Android Versions
1. Android 1.5 – Cupcake (2009)
Introduced the on-screen keyboard, support for third-party widgets, and the ability to
record and upload videos to YouTube.
2. Android 1.6 – Donut (2009)
Added support for CDMA networks, improved the Android Market, and introduced
quick search box and battery usage indicator.
3. Android 2.0/2.1 – Eclair (2009)
Brought Google Maps Navigation, multiple account support, and enhanced camera
features like flash and digital zoom.
4. Android 2.2 – Froyo (2010)
Introduced Wi-Fi hotspot, improved performance (JIT compiler), and added Flash
support in the browser.
5. Android 2.3 – Gingerbread (2010)
Focused on UI refinements, support for NFC (Near Field Communication), and better
battery management.
6. Android 3.0 – Honeycomb (2011)
Designed specifically for tablets, with a holographic UI, multitasking bar, and improved
large-screen support.
7. Android 4.0 – Ice Cream Sandwich (2011)
Unified phone and tablet UIs, added Face Unlock, data usage control, and a more
modern design.
8. Android 4.1–4.3 – Jelly Bean (2012–2013)
Improved performance and responsiveness (Project Butter), introduced Google Now,
and added expandable notifications.
9. Android 4.4 – KitKat (2013)
Optimized for low-end devices, introduced immersive mode, and OK Google voice
activation.
10. Android 5.0 – Lollipop (2014)
Introduced Material Design, improved notifications, and added ART runtime for better
app performance.
11. Android 6.0 – Marshmallow (2015)
Introduced App Permissions, Doze Mode for battery saving, and support for fingerprint
authentication.
12. Android 7.0 – Nougat (2016)
Brought multi-window mode, quick reply in notifications, and improved Doze Mode.
13. Android 8.0 – Oreo (2017)
Added Picture-in-Picture, notification dots, Autofill API, and faster boot time.
14. Android 9.0 – Pie (2018)
Introduced gesture navigation, adaptive battery, and digital wellbeing tools.
15. Android 10 (2019)
Dropped dessert names, added dark theme, smart replies, gesture navigation, and
better privacy controls.
16. Android 11 (2020)
Added chat bubbles, screen recording, and media control improvements in the quick
settings.
17. Android 12 (2021)
Brought Material You design, better privacy dashboard, and faster animations and UI.
18. Android 13 (2022)
Introduced per-app language control, dynamic color theming, and improved notification
permissions.
19. Android 14 (2023)
Focused on battery life, accessibility improvements, health connect, and enhanced
security and customization options.
Android Features
Open Source Platform
Android is based on the Linux kernel and is open-source, meaning developers and
manufacturers can modify and customize the OS for their needs. This has allowed companies
like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Oppo to build their own user interfaces on top of Android.
User-Friendly Interface
Android provides an intuitive and easy-to-use interface with touch gestures, home screens,
notifications, and widgets that allow users to access apps and information quickly.
Millions of Applications
The Google Play Store offers access to over 3 million apps including games, productivity tools,
social media, and more. It supports third-party app stores too.
Rich Notification System
Android features an advanced notification system where users can see messages, reply directly
from the notification panel, or control media without opening apps.
Connectivity Options
Android supports a wide range of connectivity features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, 5G, USB
tethering, and hotspot sharing, making device communication seamless.
Advanced Camera Capabilities
Android provides native support for multi-camera setups, manual controls (ISO, shutter speed),
AI enhancements, and integration with apps like Google Lens.
Security and Privacy
Android offers multiple layers of security such as biometric authentication (fingerprint, face
unlock), app permissions, Google Play Protect, secure boot, and data encryption.
Battery Management
Features like Doze Mode, App Standby, and adaptive battery optimize power usage by
restricting background processes, enhancing battery life.
Customization and Themes
Android allows deep customization – users can change wallpapers, icons, fonts, widgets,
launchers, themes, and even use custom ROMs for full control.
Multi-language and Localization Support
Android supports multiple languages, including regional languages, and provides per-app
language preferences (from Android 13 onwards).
AI and Smart Features
Integrated Google Assistant, voice typing, smart replies, gesture navigation, and screen reading
tools make Android intelligent and accessible.
Gaming and Performance
Android supports high-performance graphics (Vulkan API, OpenGL), game optimization, and
features like Game Mode, especially on gaming phones.
Google Services Integration
Android devices are deeply integrated with Google services like Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube,
Google Drive, and Google Calendar, offering seamless productivity.
Multi-Device and Multitasking
Android supports split-screen multitasking, picture-in-picture, and app pinning, allowing
efficient use of multiple apps simultaneously.
Regular Updates
Android receives regular updates including security patches, feature enhancements, and OS
upgrades, either directly (Pixel) or via manufacturers.
