Dubbed as one of the most powerful mobile platforms in the world today, Android has come a long way since its maiden version was launched. Acquired by Google in August 2005, there have been multiple developments over the years, but do we know how the journey has been so far? If not, take a look at how the OS has changed over the years, as reported by Vishal Mathur of live Mint.
First Glimpse
On October 22, 2008 the Android OS put its first mark, where HTC unveiled their flagship Android based Smartphone HTC Dream, and today it is one of the most powerful Mobile Platforms.
The HTC G1 Smartphone came with Android 1.0, sporting a 3.2-inch screen, locked to the T-Mobile mobile network and was made available only in the U.S. with Qualcomm and Texas Instruments providing the compatible hardware. Although it wasn’t the prettiest phone to look at, but did enough to put Android on the list of operating systems.
Android 1.5, 1.6 and 2.0
Perhaps better known by its codename, Cupcake, the OS marked much more of a milestone.
Although it was an update, it added several important and anticipated features that were critical to keeping the platform competitive among its counterparts. Following that 1.6 Donut and 2.0 Eclair were introduced which provided the universal search box, a camera with video recording and an on-screen keyboard. Éclair was initially offered exclusively on Verizon and on none other than the Motorola Droid—the phone that kicked off one of the most successful mobile franchises in history.
Android 2.2 and 2.3
Android 2.2 was released in mid-2010, and that was when the Nexus program was starting to become clear to the customers, but it was the Nexus One which was the first to get updated. So what did Google have to showcase in Froyo? Well it added 2G/3G connection, and a digital zoom for the camera, offered exchange server support for official mail accounts and an improved phonebook for easier contacts search. About a half year after the launch of Froyo, then came the next round of program to support the release of Android 2.3. Gingerbread update addressed battery power-saving features to improve backup times along with near-field communication, which is now used for all kinds of payments as well as for connecting to accessories like wireless speakers.
Android 3.0 And 4.0
In February 2011, the Android 3.0 Honeycomb, was released. Although it wasn’t for the Smartphones at all, this variant was targeted exclusively at tablets. But since it didn’t work, the parallel tablet-OS idea was shelved. Following its ouster Google released the 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich in October the same year. The update was devised with new features to the table, which added support for on-screen buttons, touch-sensitive keys below the screen, the ability to create folders, a redone app drawer, improved auto correct, face-recognition unlock, an improved camera app with 1080p video recording, data-usage tracking, and a customizable lock screen.
Android 4.1 And Beyond
This leads us to our current state of affairs with the release of Android 4.0 Jelly Bean followed by 4.2 and 4.3, which was released for Smartphones.
All these updates primarily focused on performance improvements, and a more streamlined interface. In addition, Google even updated widgets that could be resized and introduced dynamic notifications for immediate responses. The gallery app was also updated for better image layout, high-resolution photographs where individual contacts were made possible.
Not but least now we have the Android 4.4 KitKat on most phones that has been added with wireless printing option, a more intuitive downloads app, the ability to switch home screens, an updated email app, and media controls on the lock-screen during playback.
If you haven’t received the latest test iteration of Google’s Smartphone operating system the “Android 5.0” on your phone just yet, don’t worry because the journey doesn’t stop here.
First GlimpseOn October 22, 2008 the Android OS put its first mark, where HTC unveiled their flagship Android based Smartphone HTC Dream, and today it is one of the most powerful Mobile Platforms.
The HTC G1 Smartphone came with Android 1.0, sporting a 3.2-inch screen, locked to the T-Mobile mobile network and was made available only in the U.S. with Qualcomm and Texas Instruments providing the compatible hardware. Although it wasn’t the prettiest phone to look at, but did enough to put Android on the list of operating systems.
Android 1.5, 1.6 and 2.0Perhaps better known by its codename, Cupcake, the OS marked much more of a milestone.
Although it was an update, it added several important and anticipated features that were critical to keeping the platform competitive among its counterparts. Following that 1.6 Donut and 2.0 Eclair were introduced which provided the universal search box, a camera with video recording and an on-screen keyboard. Éclair was initially offered exclusively on Verizon and on none other than the Motorola Droid—the phone that kicked off one of the most successful mobile franchises in history.
Android 2.2 and 2.3Android 2.2 was released in mid-2010, and that was when the Nexus program was starting to become clear to the customers, but it was the Nexus One which was the first to get updated. So what did Google have to showcase in Froyo? Well it added 2G/3G connection, and a digital zoom for the camera, offered exchange server support for official mail accounts and an improved phonebook for easier contacts search. About a half year after the launch of Froyo, then came the next round of program to support the release of Android 2.3. Gingerbread update addressed battery power-saving features to improve backup times along with near-field communication, which is now used for all kinds of payments as well as for connecting to accessories like wireless speakers.
Android 3.0 And 4.0In February 2011, the Android 3.0 Honeycomb, was released. Although it wasn’t for the Smartphones at all, this variant was targeted exclusively at tablets. But since it didn’t work, the parallel tablet-OS idea was shelved. Following its ouster Google released the 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich in October the same year. The update was devised with new features to the table, which added support for on-screen buttons, touch-sensitive keys below the screen, the ability to create folders, a redone app drawer, improved auto correct, face-recognition unlock, an improved camera app with 1080p video recording, data-usage tracking, and a customizable lock screen.
Android 4.1 And BeyondThis leads us to our current state of affairs with the release of Android 4.0 Jelly Bean followed by 4.2 and 4.3, which was released for Smartphones.
All these updates primarily focused on performance improvements, and a more streamlined interface. In addition, Google even updated widgets that could be resized and introduced dynamic notifications for immediate responses. The gallery app was also updated for better image layout, high-resolution photographs where individual contacts were made possible.
Not but least now we have the Android 4.4 KitKat on most phones that has been added with wireless printing option, a more intuitive downloads app, the ability to switch home screens, an updated email app, and media controls on the lock-screen during playback.
If you haven’t received the latest test iteration of Google’s Smartphone operating system the “Android 5.0” on your phone just yet, don’t worry because the journey doesn’t stop here.
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