Table of Contents 64q43
Exactly 11 years ago, the Android appeared in the technological world. Since then, it has gone through several transformations to become the most popular smartphone operating system today. z1b14
Summarizing in a few words, the Android is an operating system primarily aimed at devices such as smartphones, tablets, smart watches, TV interface (Android TV), for cars (Android Auto) and for other smart devices (such as the Google Home). It is kernel based Linux.
Despite the war with its main competitor (the Apple With the conquered the world.
Timeline: 11 years of Android 2c6d61
The beginning 4t4w6l
O Android is 11 years old, but his story began much earlier, in 2003. Andy Ruben, its creator, began by developing the operating system for digital cameras. However, he realized that the market for cameras was not that big and focused the system for smartphones. A lucky shot.
the tech giant Google acquired the Android two years later, in 2005. It was one of the signs that the company would enter the telephony market.
At that time, the Google didn't start producing hardware (and didn't for many years), but started offering the Android for other manufacturers. An example is the HTC, who developed the first telephone Android on 2008, the HTC Dream. It is from this that we count the “age” in this text.
At that time, the BlackBerry was at the top of the list, the Apple went ahead with his plans and Microsoft planned to replace the Windows Mobile by the Windows Phone. Even with the market already full, the Android accepted the challenge and, today, it is the most used operating system in the world.
The numbers prove it: in 2017, there were about 2 billion devices with Android assets in the world. Currently, it is estimated that there are 2,5 billion (considering smartphones and any device with the Google Assistant such as Google Home, For example).
The Android versions 5y676n
Like almost any technological system, the Android needed to evolve a lot to get to the current state. The walk was long and required a lot of stoning. After all, to release some software features you also need to have enough hardware, so the evolution has been in tandem with technology in general. Embark on this journey and check out all the versions and their features below.
Android 1.0 (2008) 4e5841
It's even hard to look at this version and not twist your nose thinking “Wow, what an outdated thing”. After all, we don't always that the cell phone once had a physical keyboard (and that it was a real torture for many). Well, a lot has happened in recent years, but none of this would be possible without version 1.0.
Despite being outdated, we can still see traces of this “Root Android” in the latest versions. An example is pop-up notifications. Concentrating notifications there seems like something a little obvious these days, but it was a brilliant idea, so much so that it remains to this day.
Another great shot was the Google Play Store (then called Market). It wasn't that much like the Play Store, but it was the beginning. Of course, centralizing apps in one place makes our lives much easier. Nobody wants to go to the trouble of looking for apps to /install on various websites (and still run the risk of ing something wrong or even with a virus).
Home screen widgets were also present in version 1.0 (and were a big differentiator from the competitor iOS). However, developers still couldn't create their own widgets. Last but not least, the first version of the Android already came with integration with the gmail, which was already famous at the time.
Android 1.1 (2009) 4p3j3h
A few months after the release of version 1.0, the first update came, in February 2009. It wasn't any radical change, just some bug fixes, but it was proof that the update system worked and was easy to be used by s. .
Android 1.5 – Cupcake (2009) 5r6a41
One of the interesting, but perhaps not so important, things is the choice of names for the versions of Android. The “anti-sugar” ones may even make an ugly face, but it's the paradise of treats. It follows an alphabetical sequence as well (let there be creativity!).
The big news of this version was not just the name, it also came with an update that allowed smartphones to have the current design: the on-screen keyboard. Before, they needed a physical keyboard (which made sense, since touchscreens were in their infancy).
To go a little further, there was integration for developers to incorporate their own virtual keyboards. As a complement to the design, there were subtle changes, such as in the icons of some applications, shading, etc., and an improvement of the transfer functions (copy and paste).
Another important point was the for video capture (before it was only possible to capture a photo). Furthermore, the version Cupcake it also allowed other developers to embed and implement widgets.
Android 1.6 – Donut (2009) 6rv1w
Also in 2009, the company released another operating system update. THE Donut, although not as revolutionary as the Cupcake, was responsible for a great popularization of the operating system.
This release added for CDMA networks (Code Division Multiple Access, or Code Division Multiple Access). These networks consist of a method of accessing channels of communication systems. CDMA and GSM (Global System Mobile) are the main radio systems used in cell phones. O Donut added for Verizon, Sprint and other networks that use CDMA.
Another novelty was the fact that it could be used at different screen resolutions, so manufacturers could make changes to the smartphone's dimensions (something other than 320 x 480). Some new elements were intended to make it easier to use, such as the search box, which was used both to search on the device (such as applications) and on the internet.
Android 2.0 – Eclair (2009) 6z482q
Note: Eclair (or éclair) consists of a culinary wonder called “bomb” or “Carolina”.
O Eclair came about a year after the launch of the Android and arrived with a lot of news. One of them is the essential and indispensable Google Maps, which many people cannot live without. The fact that it's free and full of features (3D vision, voice guidance, traffic information, etc.) trumps a range of paid GPSs.
Another innovation was the fact that it debuted on a never-before-seen 854×480 screen (in Motorola Droid). Also, it was the first version to more than one . Google.
With Eclair, Android battled toe to toe with the iPhone. The updated internet browser had HTML5 and allowed video playback. The swipe lock screen, quick way to search for s and improvements to the virtual keyboard (with multitouch) also arrived in this update.
Android 2.2 – Froyo (2010) 3wg2e
Note: Froyo is frozen yogurt (which looks like ice cream).
O Froyo brought along one of the most advantageous cell phones for those who had Android: Nexus. O Nexus One was the first to receive the update. This version of the operating system introduced improvements such as a PIN/ lock option and a new design: the home screen appeared renewed, with shortcuts at the bottom of the phone and application launcher.
A curiosity is that it was with the Froyo that Google seemed to compete with BlackBerry, which dominated business environments. It was another giant step towards dominating practically all areas.
Android 2.3 – Gingerbread (2010) 10402g
Note: Gingerbread is the gingerbread cookie (same as Shrek's).
O Gingerbread it was not a revolutionary version, but it brought some new features. This version 2.3 was released on Nexus S, produced by Samsung (derived from the famous S line).
One of these novelties was for the front camera (selfie fans thank you). It is worth noting that the Gingerbread was the version in which the Google tried to conquer a space in the market of mobile games (making the iOS eat dust in this regard).
Other factors were the redesign of some widgets and the home screen and a preview of battery consumption. It is possible to notice that, although the major changes are not present in all versions, there are always changes in the design and attempts to optimize elements such as the keyboard and convenience.
Android 3.0 – Honeycomb (2011) 1a1a1c
Note: hard to choose a candy name with H, isn't it? However, it is even more difficult to explain what a Honeycomb is, which is something like a crunchy aerated caramel made from honey. Google it and you'll see that, despite the complicated name, it looks delicious.
Unlike the others, the Honeycomb was developed for tablets (and may have been a not very safe step of the Google). The first tablet with this operating system was produced by Motorola (later he became the Xoom).
In this version, the classic green color gave way to blue and the apps got a new layout with a top bar. Also, the multitasking function has been improved.
O Honeycomb gave an indication of what would be the next update of the operating system on smartphones and even brought the virtual buttons, removing the need for the physical “home” button. This allows for more screen use (since they can be hidden when you're reading or watching a movie, for example).
Android 4.0 – Ice Cream Sandwich (2011) 3e1w38
Note: it couldn't be just ice cream, it had to be “ice cream sandwich”. It is mouthwatering.
This version was released in a Galaxy Nexus (Samsung, once again). As was to be expected, the Ice Cream Sandwich brought a lot of news from Honeycomb for the smartphone. In addition to the blue and virtual buttons, features such as facial recognition for screen unlocking, refined design and new applications were also present.
The ingenious notification bar has been greatly improved and the alerts could be removed with the simple act of swiping to the sides, something that remains until the latest released versions of Android. This makes life a lot easier for the , who previously had to click on the notification to make it disappear, or else clear them all.
Even the source changed and went from Droid for Roboto, which was specially designed to take advantage of higher resolution screens. To the delight of those who value good Portuguese, the spell checker appeared with a function that underlines wrong words.
in the same way as the Gingerbread allowed to visualize the battery usage, the Ice Cream Sandwich came with a function to view and control data usage. Also, there was integration of calendars, an essential function for those who use more than one .
Android 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 – Jelly Bean (2012) 365w6i
Note: Jelly beans!
The great revolution of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean it was the Google Now, precursor of Google Assistant. This feature consists of quick access to different information and smartphone functions and tries to make the experience better.
In of design, it looked a lot like the previous version, but with new fonts (the Roboto has been reworked), updates, and widgets. Screen sensitivity has also been improved and notifications have become better (and expandable, eliminating the need to open the app in many cases).
Version 4.2 kept the name (Jelly Bean) and was basically a refinement update. With it came features such as access to widgets and camera on the lock screen, wirelessly streaming audio and video from the device to a television/monitor, and some other simpler modifications.
In the third “jellybean” release came improvements such as for improved memory management, improved location and Wi-Fi services, and more. A noteworthy novelty was the fact that many core applications (such as Calendar, Chrome e gmail) now have regular updates without having to wait for the operating system to update.
Android 4.4 – KitKat (2013) 4x3q50
Note: no need to note, right?
O Kit Kat arrived in sync with the Nexus 5. The name, this time, came in a partnership with Nestlé.
Version 4.4 wasn't such a big update, but it did bring some changes worth mentioning. One of them was the blue tone, initiated in the Honeycomb, changing to white. O Google Now it was also integrated directly into the home screen (swiping up) and apps could be run in full screen.
For emoji fans, it was in this version that they were incorporated into the keyboard. On some devices, such as the Nexus 5, there was for HDR+, allowing for sharper images with less noise.
Regarding the operating system itself, the goal was also to make it more efficient. This allowed it to run on inferior and older hardware, encouraging manufacturers to upgrade.
Android 5.0 – Lollipop (2014) 3o3f53
Note: Lollipop is lollipop. There is no lack of creativity or sugar.
The version Lollipop brought the concept of “Material Design”, which revamped the look and feel of apps like gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, Calendar and others. The multitasking function has also been modified and now allows direct access to the part of the application you are interested in.
Another novelty was the fact that notifications could be eliminated from the lock screen, with control over which applications can be accessed without the need to unlock the device. “Floating” notification cards have also arrived in this version.
O Lollipop brought battery optimization features, allowing greater control over spending by applications. Still, this version arrived with the “wearable gadgets”, like the smart watch A, It is like Google Fit, Android TV and Android Auto.
Android 6.0 – Marshmallow (2015) 672s17
O marshmallow was released in October 2015, alongside the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. Despite not being a revolutionary version, it was a “maturing” of the operating system. In general, the Android became much more like the iOS.
In of permission, apps started to demand them separately (and not as a package in which you could sell your soul without knowing it, since almost no one read it before agreeing). Application management is also smarter.
Android 7.0 – Nougat (2016) 22l2u
Note: also known as nougat.
The version nougat brought significant changes. The first of these was the possibility of dividing the screen into more than one task. Another was the fact of being able to respond to notifications without having to enter the application, just through the notification bar itself.
Still in the drop-down menu, it was possible to customize the settings icons according to the 's taste. The first five don't require you to go down the dropdown menu completely.
O nougat It also featured Vulkan API to enable high quality 3D graphics (a boon for gamers). Lastly, updates can be ed in the background and the new version can be accessed after the restarts the device.
Android 8.0 – Oreo (2017) 5p2c3q
Note: The same cookie.
Oreo is the second partnership of Google with a food company. The first big news in this version is the Google Assistant, which replaces the Google Now.
Notifications are also better: more compact and easier to manage from the lock screen. Still, emoji fans will that it was in this version that the “blob” style (? ? ?_? ? ?) was left behind (#RIP), giving way to more realistic emojis.
Some other changes came with the Oreo. Some examples are the ability to snooze some alerts and UI changes that allow holding an app to see notifications.
Android 9.0 – Pie (2018) 302860
Note: Pie.
Once it was released, the Android Pie became available for smartphone s pixel (from himself Google). Then it was made available for non-company smartphones.
this version Floor is stuffed (~pun~) of a lot Artificial Intelligence, which is primarily aimed at improving the experience. Everything was made simpler with a tap (or an “Ok, Google”). Even the back button is disappearing in this version as it is not present all the time.
Android 10 (2019) 5f4m5w
O Android 10 has just been released (officially announced on the 3rd) and the Google ended the candy naming tradition. The suspense was all in vain and this is already an indication of changes.
Enquanto or Android 9 held the back button, the Android 10 values the substitution for the “use of gestures”. Regarding notifications, they can also be avoided with the “Focus mode” (perfect for when you are studying, right?).
Dark mode can also be enabled for the entire system and now the Live Caption function (automatic display of subtitles) is native to the system. Other surprising features are augmented reality in search and privacy (which has become more efficient and simpler).
What to expect? 6s3a6s
Ufa! This was an abridged version of the history of one of the most loved operating systems in the world. What we can see is that the Google it's always keeping up with technology, and as long as there's enough hardware, something new comes out. This goes from the end of the physical keyboard to the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality and other tools.
Basically, smartphones and similar gadgets are so essential in our lives that they are practically already part of us. So, as technology enthusiasts, we celebrate the eleventh anniversary of Android in anticipation of what will come in the coming years and how it will impact our lives.
Note: if you've come this far with no sweet tooth, congratulations, you're a winner.
Sources: Digital Trends; mindster; The Verge; Android Police.
Great text, but let's be honest, not much has changed. iOS, same thing. Want to see evolution take Windows Mobile compared to Windows Phone. That we can call evolution. Congratulations on the beautiful work.