Happy Birthday, Android: how to change the operating system from version to version

On Android recently turned 10 years old. Ten years ago, I went on sale HTC Dream, the first smartphone with "green robot" on board. While Android was ugly enough that he could, and to assume that it will be iOS killer could just totally crazy optimists. But since then, things have changed.

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

Android 1.0

Year of release: 2008.

functions: Shop Android application Market, widgets and notifications.

The first Android was not at all similar to the operating system that we know and love today. He was so raw, that is more like a beta version and we did not have the usual "sweet" name. But in Android 1.0 have already been notice - they came here even earlier than iOS.

Another innovative idea - the app store. Then he was called Android Market. Range of programs in it was small, but the fact of its existence is already expensive cost. App Store appeared only a year later, because the developers of Cupertino and it never could come what users need any applications, besides those already installed in their ideal smartphone.

In addition, Android 1.0 could boast of widgets on the home screen in iOS which then was not there. Finally, the first version of Android already has been integrated with Gmail.

But then in Android 1.0 it was not, it is alleged a beautiful interface and multitouch. Zoom in and pinch the picture, as now, it was impossible. And Android on-screen keyboard then also did not have - the text can be entered only through the sliding keyboard which is equipped with communicators.

Android 1.5 Cupcake

Year of release: 2009.

functions: third-party widgets, screen keyboard, touch-sensitive controls, auto rotate screen, video shooting.

The first major upgrade since which version of the system began to receive code names by the names of various desserts.

Cupcake - The first version of Android, with its on-screen keyboard, as well as supporting not only a portrait, but also landscape mode desktop.

Next feature - a third-party widgets. Although they were in earlier versions of Android, users can not install their own. The Cupcake Google company allowed third party developers to create widgets for their applications.

Finally, Android Cupcake learned to shoot video. Prior to this, users can take pictures only.

Android 1.6 Donut

Year of release: 2009.

functions: Quick Search field, a new gallery, voice search, gesture control and support different screen sizes.

The Android Donut Google developers finally do the interface and usability of the OS. Gallery has become more convenient, the system began to support the management of gestures (pinch, swipe, and so on). And it is in this version had such a recognizable feature Android, as the quick search box for finding information on key says not only on the Internet using Google, but in local files, contacts and notes without having to open any application.

The Donut significantly redesigned interface Android Market. The number of applications - both free and paid - in it, too, has grown considerably.

Android 2.0 Eclair

Year of release: 2009.

functions: Google Maps Maps, HTML5 support in the browser, the lock screen, "live" wallpaper.

Eclair was embedded application google Maps, Which is why the popularity of devices for the GPS-navigation decreased. Why buy an expensive device, suggest which way to turn, if all the same is able to smartphone Android?

The browser in Android Eclair updated, receiving the support of HTML5 and the ability to play video on a web page. Another feature Android 2.0 - lock screen with a swipe to unlock the function and regulation of the volume of the music. It is borrowed from the iPhone.

Android 2.2 Froyo

Year of release: 2010.

functions: Adobe Flash, the distribution of the Internet by Wi-Fi.

Android Froyo was released in 2010, and the first smartphone to obtain this update, became Nexus One. The Froyo adds support for Adobe Flash, in the launcher have increased the number of screens and the "Gallery" has once again updated, to make a beautiful and convenient.

Now you can distribute the mobile Internet on Wi-Fi. And the Android lock screen now supports PINs. Previously, the smartphone could only block a graphical key.

Android 2.3 Gingerbread

Year of release: 2010.

functions: performance improvements and interface, a new keyboard, a download manager, copy, and paste text.

One of the most successful versions of Android in its time. Appearance of the system has become much nicer settings and customization capabilities increased, design widgets and home screen changed.

Gingerbread equipped with an improved keyboard that supports touch input, allowing users to press multiple keys and typing faster. But most importantly, Gingerbread version added support for the front camera smartphone. What else use your phone as not to selfie?

Android 3.0 Honeycomb

Year of release: 2011.

functions: interface for tablets, a new design.

In 2010, Apple introduced the first iPad, and Google decided following the example of rival to break into the tablet market. Android 3.0 Honeycomb was a tablet UI and a new design. From now on Android interface did not color green (to match the robot on the logo), and dark blue. In addition, Honeycomb finally abandoned the physical buttons. Now the key "Home", "Back" and "Menu" program started and placed on the bottom panel of Android.

However, apart from these chips merits of Honeycomb was not. The system managed to even slow down at the top plates. Google quickly disown their offspring with haste to move to the next version.

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

Year of release: 2011.

functions: a built-in task manager, system optimization, unified design, the new browser.

History with Honeycomb and Ice Cream Sandwich Google has something like the story of Vista and "Seven" for Microsoft. Windows 7 like a mind driven to Vista, and ICS reminded combed Honeycomb. The new version of Android has maintained virtual buttons, and blue misunderstanding appeared in Honeycomb, has become a unified stylish design. System performance is significantly increased.

In addition to the Ice Cream Sandwich were such pieces as face unlock, control of mobile traffic, and new mail application calendar and, finally, a good built-in browser, which at least did not want to be replaced by a third party immediately after purchase smartphone.

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

Year of release: 2012.

functions: reduced interface response delay, Google Now, support for user profiles, configuring notifications, widgets on the lock screen.

The most important change in Jelly Bean was the function of Google Now, which can be accessed quickly from the home screen. Google Now displays a calendar events, emails, weather, and other data on a single screen. Google Now - this is, in fact, the father of the digital assistant google Assistant.

In addition, the Jelly Bean Android seriously improved the speed of response to sensory pressing. The interface is more smooth, closely approaching the iOS. The new version changed the fonts, adding the number of settings and notifications. Widgets can now be placed on the lock screen.

Android 4.4 KitKat

Year of release: 2013.

functions: improve performance, white icons in the notification bar, the command "OK, Google».

Android KitKat further transformed the appearance of the system. Blue icons in the notification bar (where the posted hours and charge indicator) repainted in white, so that they began to look much more clearly and beautifully. However, the combination of black and blue colors so far not got rid of until the end.

It was in KitKat an opportunity to apply to the smartphone using voice commands "OK, Google». In addition, the Operating System has received a new application-dialer, messenger Hangouts (which can not be removed), and the ability to deploy applications to fill the screen by hiding the navigation bar.

Android 5.0 Lollipop

Year of release: 2014.

functions: Material Design, the battery consumption reduction, guest mode.

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

The new version of OSes reduced battery consumption devices, in added support for RAW format images, and many other improvements. Android was the function of "guest mode": you can now transfer your smartphone to use friends, without worrying that they're something twists.

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

Android 6.0 Marshmallow

Year of release: 2015.

functions: unlock support through fingerprints, Android Pay, separate volume adjustment.

Android Marshmallow continued to introduce the concept of Material Design. Across black backgrounds menu system was replaced with a white that make the interface cleaner and more comfortable.

There was an updated task manager that allows you to check how much memory you use a particular application recently. Another useful feature - separate volume controls: You can separately adjust the volume of notifications, calls, and music.

The new version of the operating system have paid a lot of attention to safety. First, Android-devices began to support the fingerprint sensor. Secondly, before all access permissions to the different functions of the application of the smartphone asked during installation (and their users, of course, I did not read). In the same OS renewed requests occur when an application tries to access the file system or functions of the smartphone, as appropriate.

Android 7.0 Nougat

Year of release: 2016.

functions: support VR glasses, screen sharing, Google Assistant.

The main change in Nougat - replacement of little use Google Now on google Assistant. In addition, the system has learned to group updates, and their appearance changed for the better.

But what's really cool to Nougat, so it's split screen mode. Now you can place on the smartphone screen at the same time two applications to get comfortable to scroll pages, chat in chat rooms and watch YouTube, without bothering to switch between applications.

Android 8.0 Oreo

Year of release: 2017.

functions: "Picture in Picture", new icons and settings.

Current version of the system. Android Oreo continues to move in the direction of multi-tasking. Appeared in it chip "picture in picture" lets you watch video in a small pop-up window above the main app - it's more convenient than a divided screen.

Notice Oreo got even more options have become more flexible and useful. They can now be sorted by importance, as well as to procrastinate if you have no time to read them.

The Oreo added new emodzhi and icons, automatic inclusion of Wi-Fi and smart text selection.

Android 9.0 Pie

Year of release: 2018.

functions: Management exclusively gestures, adaptive battery, new design.

This version begins to gradually replace the Oreo. Android Pie brought a lot of changes in the interface. From the navigation bar with buttons "Home", "Back" and "Menu" decided to get rid of - the system is now controlled solely by gestures. become more beautiful and controls have acquired a soft rounded shape. Android Pie got better support for smartphones with cuts and "cholkami" on the screen.

Google, apparently concerned that people are more and more fixated on their gadgets. A new feature in Digital Wellbeing Android Pie allows you to curb your digital dependence, showing detailed statistics on how many hours you spend with your smartphone and how to use it. A App Timers may limit the time allotted to games and entertainment.

Read more about innovations in Android 9.0 Pie you can learn from our review.

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Android has come a long way. What will happen to him next? Most likely, we will soon see a new version - Android Q. While Google is not the first year has plans to replace on Android fuchsia OS.

see also

• TEST: Are you a fan of Android? →
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