Android versions and their Names

Android is one type of mobile operating system designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones. It is built on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software. Android is developed by the developers of an association of two or more companies or organizations known as the Open Handset Alliance and commercially sponsored by Google. The first commercial Android device launched in September 2008.

List of Android Versions and their names :

Android Version 1.0 to 1.1: No codename

Android approved its Android version 1.0 in September 2008. It is the first version of the Android operating system. It pillars the Web browser to show HTML and XHTML web pages, the camera, and access web email server (POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP). This version curbs Google Calendar, Google Maps, Google Search, Google Sync, Google Talk, Media player, Instant messaging, Notifications appearing in the status bar, wallpapers, YouTube video player, Alarm Clock, Calculator, Dialler, Pictures (Gallery), Wi-Fi and Bluetooth assist.

Android version 1.5: Cupcake

On April 27, 2009, the Android enhanced the version to 1.5 with the scale name of the dessert dish, i.e. Cupcake. It consists of Linux kernel 2.6.27. It carries a third-party virtual keyboard, Video recording as well as playback in MPEG-4, Copy and paste option, Animated screen translations, auto-rotation feature. As well as the capability to upload a video on YouTube, upload photographs and pictures on Picasa and checking the phone usage history.

Android version 1.6: Donut

Android 1.6 was launched on September 15, 2009, with the name “Donut“. It wraps a variety of new features such as text and voice entry search, bookmark history, contacts, web, speaking any text, even faster camera accessibility. Moreover, the user can choose multiple photos for deletion, and also supports text-to-speech engine, WVGA screen resolutions, etc.

Android version 2.0 to 2.1: Eclair

Android 2.0 was release was scheduled on October 26, 2009, which was codenamed as “Eclair“. It was centered on Linux kernel 2.6.29. It contains various new features like expanded account sync, Microsoft Exchange email support, Bluetooth 2.1, the capability to tap on a Contact photo, and select to call or SMS. It also can search all saved SMS messages, MMS messages, deleting the oldest message automatically when it reaches the specified limit, Minor API, bug fixes.

Android version 2.2 to 2.2.3: Froyo

Android 2.2 (Froyo) was released on May 20, 2010, which was based on Linux kernel 2.6.32. It adds several features, such as speed, memory, performance optimization. JIT compilation, Integration of Chrome’s V8, JavaScript engine into the Browser application, supporting Android Cloud to Device Messaging service, Adobe Flash support, security updates, and performance improvement.

Also Read 16 Type of Android Versions in detail

Android version 2.3 to 2.3.7: Gingerbread

Android 2.3, i.e. “Gingerbread” was released on December 6, 2010, based on Linux kernel 2.6.35. It includes the various changes like supporting for extra-large screen size and resolutions, updated user interface design with raised simplicity or speed, enhanced copy. It also has paste functions, selecting a word by press-holding, supporting Near Field Communications (NFC), headphone virtualizations, new Download Manager.

It has improvised bug fixes for Nexus S like voice or video chat using Google Talk, network performance for Nexus S 4G, Gmail application, battery efficiency, fixing a voice search bug, Google Wallet support for Nexus S 4G.

Android version 3.0 to 3.2.6: Honeycomb

Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) was released on February 22, 2011, for the first tablet for Android-based on Linux kernel 2.6.36. It constitutes the features like a “holographic” user interface for tablet, added system Bar, simplified multitasking tapping Recent Application in system Bar, redesign the keyboard doing fast typing, quick access to camera exposure, hardware acceleration.

It also supports a multi-core processor, UI refinements, connectivity for USB accessories, support for joysticks and gamepads, high-performance Wi-Fi lock, improved hardware support, Google Books, fixed data connectivity issues when coming out of Airplane mode.

Android version 4.0 to 4.0.4: Ice Cream Sandwich

On October 19, 2011, Android 4.0.1 (Ice Cream Sandwich) was launched, which was based on Linux kernel 3.0.1. It was the last version of the official support Adobe System Flash player. It introduces the numerous new features: refinements to the “Holo” interface with new Roboto font family, separation of widgets in a new tab, integrated screenshot capture, improved error correction on the keyboard, improved copy and paste functionality, build-in photo editor, fixed minor bugs, improvement to graphics, spell-checking, better camera performance.

Android version 4.1 to 4.3.1: Jelly Bean

On June 27, 2012, Google announced Android 4.1(Jelly Bean) in the Google I/O conference. It is based on Linux kernel 3.0.31. It updates to following features: smoother user interface, enhance accessibility, expandable notification, fixed bug on Nexus 7, one-finger gestures to expand/collapse notifications, lock screen improvement, multiple user accounts (tablets only), new clock application, Bluetooth low energy support, volume for an incoming call, 4K resolution support, native emoji support, bug fixes for the Nexus 7 LTE.

Android version 4.4 to 4.4.4: KitKat

On September 3, 2013, Google announced Android 4.4 (KitKat). Initially, its code name was “Key Lime Pie“. Google started on Google’sGoogle’s Nexus 5 on October 31, 2013. The minimum required amount of RAM should available to Android is 340 MB.

The other devices with less than 512 MB of RAM must report themselves as “low RAM” devices. It includes several new features as clock no longer display bold hours, wireless printing capability, WebViews are based on Chromium engine, sensor batching, built-in screen recording feature, better application compatibility, camera application loads Google+.

Android KitKat 4.4

Android “KitKat” was the fourth influential version and eleventh update of the Android OS. The Android KitKat is the 4.4 release version and was in public on September 3, 2013. Its prime focus was to optimize the operating system, which enhances the performance of earlier devices. It takes up to 512 MB of RAM on Android devices. The previous version of the Android operating system takes more internal memory, which is not friendly with many older device models.

Android 4.4 “KitKat” was officially released on September 3, 2013. Android KitKat initially works under the codename “Key lime pie“. The director of Android global partnership John Lagerling and his team decided to drop the name “Key lime pie” because rare people know the taste of it. His team changed the name from “Key lime pie” to “KitKat” instead.

The first Android 4.4 KitKat device is developed as Nexus 5 launched by LG Electronics on September 30, 2013.

The latest Android Version Android 11 was released on September 8, 2020.