Now, the latest version is Android OS 11, but if you know about the history of Android, check out this article to read about the evolution of the biggest mobile OS.

This article is dedicated to Android history. It is the most favoured mobile OS around the world. Here you will read something interesting about the evolution of the biggest mobile OS.

It looks like the only mobile operating system is Android, but there are still others. It is the beauty of this OS that people hardly move to the other OS; however, Apple is the only competitor. There are 10 versions in the market where 11th is the Around the world most of the smartphone owners have it, and then rest of the percentage is divided among other mobile OS users such as Windows, BlackBerry, Apple etc.

There are 1.6 billion users worldwide, having a share of 71.93%, and till January 2021, the most popular version is recognized as Android version 10.0. Very soon, there will be the 12th version in the market with some new speciality and features. If we count mobile OS, then totally there are 7, and if we count others, then these are 8 mobile phone’s operating systems which are Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Series 40(Nokia), Symbian OS, Samsung, BlackBerry OS, and Unknown.

Till 15th January, Android’s share was 59.78%, iOS 22.75%, Series 40(Nokia) 5.72%, Windows Phone 2.2% and then the rest of the percentage was of others. Where on January,21 the whole competition was recorded between Android 71.93% and iOS 27.47%. It is enough to prove that it is a winner and a leading mobile OS.

What is Android & Its History?

It is an open-source mobile operating system based on modified Linux Kernel. Its birthplace is Palo Alto, California and developed by Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears and Chris White in 2003. In 2005, due to having tremendous potential as a mobile operating system, Google acquired it at the cost of $50 Million. After an evolution year by year, it became the top OS for smartphones.

Its prime speciality is that it can be installed on any device and used by any device manufacturer. As with iOS, there is boundations that you have to buy Apple devices, but with it, you can purchase the device that you like most. Furthermore, with multiple specialities, it allows users to customize the phone in many ways, such as you can change the icon style, set the camera specification and many more other things.

Its application repository is called the Google Play Store, where you can find millions of applications where some are paid, and most of the applications are free for use that makes it affordable for all. The software used for developing applications for it, called Android Studio.

Mr. Andy Rubin revealed an interesting truth about it in Tokyo, 2013 that the earlier they started developing it for digital camera’s operating system then later found that it will be great for mobile phones then they shifted in that direction, and now the result is in front of us.

The Android Versions

Although its earlier year is 2003, and as mentioned in the above segment of this article, its journey continues with Google since 2005. But if we go with the Android Versions, it is available for third party manufacturers since 2008, when its first version, 1.0, launched without having any code name. Its most recent version is Android 10 name – Android Q that is currently in use and stable. Although on 8th September 2020, the 11th version launched, and there is hot news that we will soon see Android 12 operating devices.

List of Android Versions That Will Let You Know About Android History

For having a great insight into the evolution of the biggest mobile OS, let us kick start the list of Android versions one by one. Here you should note that till 2018, all versions named based on desserts such as Cupcake, Donut, Eclair etc. But Google broke this pattern in 2019 by launching the Android 10 name.

Android Versions 1.0 – 1.1

After acquiring Google Corp., its first official version for third party devices is Android 1.0 and later 1.1 with some updates. When it was launched in 2008, people found it very sensational and moved forward to use it. They found it very interesting instead of using heft keyboard-oriented devices. It was fully functional with all the Google products such as Google Mail, Maps, Calendar and many multimedia features. This version was an earlier platform for the Google Chrome browser, but at that time, it was nameless.

Android Version 1.5 Aka Cupcake

It is the first version that has a name and the year was 2009 when the tradition started. It was launched with more functionality than nameless Android versions 1.0. It amazed the users by providing a first-time on-screen keyboard. It was the thing that the user did not saw earlier. Due to it, users moved to the smartphone in considerable number. Its other speciality was third party app widgets and the first time ever video recording option.

While remembering this version, one of the experts from mobile app development companies in California said that it was like a wonder to know and research Cupcake. It was really a sensation in the mobile market around the world. It was an earlier milestone in Android history.

Android Version 1.6 Donut

It was launched at the end of 15th September 2009 and continued with the naming pattern started with Android Cupcake. The Donut version launched with multiple features, including features of the previous version. These features were text and voice search, bookmarking, history, contact list, fast camera access, WVGA screen, CDMA network support etc.

Android Version 2.0 – 2.1 Aka Éclair

Another benchmark in Android history launched in October 2009 codenamed Éclair. It was quite the fastest update in Google’s mobile OS as it was available just after six weeks of version 1.6. including the previous versions, features were more at that time such as comprehended account sync, Microsoft exchange email support, Bluetooth 2.1, Photo selection via touch & tap, call selection, equipped user to search the messages etc. One of the prime features was MMS messages that totally changed the communication mode.

Multiple specialists from mobile app development companies in Chicago said that it was such a revolution that a person can send a multimedia message from one phone to another. Earlier than Éclair, it was impossible, but it made it tremendously. In addition, it was such a nice functionality to use and made it superior to Android versions that existed at that time.

Android Version 2.2 -2.2.3 Aka Froyo

In terms of speed, memory and performance optimization, it was best than its predecessors. The first time JavaScript Engine was introduced into the browser application and Android Cloud Support for the device messaging service, First ever Adobe Flash supports Android Devices, security updates, and many more.

Android Version 2.3 -2.3.7 Aka Gingerbread

Its launching date was 6th December 2010, and its codename is Gingerbread. In terms of adjusting screen resolution and user interface, it was one of the finest versions of the previous ones. Besides providing support for extra-large screen resolution size, it also provided the copy-paste functionality to the user. Its other features were the selection of word by long press, headphone virtualization, New download manager and so forth.

Android Version 3.0 – 3.2.6 Aka Honeycomb

It was launched for Android-based tablet on 22nd February 2011. It was a core tablet-specific mobile OS that empowered the device with a Holographic feature. Its features included system bar added, multitasking, faster keyboard typing, quick access to the smartphone’s camera exposure, hardware acceleration, Refined UI, fine connectivity with USB devices, improved hardware support etc. One of the experts from mobile app development companies in New York admitted that although it was an operating system or one of the Android Versions, it was like a motivation to develop mobile applications.

Android Version 4.0- 4.0.4 Aka Ice Cream Sandwich

It was launched on 19th October 2011 and codenamed Cream Sandwich. It was the version when Adobe Flash support used last time. The entry of Android Ice Cream Sandwich was like the platform’s professional entry in the world modern age mobile phone technology. The line between tab and phone diluted with the help of unified UI features. Like user can see a card like a view for switching from one app to another. Now, user can swipe the messages, alerts and app with a single touch.

Android Versions 4.1-4.3 Aka Jelly Bean

27th June 2012 was its launching date and codename given to it Jelly Bean. Its features were fine-tuned user interface, smooth accessibility, one figure gesture to collapse the notifications, lock screen improvement, clock appearances, incoming call volume adjustment, 4k resolution support and many more. The quick setting panel was firstly introduced in this version. These were made one of the more promising Android versions, as many mobile app development companies in California said.

Android Version 4.4 Aka KitKat

This version initiated the golden era of the Android operating system. Instead of complex, colourful background, now user can access the transparent bar and light colour icons. It was like a hands-free device revolution where the user’s device first ever equipped with Ok Google that the user can use while working on the smartphone’s screen.

Android Versions 5.0 – 5.1.1 Aka Lollipop

Its other name was Android L and launched on 25th June 2014. It was officially introduced on 12th November 2014. Its features supported 24bit CPUs, redesigned user interface, print preview support, battery support, multiple user accounts, audio input and output through a USB device, Wi-Fi network compatibility, device protections and many more. Moreover, it was the first time dual sim smartphones launched with Android Lollipop as it supports multiple sims.

Android Version 6.0- 6.0.1 Aka Marshmallow

Its other name is Android M and launched in May 28,2015. It was specially launched for the Nexus devices such as Nexus 5, 6 and tablet. Its features were app standby, battery saving option as doze mode, fingerprint reader support, run time permission, C-Type USB support etc.

Android Version 7.0- 7.1.2 Aka Nougat

Launched in 2016 and provided the native screen split mode with the Android devices. It enabled the users to organized the notifications in a fine way, and the data saving feature was one of the newly introduced features. An Alt-Tab like functionality was one of its unique functionalities. Other features are picture-in-picture functionality, manager APIs, circular app icons etc.

Android Version 8.0 – 8.1 Aka Oreo

It was eight versions and a major contribution to the OS version with improved quality than other predecessors. It was launched in steps first launch was for initial developer preview on 21st August 2017, and the final developer preview version was launched on 24th July 2017. After that, until August 2017, another launch was for a stable version, including picture-in-picture support, adaptive icon set, faster boot time, Neural Network API, autofill framework, automatic screen light adjustment, and many other features.

Android Version 9.0 Aka Pie   

Officially launched in August 2016 and including Android Oreo features, its unique features are clock moved to the notifications bar’s left side, Screenshot button added, battery percentage display.

Android Version 10 Aka Android Q

It is one of the finest ever version launched that is stable and still is in use. Android 10 name is – Android Q. Google Corp officially announced it on 13th March 2019, and the beta version released on the same date. The release date of the second beta version was 3rd April 2019. Its features are permitted to access the background, floating setting panel, supporting Video codecs, biometric authentication, WPA3 Wi-Fi Security.

The reason behind Android 10 name as Android Q is Google broke its own record regarding naming the mobile OS on the desserts. The main idea behind naming Q is that it is easy to pronounce compared to the other operating system. With this operating system, Google ditched the desert names.

Android Version 11

It is the foremost improved version and latest Android OS by Google Corp. till now. It specifically focuses on personalized and secure user experience. Now here, Google ditched the alphabet trend that is recently started with the Android 10 name. It is launched on 8th September 2020. The Android 11 features are-

You can have all the conversation in one place.

You can decide the app permission as per your own choice; for example,

- if an app wants to access your device’s location, then you can allow it while using the app, only one time or never. It tends to secure & personalize the user experience.

- It supports IoT communication.

- You can capture the screen activity.

- It provides the suggestion based on activity and habit of using the device.

- Among other Android versions, it is more secure.

- You can play music via your phone on the other connected devices to it.

The Final Words!

The history of Android is quite interesting. While reading the details about it, it felt like we have passed a decade in front of our eyes. When the first version launched, there was pomp & show in the market that something great has been launched. Still, the user remains always conscious about the latest news related to it. Users worldwide are always keen to know what is going to launch by Google Corp. in terms of Android versions because it is the most favoured mobile OS and supported by software firms and mobile app development companies.

This OS provides the perfect platform to developers to launch their applications after developing them with the help of Android Studio that is a common choice to develop awesome android apps for users and enterprises.

If we closely look at the evolution of the biggest mobile OS, we will find that Google Corp. is consistently involved in research and development to include the new features and keen to launch the new OS for mobile users. It is the main reason that user like it most to buy the Android-based device as it is a cost-effective option and facilitates the smartphone owners to use the devices with ease.