We will study about Android; The
Top selling Handset OS infact now a days devices are known by its OS rather
than the manufacturer. Brief history, evolution from Cup Cake to KitKat.
Android Timeline
August 16, 2005, Google
Acquires Android, Inc. Google purchases 22-month old Palo Alto, CA based
startup Android, Inc. - initial developers of the Android mobile device
platform - for an estimated $50 million dollars.
January 1, 2007, The
Google Sooner, also known as the HTC EXCA 300, is distributed to Google
employees and software developers. It serves as the test bed device for which
the Android operating system is built on.
May 15, 2007, First Known
Android Build. The earliest known version of Android, build
"htc-2065.0.8.0.0", is created subsequently on September 23, 2008,
The First Production Android Device. T-Mobile announces the G1, also known
as the HTC Dream, as the first device on the market to feature the Android 1.0
platform.
October 21, 2008, Android
Goes Open Source. Google and the Open Handset Alliance release the Android Open
Source Project (AOSP). The announcement marks the immediate availability of the
Android source code, allowing developers to build complete ROMs from source
instead of using various device dumps to build ports.
Ever since it’s first
release Google rolls out new versions of Android on a frequent basis, but has
no set time for each future version. Some of the in-between versions were never
released commercially.
It typically takes
manufacturers 6 to 12 months after a specific Android Software Development Kit
(SDK) release to deliver products using that version, so the vendor can
complete custom additions, interface code and QA the device. Although not
supported by manufacturers, it is often possible to install a newer OS version
into a 'rooted' device.
Android Device Versions
Let’s study about the different OS versions and upgrades/changes
or difference with the previous one.
We will start from Android 1.0 to the Latest version KitKat.
Android Version 1.0
This first release was made in September 2008, but was not
used in any commercially available device.
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Android Version 1.1
This minor update was the first release used in a commercial
device, the T-mobile G1, in October 2008.
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Android Version 1.5
This was a major release that was first utilized by a number of
manufacturers. It was made available in April 2009, and was code-named Cupcake
by Google. Enhancements include:
- Camcorder
support to record and watch videos
- Ability to
easily upload images and videos to Picasa and YouTube
- A number of
Bluetooth improvements
- Widgets and
folders can now be placed on the home screen
- Animation on
various screen transitions
- On-screen keyboard with text-prediction
Android
Version 1.6
The v1.6 Software Development Kit (SDK) was released in September
2009. This release was code-named Donut. Enhancements include:
- New camera,
camcorder and photo gallery interfaces
- Improved voice
search and search experience
- Support for
higher screen resolutions
- Google
turn-by-turn navigation
- Text to speech
engine
- Multi-touch
gesture support
- VPN (Virtual Private Network) support
Android Version 2.0 and 2.1
In October 2009, the 2.0 SDK was released, and updated in
January 2010 with version 2.1. Few devices were released with v2.0, but v2.1
has been quite popular. These releases were both code-named Eclair.
Enhancements include:
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 Android Version 2.2 |
In May 2010 the 2.2 SDK was released. This release is code-named
Froyo (for Frozen Yogurt). Enhancements include:
- Camera control
improvements with more on-screen buttons
- Tethering with
up to 8 WiFi hotspots or via USB connection
- Multi-lingual
keyboard support allows quick language switching
- More performance
improvements for faster app access and browser speedups
- Bluetooth
improvements including voice dialing, contract sharing, support for
bluetooth car and desk docks
- Numerous
enhancements for Microsoft's Exchange, such as remote wipe, calendar
support, global address lists and improved security
- New home screen tips widget
In December 2010 the 2.3 SDK was released. This release is
code-named Gingerbread. There have also been a stream of minor updates and bug
fixes to version 2.3 since it's intial release, with the latest as version
2.3.7 in September 2011. Enhancements from the first 2.3 release include:
- UI refinements
for simplicity and speed
- Faster, more
intuitive text input on the virtual keyboard
- One-touch word
selection and copy/paste
- Improved power
management and power usage status
- Application
status and ability to manually stop applications
- Internet phone
calling
- Near-Field
Communication (NFC) support to read NFC tags
- New download
manager
- Multiple camera
support (i.e. front and rear cameras)
- Support for barometer, gravity, gyroscope, linear acceleration and rotation vector sensors
In February 2011, the 3.0 SDK was released. This release is
code-named Honeycomb and is targeted at devices with larger screens such as tablets.
Enhancements include:
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In June 2011, Android 3.1 was released. This release is also
code-named Honeycomb (like version 3.0) and is targeted at devices with larger
screens such as tablets. Enhancements include:
- UI refinements
to navigation and animations
- USB devices and
accessories supported, including mice, keyboards, digital cameras and
more.
- Expanded recent
apps list
- Resizeable Home
screen widgets
- Support for joysticks
and gamepads
- Improved Wi-Fi
networking stability, including connection while the screen is off
- Updated set of
standard apps, including browser, gallery calendar, contacts and email.
- Enterprise support features
In July 2011, Android 3.2 was released. This release is also
code-named Honeycomb (like versions 3.1 and 3.0). Enhancements over prior
versions include:
- Further
enhancements for Tablets
- Compatibility
zoom for fixed-sized applications
- Direct
application access to SD card file system
- Extended screen API for managing different screen sizes
In late October 2011, version 4.0 was released. This release is
code-named Ice-Cream Sandwich. It merges the 3.x tab centric design and the
v2.x phone based design into a single version.
Major UI changes and enhancements include:
- Refined UI
- Recent Apps
selection
- Home folders and
favorites tray
- Resizable
Widgets
- Lock screen
actions
- Quick Response
for calls
- Network data
control
Other areas that are new or improved include:
- Social network
improvements
- Unified calendar
- Camera and
Camcorder changes - face detection, image stabilization, snapshots while
video recording, new gallery app with photo editor
- Browser can get
full desktop versions of web sites
- Improved Email
- NFC based
sharing
- Face Unlock
- WiFi-Direct support
Android Version 4.1
In July 2012, version 4.1 was released. This release is
code-named Jelly Bean.
UI changes and enhancements include:
- Improved touch
response and transitions
- Expandable,
actionable notifications
- Adaptive
keyboard and guesses
Other areas that are new or improved include:
- Instant review
of taken photos
- External braille
input and output via USB
- Improved Voice
search
- NFC based photo
sharing
- USB audio
- Google Wallet
In October 2012, version 4.2 was announced. This release retains
the prior release's code-name of Jelly Bean.
UI changes and enhancements include:
- Multiple users
for tablets
Other areas that are new or improved include:
- Photo Sphere to
take 360 degree images
- Built-in
keyboard gesture typing (like Swype)
- Daydream to
display info while idle or docked
- Beam photos and videos
In July 2013, version 4.3 was announced. This release retains
the prior release's code-name of Jelly Bean.
Areas that are new or improved include:
- Restricted
profiles for tablets
- Improved
Bluetooth power efficency
- Dial pad
autocomplete
- Improved
Right-to-Left language support
- Faster user
switching from lock screen
- 4K Resolution support
Android Version 4.4
In September 2013, version 4.4 was a Android
Timeline announced. This release uses the new code-name of Kit Kat.
Areas that are new or improved include:
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 Android Wear – The Next Big Move Earlier this year, Google launched Android Wear, bringing Android to wearables. Since then, the first watches powered by Android Wear, the LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live, have gone on sale, developers have already built thousands of apps enhanced for Wear, and great new watches are becoming available from more partners.
First, comes offline music playback and GPS support to
Android Wear. Go for a run or bike ride with your Android wearable and leave
your phone at home. You’ll be able to listen to music stored on your watch
via Bluetooth headphones. And if your watch includes a GPS sensor, you can
track your distance and speed too.
The second update will enable downloadable
watch faces, so you can customize the visual design of your
watch's home screen to show the information you want to see most—like your
calendar or fitness sensors. Developers will soon be working on watch faces,
making them available on Google Play.
So what you think, what is in your mind?
Google is almost making things reality which we use to think few years back. We
also need to upgrade ourselves and use the technology for our betterment and
not as a deterrent in social life.
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