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The beginning of the Android Era
The official era started when Android 1.0 was released, provided with a web browser, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, some of Google's apps, voice dialing, messaging and more. The first smartphone to incorporate this system was called the HTC Dream, which had a touchscreen and a five row QWERTY keyboard, as the Android system at that time did not provide virtual ones. The device was released on October 2008. -
Android 1.1
There weren't many changes in the Android 1.1 update, but the features added were that users would be able to get details and reviews when they search businesses up on Maps, longer in-call timeline default while using the speakerphone, and a few more. -
Cupcake Update
The next update from Android was the first one to officially use the code name based on a dessert, which would be the theme Android would continue using. The software provided many other different features, such as a virtual keyboard with text predictions, making it easier to type, a user dictionary with custom words,easy swaps between still camera and video recording for convenience, copy and paste features on the web browser, widget support and a few other additions. -
Donut Update
The Donut Update contained certain updates that used text-to-speech technology, using not only text, but the voice too, to search on the web browser, through bookmarked history, contacts, music and dictionary, making it quicker and easier. App screenshots were also available in the Android market, and the new update also provided better screen resolution and better performance. Photos had better and faster viewing too, as the Gallery was fully integrated with the Camera apps. -
Eclair Update
The Eclair Update was very important, as it included many new functions, such as live wallpapers and account sync, which means that the user will be able to access multiple accounts at the same time to be more time efficient and to make multitasking easier. There were also many improvements made, like better screen resolutions and improved typing speed. -
Froyo Update
The Froyo Update allowed users to install apps on a memory card, which was a great relief to many people, as most phones only had 4-8 GB at the time. There were also many other improvements made, for example: the additional application speed was quicker, and also support for many other features, like file upload fields on the Browser application. -
Gingerbread Update
The Gingerbread Update has enhanced many of Android's functions, like the audio, graphical and input enhancements, improved power management, enhanced support for native code developed, as well as support for large screen sizes, multiple cameras on the device, WebM/VP8 video playback and et cetera. A new Download Manager was also provided to give users easy access to all their files. -
Honeycomb Update
This update stood out among the others, as it was the only one designed specifically for tablets. The virtual keyboards were optimized for bigger screens, and support for multi core processors. There were also System and Action bars added, and simplified multi-tasking, using the System bar to jump from one application to the other. -
Ice Cream Sandwich Update
This update brought a whole new look and feel to the Android system. Graphics, databases, spell-checks and Bluetooth functionality were improved, as well as better camera performance and phone number recognition. Apps could also be closed with a quick swipe, and 1080p videos could be shot. There were also numerous bug fixes and optimization, benefiting many users. -
Jelly Bean Update
In the Jelly Bean update, search functionality was improved, and the ability to share files with others using Android Beam was introduced. Accessibility was also enhanced, and there were added functions, such as the ability to turn off notifications and Bluetooth data transfer for Android Beam. The camera application had also been improved, as well as other applications. -
KitKat Update
After a year, Android had released a new update, bringing more and more improvements and new features to the system. If a user was on their home screen or on Google Now, all they had to say was "OK Google" to launch certain applications, making it much more easier than clicking a few buttons to open it up. The new update also prioritized the contacts that the user frequented most, so he had easy access to them. Another useful addition was that users could use wireless printing. -
Lollipop Update
The Lollipop Update has brought many convenient features to help many users, as the Android system can be used on television, a watch and a car. Songs, photos and other files from one Android device can be accessed through all of them, which was great for users, as it saved more time when finding something. There is also the ability to select the certain notifications that get through, and the ability for the user to respond directly from their lock screen to send important messages quicker. -
Marshmallow Update
The Marshmallow Update was mostly about maintenance, but there were some really helpful features along with it too. Now on Tap was a new addition, allowing the user to gain useful information with just a tap, making it very simple to access. The battery life for Android devices also last longer, which was great for users. Android also allowed users to define what they wanted to share and what they didn't. Security was also simplified and more secure, as a fingerprint can be used instead. -
Nougat Update
The most recent update in Android has brought many features that users have been waiting for. Now, Android devices finally provide split screen viewing, making multitasking much more time efficient than before. Quick Settings can also be customized, so features can be accessed faster. Also, there is a more functional notification system, and more battery life and data can be saved. In the future, the Android system may be implemented into laptops, or even a virtual reality headset.
