In November 2007, The first public release of Android Mobile OS was Android Beta. Father of Android OS is Andy Rubin but later it was acquired by Google team and since then Google has really awesome upgrades and has been doing research on new features daily. Also, it has a number of updates OS since the official release.
There are first two versions 1.0 and 1.1 which were not released by specific names. The name of Android OS is Confectionery-themed. The Android versions are starts with alphabetical. It starts ‘C’ alphabet with the name is Android 1.5 CupCake from 2009 and latest updated version is Android 8.0 Oreo release in 2017. Now we will see the Oldest to Newest Android versions and its features.
1- Android 1.0 and 1.1(Unnamed)
Both versions are first commercial versions. They are officially released publicly in 2008 and 2009. The first android commercial version was placed on HTC dream device. These versions were released without codename. The features in Android 1.0 :
- Google Maps
- Camera
- Gmail, Contacts and Google Synchronization
- Web Browser
- Wireless supports – WiFi and Bluetooth
Android 1.1 :
- Add Save attachment in message
- Provides reviews and details when user search business on maps
2- Android 1.5(CupCake)
Android 1.5 was released in April 2009. This is first released codename with official name “CupCake”. It brought features in UI design and update several new features are.
- New upload service on YouTube and Picasa like Uploading Videos and Photos.
- Supporting in MPEG-4, Video recording
- Improving Web Browser-Copy and Paste facility
3- Android 1.6(Donut)
The Android Version 1.6, Codename is Donut.It was released in Sept 2009. It Including various features
- It supports large screen size
- Providing Gallery and Camera features.
- Improve speed in system apps
4- Android 2.0 and 2.1(Eclair)
The codename for Android 2.0 is Eclair. It was brought in Oct 2009 and 2.1 version released in Dec 2009. There features :
- Update UI
- Support Live Wallpaper
- Support Bluetooth 2.1
- Improve Google map
- Minor API Changes
5- Android 2.2(Froyo)
It was released in May 2010 with the codename is Froyo. There features :
- Support Animated GIF
- WiFi Support Hotspot functionality
- Speed improvements
- Upload file support in browser
- Support numeric and alphanumeric password
6- Android 2.3 and 2.4(Gingerbread)
Gingerbread came out on the market in December 2010. It was officially announced in Nexus S android phone which is Google co-developed with Samsung.
- Improve Copy-Paste Facility
- Updated UI design
- Social Networking Supports
- Easy use of keyboard
7- Android 3.0, 3.1 and 3.2(Honeycomb)
Android 3.0 was released in February 2011 after that quickly followed by 3.1 and 3.2 in July and August of 2011.
- Gmail App improvements
- Updated 3D UI
- Media Sync from SD Card
- Google eBooks
- Google Talk Video Chat
- Support Adobe Flash in Browser
- High-performance WiFi Connections and Lock
- Chinese handwriting
8-Android 4.0(Ice-Cream Sandwich)
Ice-Cream Sandwich was released in October 2011. It was Google’s attempt synthesize Honeycomb. There are some features
Improved text input and spelling check
- WiFi direct
- Photo Decor facility
- Improve in keyboard correction
- Face Lock
- Improve in video recording resolution
- Camera performance
- Up to 16 tabs in web browser
9- Android 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3(Jelly Bean)
Android 4.1 came out in July 2012. Its codename is Jelly Bean. ‘Google now’ is the main feature of Jelly Bean. It is used to whenever you want to search data from your google account and location data from your Android device to compile the information you need it. Many others features are
- Voice search
- Smooth UI
- Improve camera application
- Security enhancement
- Voice typing
- Multiple user accounts on tablet only
- 4k resolution support
- Supporting Bluetooth Low Energy
- Bi-directional text and other language support
- Support USB audio
- Lock screen improvement
- Set the volume of incoming calls and showing message alert
- Native emoji support
10- Android 4.4(KitKat)
Android 4.4 as a name of KitKat announced by Google in September 2013. Features are:
- Screen Recording
- KitKat adds a feature in ‘Google now’. Its name is ‘OK Google’. “OK Google” allows access google now to the user without touching your mobile phone.
- GPS Support
- Offline music support
- UI updates for google map navigation and alarm.
- Also, introduce Emoji’ to google keyboard.
11- Android 5.0 and 5.1(Lollipop)
Android 5.0 is called Lollipop. It was released in November 2014. Support ART( Android RunTime)
- Save battery on some device
- Improvement in UI
- New material design
- Bug fixes
- Multiple sim card support
- High definition voice call
12- Android 6.0(Marshmallow)
Marshmallow came out in May 2015. It’s new features are
- Fingerprint authentication
- USB Type C support
- Save battery-’Sleep Mode’
- App permission model-OPT(send request for permission)
- New Emoji’s
13- Android 7.0(Nougat)
Android Nougat was released in August 2016. It was announced with native split-screen mode and data saver feature.
- Provide multitasking
- Providing multi-window mode
- Improve in storage manager
- Display touch improvement
14- Android 8.0(Oreo)
After some of the version released in the market recently released Android 8.0 named is Oreo in August 2017. There some updated new features
- Support PIP(Picture-in-Picture)
- Multi-display support
- Google Play support
- Adaptive icons
- Improve notification system
15- Android 9.0 (Pie):
Android Pie is the 9.0 major release and the 16th version of the Android mobile operating system. It was first released as a developer preview on March 7, 2018, and released publicly on August 6, 2018.
You need to know 13 best Android 9.0 Pie features.
- New Gesture Navigation
- Adaptive Battery and Brightness
- App Actions
- Slices
- Improved Security Features
- Digital Wellbeing
- New Accessibility Menu
- New Screenshot Shortcuts
- Easier Screen Rotation
- Volume and Sound Improvement
- Selectable Dark Mode
- Easier Text Selection
- More Notification Information