History of android operating System

What is Android operating system?  Have you ever searched the answer to this question? Don’t worry, this article will help you to understand all about the Android operating system.

What is Android operating system?

Android is a Linux-based operating system Sometimes, it is known as Android OS: Powerd by Google. It is designed for the modern smart devices, this is mostly running on Smartphones. but it is not only for the smartphones but also this OS running on Tablet PC’s, Smartwatches, Smart TV, Camera, Smart bicycles, Car Navigation, refrigerator, and much more.

Moreover, It is not only for google’s product but also lots of smartphone manufacturers using this OS for their modern smart devices such as sony, Samsung, HTC, LG, Motorola, ETC.

Who is the inventor of Android operating system?

If you are still thinking Android invented by Google. absolutely it’s wrong. Although, Android was invented by Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, and Nick Sears on 2003. finally, Google was purchased the Android.Inc for approximately $50 million  in 2005.

Is there any secret behind the name of Android?

There are nothing any clear reason behind the name of Android yet. But, its Pronunciation is almost similar with one of Android inventor, Andy Rubin.

What is the current status of Android in the smartphone world?

Nowadays, there’re two largest mobile operating systems in the world. The one is Android, another one is iOS. However, Android is popular than iOS.

When we compare the Android Operating System with other Operating Systems, Android looks like the king in the smartphone market. its market shares has more than 84% in Q1, 2016 according to statista. At the same time, iOS is sharing 14.8 % in the Mobile OS market and other Mobile operating systems share below than 1% such as windows phone, BlackBerry OS, Symbian.

Android Updates:

Google regularly updates this operating system with the bunch of new features, and also it named for every new version with a new dessert name in Alphabetic order.

Google officially released its first version on September 2008 this version doesn’t come with a specific code name. However, since 2009’s Android 1.5 released with a specific code name “Cupcake”. after that, all new version have had a dessert name according to the alphabetical order.

Google Android operating system’s code names and history (in order)

1. Cupcake

Version number: 1.5

Current Status: Support discontinued

This is the first version that introduced with a code named, this released on April 27, 2009.

2. Donut

Version number: 1.6

Current Status: Support discontinued

Android Donut released on September 15, 2009. The Android Marketplace, Quick Search Box, faster camera experience, Battery usage indicator, text-to-speech support and a better user experience were important update in version 1.6.

3. Eclair

Version number: 2.0 – 2.1

Current Status: Support discontinued

Android Eclair released on October 26, 2009. Google Maps Navigation, home screen customization, and Speech-to-text were the important feature of Android Eclair.

4. Froyo

Version number: 2.2 – 2.2.3

Current Status: Support discontinued by Google but still running on 0.1% devices at August 2016. According to the Android developer website:

Android Froyo was unveiled on May 20, 2010, during the Google I/O 2010. It was all about performance. The Dalvik JIT compiler was introduced on this version which delivered up to 5X performance improvement in CPU-bound code. Voice actions, Portable Hotspot, and performance  were the significant feature of Android Froyo.

5. Gingerbread

Version number: 2.3 – 2.3.7

Current Status: Support discontinued by Google but still running on 1.7% devices according to the August 2016 report.

Android Gingerbread delivered, experience simpler and faster for Android users. It is released on  December 6, 2010. NFC and Battery management were the important updates of Gingerbread

6. Honeycomb

Version number: 3.0 – 3.2.6

Current Status: Support discontinued

The Android Honeycomb version was introduced only for the tablets, it was released on  February 22, 2011. System bar (On-screen navigation controls instead for physical controls button), and Quick settings features were important updates of Android Honeycomb.

7. Ice Cream Sandwich

Version number: 4.0 – 4.0.4

Current Status: Support discontinued by Google but still running on 1.6% devices according to the August 2016 report.

Ice Cream Sandwich came with the huge design improvement over earlier Android versions while enhancing functionality. It was released on October 18, 2011. Custom home screen, data usage control, and Android beam were the notable features of  Android Ice Cream Sandwich.

8. Jelly Bean

Version number: 4.1 – 4.3.1

Current Status: Support discontinued by the Google but still running on 16.7% devices at August 2016.

Jelly Bean introduced with lots of customization options such as ability create shortcuts and widgets on a home screen, ability to disable notification for an individual app, gesture typing on the keyboard, redesigned clock app, ability to use multiple users and much more. And also Google now personal assistant was introduced on this version and Actionable notification was another notable update of Android Jelly Bean. It was introduced on July 9, 2012.

9. KitKat

Version number: 4.1 – 4.3.1

Current Status: Support discontinued for the KitKat Android operating system by the Google, but still running on 29.2% devices at August 2016 report.

KitKat gave a new life to the old devices. That means  the KitKat could run on the devices had lower RAM (Minimum 512 MB). This was introduced on October 31, 2013. Voice: Ok Google, immersive design, and Smart dialer are the important updates of Android KitKat.

10. Lollipop

Version number: 5.0 – 5.1.1

Current Status: Supported by Google. Running on 14.1% devices at August 2016.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTxTLyLUjP4

Android Lollipop could run on all the devices from phones and tablets to watches, TVs, and cars. It was released on November 12, 2014. Material design, Multiscreen and lock screen notification are the other important updates of Lollipop.

11. Marshmallow

Version number: 6.0 – 6.0.1

Current Status: Running on 15.2% devices at August 2016.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pct9Hl7l4E4

Android Marshmallow was released on October 5, 2015. Now On Tap feature was introduced in this version. This feature allows to get assistant without leave what you are doing. Whether you are in an app or on a website. furthermore, it allows turn permission off at any time of the app, and also this version optimizes for Battery by the new feature, Doze mode, and app standby.

12. Nougat

Version number: Developer preview version released.

Current Status: N/A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xn9iq3lG_w

Android Nougat is the latest version of Android. Google selected this code name in a little different way, Google announces a opinions rewards poll and it allows to vote for everyone all around the world an finally google was select this name, “Nougat”. Google already released its first developer preview on march 9 2016. But the stable version doesn’t release yet. Multi-window mode, Faster app optimization, Data Saver feature are some expected feature of Android Nougat.

Moreover, Google has made every new version of Android operating system is simple and easier to get better user experience. and nowadays, Android seem like as a most powerful mobile operating system in the world.

Hope this article will be useful for you. If you have any queries related to this article, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below.

Source: Android