Since its first release, Android has evolved in a way that is conceptual, practical, and aesthetically pleasant throughout time. Although the Google OS got off to a dismal start, it has now altered the stage of mobile app development.
What is the Android operating system? Since its November 5, 2007 introduction ten years ago, Android has advanced significantly. Currently, the largest platform for mobile applications is Android. Furthermore, Android powers smart TVs, cars, and wearables in addition to smartphones and tablets.
Let’s examine the history of Android, from its release to Google’s purchase and up to Android P (Pie), and its present position in the market.
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The Early Years of Android
Nick Sears, Chris White, Rich Miner, and Andy Rubin founded Android Inc. in October 2003. The idea behind this was to turn the cameras into “smart devices that are aware of the location and preferences” by developing a sophisticated operating system.
It turns out that there wasn’t much of a demand for this service, so Android Inc. shifted their attention to smartphones. Because Android needs to compete with Symbian and Windows OS, this market was quite competitive.
They had a rough beginning, so money was never a problem. Later, on August 17, 2005, Google purchased Android, Inc. and its employees. A group under Rubin’s direction was developing a Linux kernel-based mobile operating system. Irina Blok created the green Android logo, and on November 5, 2007, the beta version was released.
Android 1.0
On September 23, 2008, the first commercial version of Android—known as Android 1.0—was released. Android 1.0, although being the first version, included functionality such as a web browser, camera, synchronization between Gmail and the Gmail application, YouTube, Google Maps, and calendar synchronization.
The Android Market offered these applications for download. Later, on February 9, 2009, Android 1.1 was released with a few bug fixes and enhanced functionality. On April 27, 2009, Android 1.5 (Cupcake) was released, then on September 15, 2009, Android 1.6. These versions were mainly concerned with bug fixes and were published every three months.
Android 2.0 Éclair
On October 26, 2009, Android released Éclair, their second major version. The ability to see messages from several accounts in one inbox, together with email compatibility for Microsoft Exchange, was the primary draw.
Additionally, text messaging was improved so that users could see previous conversations and MMS messages and type responses more quickly. Real-time upgrades for the camera program included support for flash, various zoom options, shading effects, and focus mode.
December 3, 2009 saw the release of Android 2.0.1, and January 12, 2010 saw the release of Android 2.1, which both included bug fixes and small improvements.
On May 20, 2010, the following major release took place. We called it Froyo. There were some speed improvements in this release. Android 2.2 brought in WiFi hotspot and USB tethering features.
Android 2.3 Gingerbread
On December 6, 2010, Google released Android 2.3 Gingerbread, a completely redesigned user interface that prioritized speed and ease of use. Additionally, the display console was updated to provide more accurate and intuitive content information.
Suddenly, Near Field Communication (NFC) was incorporated, and the new Download Manager made it easier than ever to keep track of papers that were downloaded from the internet.
Android 3.0 Honeycomb
Android 3.0 Honeycomb, Google’s first tablet-focused Android version, was released on February 22, 2011. With the release of Android 3.0 Honeycomb, a new “holographic” user interface was unveiled, with the whole version focused on tablets. Notifications and buttons were pushed to the bottom of the screen by the System Bar.
A “incognito” option for private surfing and numerous browser tabs were two other significant UI modifications. With the initial compatibility of multicore CPUs, a new era of powerful Android devices was launched.
On May 10, 2011, Android 3 was introduced, bringing with it USB connection and home screen widgets. Android 3.2, a later version, included Google TV functionality.
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
On October 18, 2011, Android 4.0, also known as Ice Cream Sandwich, was released. It was promised to work with any device running Android 2.3 or later. Roboto was set as the Android default typeface, and the Holo interface received a makeover and new design.
Simpler files were updated, lock screen access was added for apps, 1080p video recording was added to the camera app, and users’ Chrome bookmarks could now be synchronized with the web browser.
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Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
The primary goal of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, which was unveiled on July 9, 2012, was to improve the user interface’s features and overall performance. Graphics were given special consideration and joined forces with technology that would allow the interface to function at sixty pixels per second in order to provide a fluid and responsive service.
Sound quality is enhanced via USB audio, infinite playback, and multiple interfaces functionality. Third-party apps now feature enhanced functionality that allows users to personalize what they do.
Android 4.4 KitKat
KitKat OS was very successful for Android; it gave them the upper hand and enabled them to acquire millions of users. On October 31, 2013, KitKat OS was released, and the Nexus 5 was the first smartphone to run it.
The interface was given a makeover via a number of adjustments, although the goal wasn’t to improve appearance. The inclusion of a new “immersive mode” allowed apps to conceal the status bar and screen buttons while not in use. If you need them, you can swipe down the screen, and if not, you may do the opposite.
Another new feature was NFC, which was introduced but wasn’t as popular as anticipated. With NFC, a smartphone running Android 4.4 may copy an NFC signal and communicate with other NFC devices; this function works well for online payments.
Android 5.0 – Lollipop
Android 5.0 Lollipop was first shown on June 25, 2014, at the 2014 Google I/O conference. The official release date was November 12, 2014.
This time, a significant rethink of the user interface took place using the minimalist theme of “material design.” Notifications appear on the lock screen after modifications.
Apps developed by third parties may be stored in the outside storage space of Android 5.0 devices, of the lock function has been improved to allow for quick unlocking and securing.
Android Auto
Android Auto is essentially a multimedia device that works with an Android smartphone that is linked to the vehicle’s infotainment system.
Though it’s great that Android Auto offers a straightforward user interface for automobiles, you are able to continue using applications like Spotify to play music indefinitely and Maps for navigating.
Android 6 Marshmallow
After a formal announcement at the Google I/O conference in May 2015, Android 6 Marshmallow became available for a range of devices in October 2015.
“Now on Tap” is a new feature that makes search results more relevant by providing contextual results based on search history. It also had a fantastic improvement for battery management.
Additionally, adoptable storage was revealed, allowing you to use your micro SD card but having your device use it as internal storage. Additionally, USB Type-C and fingerprint unlocking were enhanced by Marshmallow.
Android 7 Nougat
Although Android Nougat was made available in beta form in March 2016, its official release date was August 2016.
While there aren’t many notable changes between Nougat and Marshmallow, the update offers split-screen functionality for Android devices for the first time.
Nougat now has an inline reply feature for messages and alerts, saving you the need of opening your Messenger app to respond quickly.
Android 8 Oreo
The term Android Oreo comes from a different food and was first announced as Android O (or Android 8) in March 2017. The official name of Android Oreo wasn’t revealed until August 21, 2017.
Google unveiled the Pixel, Pixel XL, and Nexus 6P as part of its beta program on the same day that it released the final version of its new device platform.
Android 9 Pie
The most recent iteration of Google’s operating system, Android Pie, is primarily designed to be straightforward and AI-powered.
You may go on to your next job without opening the app thanks to the application actions, which also feature adaptive brightness settings and adaptive battery life.
Google has changed the user interface to allow for digital wellness and screen cuts, which will help you break away from your compulsive phone.
A few fascinating Android-related facts are as follows:
Market share of Android versions
Thus far, 900 million Android-powered smartphones have been used, or around 1/7th of the world’s population.
With an astounding 2.5 billion app installations in the last several months, Google Play has officially exceeded 48 billion app downloads. Additionally, Google just took 60,000 poor-quality apps off of Google Play.
Given the wide variety of price points and levels of customization offered by Android, it would be logical to predict that this OS will dominate the mobile app industry in the years to come. Hence, investing in Android app development is prudent given its potential to transform the industry in the next years. One such mobile app development business that specializes in creating cutting-edge applications is Linkitsoft.
