What is Android? What are their versions and applications | by Tabish zaidi | Nov, 2023

Android refers to an open-source mobile operating system developed by Google. It is the most widely used mobile operating system in the world and is primarily designed for smartphones and tablets. Android is based on the Linux kernel and is known for its flexibility, allowing manufacturers to customize it to suit their devices.

Android has seen numerous versions released over the years, each with its own code name. Here are some of the major Android versions up to my last knowledge update in January 2022:

1. Android 1.0 (no codename): The initial version, released in September 2008.
2. Android 1.5 (Cupcake): Introduced in April 2009 with features like an on-screen keyboard and video recording.
3. Android 1.6 (Donut): Released in September 2009, it added support for different screen sizes and resolutions.
4. Android 2.1 (Eclair): Launched in January 2010, it introduced live wallpapers and multiple account support.
5. Android 2.2 (Froyo): Released in May 2010 with features like tethering and mobile hotspot support.
6. Android 2.3 (Gingerbread): Introduced in December 2010, it emphasized improved gaming and increased speed.
7. Android 3.0–3.2 (Honeycomb): Optimized for tablets, it was available from February 2011 to August 2011.
8. Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich): Released in October 2011, it aimed to bridge the gap between smartphones and tablets.
9. Android 4.1–4.3 (Jelly Bean): Introduced in July 2012, it focused on smoother user experiences.
10. Android 4.4 (KitKat): Launched in October 2013, it improved performance on lower-end devices.
11. Android 5.0–5.1 (Lollipop): Released in November 2014, it introduced Material Design and improved battery life.
12. Android 6.0 (Marshmallow): Introduced in October 2015, it focused on user permissions and security.
13. Android 7.0–7.1 (Nougat): Released in August 2016, it featured multitasking improvements.
14. Android 8.0–8.1 (Oreo): Launched in August 2017, it enhanced speed, battery life, and security.
15. Android 9 (Pie): Released in August 2018, it introduced gesture-based navigation and Digital Wellbeing features.