Happy birthday, Android: how the operating system changed from version to version

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

From ugly and awkward monster to perfect mobile OS.

The other day Android turned 10 years old. HTC Dream, the first communicator with a "green robot" on board, went on sale ten years ago. Then Android was ugly, did not know much, and only completely insane optimists could assume that it would become an iOS killer. But since then, everything has changed.

Let's take a short excursion into history and see what this mobile OS was like once.

Android 1.0

Release year: 2008.

Functions: Android Market app store, widgets and notifications.

The first Android was not at all like the operating system that we know and love today. It was so raw that it looked more like a beta version, and did not have the usual "sweet" name. But Android 1.0 already had notifications - they appeared here even earlier than in iOS.

Another innovative idea is the app store. Then it was called Android Market. The choice of programs in it was small, but the very fact of its presence was already expensive. The App Store appeared only a year later, because the developers from Cupertino could not even imagine that users would need any applications other than those already installed in their ideal smartphone.

In addition, Android 1.0 boasted home screen widgets, which iOS did not have back then. Finally, the first version of Android was already integrated with Gmail.

But what Android 1.0 did not have was a sane beautiful interface and multitouch. It was impossible to enlarge and reduce pictures by pinching, as it is now. And then Android did not have an on-screen keyboard either - the text could only be entered through the slide-out keyboards, which were equipped with communicators.

Android 1.5 Cupcake

Release year: 2009.

Functions: third-party widgets, on-screen keyboard, touch controls, auto-rotate the screen, video recording.

The first major update, starting from which versions of the system began to receive code names for the names of various desserts.

Cupcake is the first version of Android to feature an on-screen keyboard and support not only portrait but also landscape desktop mode.

The next feature is third-party widgets. Although they were in early versions of Android, users couldn't install their own. In Cupcake, Google allowed third-party developers to create widgets for their apps.

Finally, Android Cupcake has learned how to shoot video. Before that, users could only take pictures.

Android 1.6 Donut

Release year: 2009.

Functions: quick search field, new gallery, voice search, gesture control and support for different screen sizes.

In Android Donut, Google has finally tackled the interface and usability of the OS. The gallery has become more convenient, the system has begun to support gesture control (pinch, swipe, and so on). And it was in this version that such a recognizable Android chip appeared as a quick search field, which allows you to find information by keywords not only on the Internet using Google, but also in local files, contacts and notes without having to open any applications.

Donut has also significantly redesigned the Android Market interface. The number of applications - both free and paid - has also grown considerably.

Android 2.0 Eclair

Release year: 2009.

Functions: Google Maps, HTML5 browser support, lock screen, live wallpapers.

Eclair has received a built-in Google Maps application, which is why the popularity of GPS navigation devices has declined. Why buy an expensive device that tells you which way to turn if your Android smartphone can do the same?

The browser in Android Eclair has been updated with HTML5 support and the ability to play videos on web pages. Another feature of Android 2.0 is the lock screen with swipe to unlock function and music volume control. It was borrowed from the iPhone.

Android 2.2 Froyo

Release year: 2010.

Functions: Adobe Flash, Wi-Fi internet distribution.

Android Froyo was released in 2010 and the first smartphone to receive this update was the Nexus One. Froyo now has support for Adobe Flash, the number of screens in the launcher has been increased, and the Gallery has once again been updated, making it more beautiful and more convenient.

Now you can distribute mobile Internet via Wi-Fi. And the Android lock screen now supports PIN codes. Previously, a smartphone could only be locked with a graphic key.

Android 2.3 Gingerbread

Release year: 2010.

Functions: improved performance and interface, new keyboard, download manager, copy and paste text.

One of the most successful versions of Android in its time. The appearance of the system has become much more pleasant, the settings and customization options have been increased, the design of widgets and the home screen has changed.

Gingerbread was equipped with an improved keyboard with support for touch input, which allowed users to press multiple keys at once and type faster. But most importantly, the Gingerbread version added front camera support to smartphones. Why else use your phone if not for a selfie?

Android 3.0 Honeycomb

Release year: 2011.

Functions: interface for tablets, new design.

In 2010, Apple introduced the first iPad, and Google decided to break into the tablet market following the example of a competitor. Android 3.0 Honeycomb has got a tablet UI and a new design. From now on, the color of the Android interface has become not green (to match the robot on the logo), but dark blue. In addition, Honeycomb has given up on physical buttons for good. Now the keys "Home", "Back" and "Menu" have become software and are located on the bottom bar of Android.

True, apart from these chips, Honeycomb had no merits. The system managed to slow down even on top-end tablets. Google quickly disowned its brainchild, rushing to upgrade to the next version.

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

Release year: 2011.

Functions: built-in task manager, system optimization, unified design, new browser.

Google's story with Honeycomb and Ice Cream Sandwich is somewhat reminiscent of Vista and Microsoft's 7. Windows 7 was like a polished Vista, and ICS was like a combed-down Honeycomb. The new version of Android retained the virtual buttons, and the blue misunderstanding that appeared in Honeycomb turned into a unified stylish design. The system performance has increased significantly.

In addition, Ice Cream Sandwich has such features as face unlocking, mobile traffic control, new mail and calendar applications and, finally, a good built-in browser, which at least did not want to be replaced with a third-party one immediately after buying a smartphone.

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

Release year: 2012.

Functions: reduced interface response lag, Google Now, support for user profiles, customization of notifications, widgets on the lock screen.

The most important change in Jelly Bean is Google Now, which can be quickly accessed from the home screen. Google Now displayed calendar events, emails, weather forecasts, and more on one screen. Google Now is essentially the progenitor of the digital assistant Google Assistant.

In addition, Jelly Bean has seriously improved the responsiveness of Android to touch presses. The interface has become smoother, coming close to iOS. In the new version, the fonts have changed, the number of settings and notifications has been added. Widgets can now be placed on the lock screen.

Android 4.4 KitKat

Release year: 2013.

Functions: performance improvements, white icons in the notification bar, “OK Google” command.

Android KitKat has further transformed the look and feel of the system. The blue icons in the notification bar (where the clock and the battery indicator are located) were repainted in white, so that they began to look much clearer and more beautiful. True, the combination of black and blue colors has not yet been completely gotten rid of.

It was in KitKat that it became possible to address the smartphone with the voice command “OK, Google”. In addition, the operating system received a new dialer application, the Hangouts messenger (which could not be removed), as well as the ability to expand applications to full screen, hiding the navigation bar.

Android 5.0 Lollipop

Release year: 2014.

Functions: Material Design, reduced battery consumption, guest mode.

Android Lollipop is the first version of the OS that Google switched to its Material Design. Now the system interface has become distinctive and beautiful, although not all applications from third-party developers fit into it.

The new version of the operating system has reduced the battery consumption of devices, the system has added support for RAW images and many other improvements. Android has received a "guest mode" function: now you can transfer your smartphone to your friends for use, without worrying that they will do something there.

In addition, it was on Android 5.0 that the first version of Android TV was based, which is still used on many TVs and set-top boxes.

Android 6.0 Marshmallow

Release year: 2015.

Functions: support for unlocking via fingerprints, Android Pay, separate volume control.

Android Marshmallow has continued to implement the Material Design concept. Throughout the system, the black backgrounds of the menu have been replaced with white, which has made the interface cleaner and more comfortable.

An updated task manager has appeared, which allows you to check how much memory a particular application has been using recently. Another useful feature is the separate volume controls: you can separately change the volume of notifications, calls and music.

The new version of the operating system has paid a lot of attention to security. First, Android devices have started to support fingerprint sensors. Secondly, before all permissions to access certain functions of a smartphone, applications were asked during installation (and the user, of course, did not read them). In the updated OS, requests appear when applications try to access the file system or smartphone functions, as needed.

Android 7.0 Nougat

Release year: 2016.

Functions: support for VR glasses, split screen, Google Assistant.

The main change in Nougat is replacing the useless Google Now with Google Assistant. In addition, the system has learned to group updates, and their appearance has changed for the better.

But what's really cool about Nougat is the split screen mode. Now you can place two applications on the smartphone screen at the same time to comfortably scroll through pages, chat in chats and watch YouTube without bothering to switch between applications.

Android 8.0 Oreo

Release year: 2017.

Functions: Picture-in-picture, new icons and settings.

The current version of the system. Android Oreo continues to move towards multitasking. The "picture-in-picture" feature that has appeared in it allows you to watch the video in a small pop-up window above the main application - this is even more convenient than a split screen.

Oreo's notifications are even more customizable, flexible, and more useful. They can now be sorted by importance, and also put off for later if you have no time to read them.

Oreo adds new emojis and icons, automatic Wi-Fi on and smart text selection.

Android 9.0 Pie

Release year: 2018.

Functions: control exclusively by gestures, adaptive battery, new design.

This version is starting to gradually replace Oreo. Android Pie has brought many interface changes. It was decided to get rid of the navigation bar with the buttons "Home", "Back" and "Menu" - now the system is controlled exclusively by gestures. The controls have become more beautiful and have acquired a soft, rounded shape. Android Pie has improved support for smartphones with cutouts and bangs on the screen.

Google, apparently, is concerned that people are becoming more and more obsessed with their gadgets. The new Digital Wellbeing feature in Android Pie allows you to curb your digital addiction by displaying detailed statistics on how many hours you spend with your smartphone and how you use it. And App Timers can limit the time allotted for games and entertainment.

You can learn more about what's new in Android 9.0 Pie in our review.

Android has come a long way. What will happen to him next? Most likely, soon we will see a new version - Android Q. Although Google has been hatching plans to replace Android with Fuchsia OS for several years.