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The beginning of Android inc.
Android.inc was founded and started as an advanced operating system for digital cameras. Their goal was to turn these cameras into smarter mobile devices that would be aware of the owners preferences and locations. But when there wasn't a good market for these cameras they switched focus to smartphones. -
Pre-commercial release
A beta version was released which had an operating system based off of the Linux kernel. -
Android 1.0
The first official release (that was commercially available) of the operating system. Features included: gmail (synchronization with the gmail app), camera support, google maps, web browser, YouTube, contacts and calendar synchronisation. -
Android Cupcake (version 1.5)
Included new features such as widgets (which were small versions of the apps that can be found on the home page), as well as the ability to record video in MPEG-4 format, auto pair and stream stereo audio with Bluetooth devices and the capability to add user pictures to your favorite contacts. It was the first version to include an on-screen keyboard. -
Android Donut (version 1.6)
Provided the ability to run on a variety of different screen sizes and resolution. Apps like gallery and camera become better, allowing photos to be taken/viewed faster and easier. The text and voice search improved, including bookmarks, contacts, history, and content from the internet. This felt like the most logical and consistent version of android thus far. -
Android Éclair (version 2.0)
First operating system to have voice guided, turn by turn navigation and real time traffic. It also included a live wallpaper feature, and improved the camera app (adding the ability of pinch to zoom). They added the ability to browse emails from different users in the same inbox. Text messaging was also improved and now included a speech to text capability. -
Android Froyo (version 2.2)
This version came equips with the ability for WI-FI hotspot, and the possibility to create passwords with both letters and numbers. It included the now standard dock at the bottom of the home page and brought the capability of voice actions, allowing you to command basic functions (e.g. Making notes). Moreover, android brought support to run Flash on web browsers, which was extremely significant as Flash was being used worldwide and it was ( and still is) something Apple was against supporting. -
Android Gingerbread (version 2.3)
In this version, near field communication (NFC) was first included, introducing a new category of apps, as well as advanced apps that can more accurately track movement, location, etc. At this time, Android started to move towards a distinctive design, by incorporating their colours of black and green in their UI. Many bug fixes and small improvements were made, including a better battery life. -
Android Honeycomb (version 3.0)
This version was a tablet only release. It came with Androids first on screen buttons for the main navigational commands. At the top of the screen, contextual options, widgets and navigation were located on an action bar. Other improvements to the interface (e.g. Multiple browser tabs) were made, and a multi ore processor was supported for the first time. Overall this version reimagined the UI with a space-like 'holographic' design and best use of the tablets screen space. -
Android Ice Cream Sandwich (version 4.0)
With this update Android could now access apps from the lock screen, and it gave the ability to swipe away notifications, recent apps, etc. The biggest part of this update was that it brought the "tablet only" update to the phone. This gave the phone on screen buttons and the card like appearance for switching apps. This version refined the visual concepts and made Roboto the default font. -
Android Jelly Bean (version 4.1)
This versions main aim was to improve user interface and have special attention towards Androids graphics. They improved tho sound quality and included USB audio and gapless playback. This was also the first version that introduced Google Now. This was a feature of google search that gave daily updates in the google apps and offered predictive cards of information. -
Android Jelly Bean (version 4.2)
This version came with many small details and features, some of the bigger additions included ; widget support on the lock screen, the ability to launch camera by swiping, daydream screen savers, and quick setting was introduced to the top power controls menu. -
Android Jelly Bean (version 4.3)
At this time, Android improved game graphics, and included Bluetooth low energy features. It also expanded notifications and made them more interactive and expanded voice search. -
Android KitKat (version 4.4)
This version came with a new "innersive mode" to give apps the ability to hide the status bar and on screen buttons (buttons would come back if you swipe up or down on the screen). The NFC host card was introduced and this allowed you to pay for goods and use other contactless features. This update included lighter backgrounds and the first version of "OK Google..." (only worked when already on the screen). -
Android Lollipop (version 5.0)
The design/theme of this update was flat and minimalistic. It allowed the notifications to be seen from the lock screen and a new smart lock that allows for easy lock and unlock. This version included a truly hands free voice control with "OK Google", but with all these big changes came many bugs. -
Android Lollipop (version 5.1)
Bug fixes were made and this version gave users the ability to: make high definition voice calls, multiple SIM card support, improved device protection and wifi/Bluetooth settings in the quick settings menu. -
Android Marshmellow (version 6.0)
This version now included screen search that provides contextual search results (based off search history) called 'Now on Tap'. It also allowed adaptable storage that would allow you to put in a microSD card for internal storage. Other features included better fingerprint recognition and support for USB-C. -
Android Nougat (version 7)
This was a smaller update but it did include the ability for split screen mode. It also included inline replies to notifications for quick replies and was the launch for google assistant. -
Android Oreo (version 8)
This update included; native picture in picture mode, notification snoozing and notification channels in which you can control how apps alert you.
