.1/4.2/4.3 (Jellybean)

Android Jelly Bean was first unveiled at the Google I / O developer conference on 27 June 2012, with a focus on delightful improvements to the platform's user interface, along with improvements to Google's search experience on the platform handler (such as knowledge graph integration, and the new digital assistant Google Now)

Android "Jelly Bean" is the name given point to three major releases of the android mobile operating system developed by Google, spanning between versions 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3. It’s focusing on performance improvements designed to give the operating system a smoother and more responsive feel, improvements to the notification system allowing for expandable notifications with action buttons, and other internal changes. Two more releases were made under the name Jelly Bean in October 2012 and July 2013 respectively.

Android 4.4 (Kitkat)

With permission from Nestle and Hershey, on 31 October 2013 Google released Android code-named Kitkat. The update was not much but a system upgrade and interface updates.

Android 5.0 (Lollipop)

Android 5.0 was introduced on 25 June 2014 at the Google I/O developer event. Android Lollipop began to expand, it's not only available for smartphone but also on other device like TV, watch (android wear), GPS, etc.

One of the most notable changes in the Lollipop release is a redesigned user interface called "material design". Other changes include notification improvements, which can be accessed from the lockscreen and displayed at the top of the screen. Google also made internal changes to the platform, Android Runtime (ART) officially replacing Dalvik to improve application performance also improving and optimizing battery usage.

Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)

Android 6.0 "Marshmallow" was unveiled under the codename "Android M" during Google I/O on 28 May 2015, for the Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 phones, Nexus 9 tablet, and Nexus Player set-top box, under the build number MPZ44Q.

New features:

• Introduction of Doze mode, which reduces CPU speed while the screen is off in order to save battery life
• Adoptable External storage to behave like Internal Storage
• Experimental multi-window feature
• USB-C support
• Renamed "Priority" mode to "Do Not Disturb" mode

Android 7.0 (Nougat)

Android "Nougat" is the major 7.0 release of the Android operating system. It was first released as a developer preview on 9 March 2016, with factory images for current Nexus devices, as well as with the new "Android Beta Program" which allows supported devices to be upgraded directly to the Android Nougat beta via over-the-air update. Final release was on 22 August 2016. The final preview build was released on 18 July 2016

New features:

• Multi-window support, which supports floating apps on a desktop layout
• New Data Saver mode, which can force apps to reduce bandwidth usage
• Redesigned notification shade, featuring instant access to certain settings
• 
  

Android 8.0 (Oreo)

Android Oreo is the 8th major release of the Android operating system. It was first released as a developer preview on March 21, 2017, with factory images for current Nexus and Pixel devices.

New features:

• Picture-in-picture support
• Adaptive icons
• App-specific unknown sources
• Google Play Protect

Android 9.0 (Pie)

Android Pie is the 9th major update and the 16th version of the Android operating system. It was first announced in March 7, 2018 and the first developer preview was released on the same day. The second preview, considered beta quality, was released on May 8, 2018. Its latest and official build was released on august 6, 2018.

So guys, what Android version is your smartphone currently running? Let us know in the comment section below!! :)