Android is a Linux-based operating system for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers. Android has seen a number of updates and versions, since its original release, each fixing bugs and adding new features. Each version is named, after a dessert. Now let us discuss about each of these mouth watering desserts:
Android 4.0 – Ice Cream Sandwich – December 2011
The Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) released in December 2011. It was named Ice Cream Sandwich and was versioned as Android 4.0; Ice Cream Sandwich brings many of the design elements of Honeycomb to smartphones, while refining the Honeycomb experience.
For information on new features and technologies, see the Android 4.0 Highlights.
Android 3.X – Honeycomb – February 2011
Android 3.0 came out in February 2011. It’s the first version where Android is specifically made for tablets, and brings a lot of new UI elements to the table. Manufacturers are given the source code and license to use Android Honeycomb only after their hardware choices have been approved. Improvements to Honeycomb were announced in May 2011 as Android 3.1, and Android 3.2 has followed.
For information on new features and technologies, see the Android 3.0, Android 3.1, and Android 3.2 Highlights.
Android 2.3.x – Gingerbread – December 2010
Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) was released in December 2010. This brings a few UI enhancements to Android, like more consistent feel across menus and dialogs. Gingerbread brings support for new technology as well. It supports NFC and SIP. JIT optimizations and garbage collection are few of the improvements. Android 2.4 also a part of the Gingerbread family.
For information on new features and technologies, see the Android 2.3.x Highlights.
Android 2.2 – Froyo – (May 2010)
Android 2.2 (Froyo) was announced in May 2010. The largest change was the introduction of the Just-In-Time Compiler or JIT which significantly speeds up the phone’s processing power. Along with the JIT, Android 2.2 also brings support for Adobe Flash 10.1. Flash based games could be played using Android’s web Browser. Froyo brought native support for Android Smartphone’s data connection to provide Internet.
For information on new features and technologies, see the Android 2.2 Highlights.
Android 2.0 (November 2009) / Android 2.1 (January 2010) – Eclair
Eclair was quite a major step up over its predecessors. Android 2.0 platform released on November 2009 and was on par with other stand-along GPS navigation systems. Android 2.0 quickly gave way to 2.0.1, in December 2009, mainly bringing bug fixes. Android 2.1 released in January 2010. This release includes new API changes and bug fixes.
For information on new features and technologies in Android Versions 2.0 & 2.1 and Framework API.
Android 1.6 – Donut – (September 2009)
Donut was released in September 2009, built on the features that came with Android 1.5, and expanded them. The Android 1.6 platform includes for users and developers. For Android Experts, a release of the Android 1.6 platform is available as a downloadable component for the Android SDK. Donut brought support for higher resolution touch screens, much improved camera and gallery support.
For information on new features and technologies, see the Android 1.6 Highlights.
Android 1.5 – Cupcake – (May 2009)
Cupcake was the first major hype of the Android OS. The Android 1.5 SDK was released in May 2009 and brought along plenty of Android framework API changes. This release of Android 1.5 features includes for users and developers. For Android Developers, the Android 1.5 platform is available as a downloadable component for the Android SDK.
