One has only to mention the quantitative changes in subversions. This is necessary so that you understand exactly what firmware you need to download, and whether it is worth downloading at all.
Android version 4.4.1 received minimum changes, which is very strange, since usually after the first release many bugs appear that are fixed in the next build.
Update 4.4.2 is useful in that it introduces a useful wireless monitor feature. Thanks to it, it became possible to view photos taken on mobile gadget on big screen smart TV with Wi-Fi. The most useful firmware version with Android 4.4.3. It received the largest number of changes and additions, comparable to the differences between the basic version and the previous generation. Fixed numerous errors with the operation of the Internet, camera and system programs.
Well, Android 4.4.4 released only due to fixing glitches with security protocols.It’s up to you to choose which firmware to download, but we recommend downloading only official assemblies in Russian language and preferably not beta. Alternative and other custom firmware can do more harm than good. Although, if you know how to flash a phone or tablet on Android (for example, with the Odin program), then this will only be an advantage for you.
It would be a good idea to remind you that before installing the firmware you need to make a full backup of the system!
Latest 20 added Android 4.4 KitKat firmware
| date | Smartphone | Android | Link |
| 02-10-2017 | Impress_Alfa_SDcard on VERTEX Impress Alfa | 4.4.4 | |
| 02-10-2017 | impress_brainstorm_0.6.2 on VERTEX Impress Brainstorm | 4.4.4 | |
| 02-10-2017 | m942g_v1 on SUPRA M942G | 4.4.4 | |
| 25-09-2017 | 20150126 on Acer Liquid Jade Z | 4.4.2 | |
| 13-09-2017 | m725g.rar on SUPRA M725G | 4.4.2 | |
| 13-09-2017 | m847g.rar on SUPRA M847G | 4.4.2 | |
| 13-09-2017 | 1.0 on Acer Iconia Tab B1-A71 | 4.4.1 | |
| 13-09-2017 | App. Guide_Acer_20150126_A44K_A on Acer Liquid Z410 Duo | 4.4.4 | |
| 05-07-2017 | 20121224_v1013 on Digma Plane 1601 3G | 4.4.4 | |
| 17-06-2016 | Open Source Code at Lenovo TAB 2 A7-20F | 4.4.4 | |
| 01-05-2016 | Miui7 on DEXP Ixion XL240 Triforce | 4.4.2 | |
| 01-05-2016 | XL240_R01_07/25/2015_V1.0 on DEXP Ixion XL240 Triforce | 4.4.4 | |
| 24-03-2016 | Rev.3-4 for CWM recovery on Digma HIT 3G | 4.4.4 | |
| 24-03-2016 | 06.11.2015 on Digma HIT 3G | 4.4.2 | |
| 24-02-2016 | qumo507_(zp780_port) on Qumo QUEST 507 | 4.4.2 | |
| 15-02-2016 | tt1040mg on Digma Optima 10.7 | 4.4.4 |
Many people speculated about the release date of Android 4.4 in the fall of 2013. At first she was “assigned” to mid-October. But then the 15th arrived and nothing happened. There was information about October 18, but new information brought everything down to the end of October, in particular to the 31st. And so it happened - the release date of Android 4.4 was set for October 31, 2013.
Google decided to make us happy on Halloween in a special way and it succeeded. It was possible not only to announce the new system, but also the new smartphone Nexus 5 - a 5-inch device, the main feature of which is an excellent screen, a high-performance processor and an affordable price. But we will stop at this towards the end of the article.
Note that the new version 4.4 offers significantly more changes. In general, the last release was mainly aimed at developers. From the point of view of programmers, everything was just fine there: OpenGL ES 3.0, updated APIs with animation support, and so on. In general, programs should become cooler. But Android 4.4 already offers new features aimed at everyday use. There are changes both in the interface and in the built-in basic programs. By the way, there are even more such programs. It’s not for nothing that the code name has finally changed from Jelly Bean to KitKat. But first things first.
Android 4.4 – what's new?
Of course, this is not a new major version of the system from Google - back in May 2013, but instead Android 4.3 was released, and now 4.4. So we don't expect any major changes to the interface. No, they exist, but they are rather cosmetic. Like the white color of the font and icons in the notification bar at the top, which replaced the blue one first introduced in Android 4.0. The panel itself is made translucent. The Roboto font used in the system has also been redesigned. Google's OS has once again been simplified in terms of interface - it is not so intrusive and does not distract from work.
In general, now Android has almost introduced its own Siri. Well, of course, not fully - we are not talking about a complete assistant, like the Apple or Samsung S Voice application. It's more of a quick call voice search. Now, being on the desktop, just say “OK Google” and the application will open Google Now. If someone feels awkward about this, then you can simply “swipe” across the screen from left to right and the same thing will happen.
Overall, Google Now has done a decent job. This application now searches not only the Internet, but also takes into account data from your location, sites visited, and even TV shows watched. Just some kind! The similarity becomes even stronger when you learn that Google Now can direct you not to the browser to this or that page, but to the corresponding application. For example, to reserve a ticket, it will be launched required program. Of course, if one is installed.
Google also worked hard on the music player. First of all, the operation of the system was optimized during this process, which does not require significant diversion of computing resources. The company promises up to 60 hours of music playback. Plus, when something is playing or streaming on Chromecast (yes, this is also a new feature), an image of the album the song is included in is displayed in the background on the lock screen. Or it could be a movie cover. In addition, here you can control playback without unlocking the phone.
Remember the Back, Home and Call buttons context menu, which Google decided to remove from the smartphone and transfer to the screen? Do you remember how she endured them? All this was done so “powerfully” that these buttons “hung” even in games where they could be accidentally pressed! No, no one removed them, but Android 4.4 introduced a special “full-screen” mode where these buttons will not be present. I just want to shout: FINALLY! However, developers must still activate this mode in their applications. That's when there will be happiness. For now, only the desktop background will be distributed under these buttons.
Separately noted is the work on multitasking. Although everything is more modest here. In Android 4.4, they simply optimized the distribution of resources between applications. Now switching between them occurs more smoothly and without unnecessary delays.
By the way, Google generally positions the new Android as a panacea for fragmentation. It seems to be able to work on devices with 512 MB of RAM, for which both the system itself and standard applications. Although the question is, how will Google force device manufacturers to update all of them to Android 4.4? After all, this is not iOS and not Windows Phone, where a notification about the possibility of updating will appear - here everything depends not on the OS developer, but it’s a pity. But in any case, we’re still waiting budget smartphones with Android 4.4.
Some Android users are unhappy with the built-in dialer. Moreover, this may be the one that the manufacturer offers in its own shell. To eliminate the need to install a separate application, the standard dialer has been modernized. In fact, yellow pages were built into it - the most frequently called contacts. It has become easier to search by contacts, and not only by them - from the “dialer” you can also search by local companies and people added to your Google Apps domain.
By the way, Android 4.4 number will now be determined not only by your address book. More precisely, not so - if the caller’s number is not there, the system will try to find data about him somewhere else, for example, in Google Maps. Of course, its location will not be revealed, but if they call from any company whose number is publicly known, then information about it will be shown.
And Google clearly wants to oust WhatsApp. How else to explain such a serious integration? own application Hangouts in Android 4.4? How serious? Yes, now it is used as the main means for sending SMS, MMS, as well as making voice and video calls. You can even send animated GIFs through it! Of course, you can use a more traditional tool for SMS and MMS, but Hangouts is more versatile and functional. Moreover, Emoji icons have also been added - there is everything from emoticons to flowers with cars. Of course, this applies to changes to the on-screen keyboard, and not to Hangouts - the icons are available to any application.
In June 2012, and then, a year later in September 2013. Now Quickoffice is part of Android 4.4. Including this office suite integrated with Google Drive– all documents can be directly saved there. They can also be opened from there.
Another notable “office” innovation is printer support. You can send a photo, document, or web page for printing. The main thing here is to take care of connecting the printer. Not by wire, of course, but through an app like Google Cloud Print or HP ePrint, or any other similar plan from the Google Play store. In addition, applications can now add printing capabilities to their functionality.
Other Google changes lists them in almost one line, since they will be almost invisible to the average user. Although can you say the same about the built-in pedometer? Or about the redesigned application for downloading files? Among other things, we added HDR+ mode to the camera application, redesigned the standard mail client, and the Location item was added to Quick Settings. We have improved support for infrared ports for controlling consumer electronics, if one is built into a smartphone. Another decent update is the new open architecture for NFC payments. All this is done through Host Card Emulation (HCE) and any application can use it.
Developers were able to use the engine Chrome browser in your applications to display various web components. And in general, all applications will be executed in a special protected environment, Security-Enhanced Linux. Also now part of Android 4.4 includes the service remote search devices.
You can speed up your 3D games using RenderScript. The corresponding graph shows a noticeable increase in speed. But again, support must be provided by the developer himself. Continuing the topic of graphics and screens in particular, let's add what is now supported Wi-Fi standard Miracast, which allows you to broadcast images to your TV.
By the way, a very cool feature is the ability to capture the screen to record video. Why this is needed, everyone will decide for themselves (for example, to demonstrate an application, create marketing material, and so on), but in any case, it is a useful thing. The video is recorded in screen resolution or close to it. All this can be configured, as well as the bitrate. The resulting video will be saved as an MP4 file. And yes, none special program no need - everything is built into Android 4.4!
To summarize, we note that there are noticeably more changes in Android 4.4 KitKat than in Android 4.3, introduced in July 2013. Moreover, these are changes to such basic applications as the dialer and SMS messages. Yes and systemic music player has become better, printer support will be useful to someone, as well as the pre-installed Quickoffice. Now we can say for sure that innovations are visible to the “naked eye” and they are really useful. However, we are all waiting for Android 5.0 and all that it has to offer us. And in conclusion, let's talk briefly about the Nexus 5.
Nexus 5
The Nexus 5 smartphone was introduced along with Android 4.4. Actually, this is the first device based on this system. In the summer, let us remind you that the Nexus 7 tablet was updated. And now, in addition to the “tiny” Nexus 4, an older brother has appeared. It's not hard to guess that its main change is a 5-inch screen (4.95-inch to be exact).
The Nexus 5 screen resolution has increased to 1920x1080 (445 ppi), which is exactly in line with the current trend. An IPS matrix is also used. But the processor has become noticeably more powerful - it is a 2.26 GHz 4-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chip. It is believed that this is one of the most quick solutions in the smartphone and even tablet market.
2 GB of RAM is installed - like many modern flagships. Built-in memory – 16 or 32 GB. Slots for microSD card everything is also not provided. They save money, you know! But there is an 8 MP camera and a 2300 mAh battery. At the same time, the weight of Nexus 5 is not very large - only 130 grams. Its thickness is 8.6 mm, which is also quite small. Plus, the smartphone supports wireless charging!
The cost of Nexus 5 is set at $349 for the 16 GB version and $399 for the 32 GB version. For the money this is a very good deal!
However, many are interested in the question: when will other smartphones receive Android 4.4? We answer: soon. More precisely, Google promised to provide an update “within weeks.” So in November 2013 the issue will be resolved. We are apparently talking about at least the Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 tablets, as well as Developer Edition devices – Galaxy S4 and HTC One with bare Android. And HTC promised to equip it very, very quickly new system your HTC One. It would be absolutely wonderful!
But I wonder if Google is so actively promoting Android 4.4 as a super-optimized OS that can easily run on 512 MB of RAM and is perfect for budget devices, does that mean its Nexus One and Nexus S will also receive an update?? Yes, it has a single-core processor and only 512 MB of memory, but these are precisely those “budget” devices by modern standards!
Okay, let's leave it all up to Google. In the meantime, we will wait for the next Android. If only it were Android 5.0! And so we ask you to tell us about your experience with Android 4.4, as soon as it appears, in the comments below. Or just share your opinion about the new OS.
June 19 Google company made an unexpected surprise in the form Android updates 4.4.4 KitKat for Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 4. The Android 4.4.4 update replaces the recent Android 4.4.3 KitKat update. latest version software, already deployed on Nexus series devices. Today we want to look at everything that is known about latest update KitKat.
Earlier this month, after weeks of rumors and speculation, the latest version of the operating system Android systems 4.4 KitKat. Android 4.4.3 represents Google's response to recent complaints from Nexus users regarding 4.4.2 bugs, and thankfully Android 4.4.3 fixes them.
Android 4.4.3 KitKat is a patch update aimed at fixing issues previous versions the KitKat operating system, introduced back in November last year. The update also offers new design dialer and some cosmetic changes to the application that Nexus owners use to contact their loved ones.
The release of Android 4.4.3 KitKat solved most of the problems, and given the start from day to day, no one expected the developer to release another version of Android 4.4. It is for this reason that yesterday's release of Android 4.4.4 KitKat from Google was so unexpected for owners of Nexuses and other Android devices.
On Thursday evening, Google rolled out Android 4.4.4 KitKat for the Nexus 7, Nexus 10, Nexus 5 and Nexus 4, which did not have time to master the previous operating update Google systems. And while the new operating system remains fresh since its release, we want to take a close look at the update that replaces 4.4.3.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about Google and its latest Android 4.4.4 KitKat update.
Output Android 4.4.4KitKat
4.4.4 KitKat is an update that, in this moment, is limited only to users of Nexus smartphones and tablets running under Android control 4.4. Names include Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 10, and .
And given that the rollout of the update began on the 19th, the new Android isn't available to everyone just yet. OTA updates are slow, typically taking about a week to get the update to everyone. So Nexus owners will need to be patient while the company works on the update. When an update becomes available, the system will prompt users to download and install it. Nexus users are recommended to check the update manually through the settings, but checking more than 2-3 times a day is, of course, unnecessary.
If you are familiar with the third-party download and installation method, you can install the update before the OTA arrives. Unfortunately, not all links have been found yet.
At the moment, only Nexus 4, Nexus 5 and Nexus 10 can be updated to Android 4.4.4 KitKat from the outside. If you want to install the update manually, the update is available for users of these devices. If you are not familiar with manual loading, check out our guide. Just replace Nexus 7 with your desired device and replace Android 4.4.3 with the correct Android 4.4.4 file.
We will eventually find update files for Nexus 7 as well, so users should stay tuned for our content. It is only worth noting that the Nexus 7 LTE is not yet updated and Google does not say anything about this. Impatience among users may be growing, but it looks like we'll just have to wait.
While Nexuses are the only devices receiving the new update right now, the new KitKat is planned for other smartphones as well. Motorola, for example, is planning updates to the Droid MAXX, Droid Ultra and Droid Mini. The company plans to roll out updates within a month.
Given that this is a security patch, there is a high chance that we will see 4.4.4 KitKat on other devices, although 4.4.3 continues to roll out and it is too early to write off the update.
Featuresoid 4.4.4KitKat
Android 4.4.3 KitKat is a fix update for Nexus users, and it brings very little to devices like the Moto X. And the new version 4.4.4 update is nowhere near the size of 4.4.3.
The update is small, only 2.5MB for Nexus users, as it only contains a few security fixes. If you need details, look for the 4.4.4 update log in foreign sources.
Remember, not all Android updates are created equal. And if the 4.4.4 KitKat update is small for Nexus users, that doesn't mean it will remain small for the Motorola Droid or Galaxy S5. Manufacturers include their own packages in updates, as they did with 4.4.3, so you can expect fixes and improvements that go beyond OpenSSL fixes.
Update problemsAndroid 4.4.4
Android 4.4.3 and 4.4.4 KitKat were aimed at fixing bugs within Android 4.4. However, we have already pointed out that update 4.4.3 came with its own problems. It's no surprise that we see 4.4.4 only a few days later.
The complaints aren't as loud as those that accompanied Android 4.4.3, but 4.4.4 wasn't without its problems, according to Nexus users on the Google forums.
It seems that the cycle of problems continues its journey into the new update, for example, GPS problems on the Nexus 5 with Android 4.4.4 KitKat on board continue, although some say that the problem has disappeared with the update. For now this is all we see. More information will be added as more users upgrade to Android 4.4.4 KitKat.
The question regarding which Android is better worries every user who goes to the store to buy a new gadget running this operating system.
The OS, whose logo is a green robot, today occupies one of the leading positions on the market, is installed on hundreds of devices, and is constantly improved and updated by developers. And Android receives updates with enviable regularity.
In the first half of 2017, Google announced Android O (8), while its predecessor, Nougat, only managed to cross the 10% mark, and Marshmallow remains the most popular. So is it worth chasing the numbers in the name of the operating system or sticking with the old and proven version? Let's figure it out together.
Android OS: advantages and disadvantages
You've probably noticed that the gadget market today is divided by two operating systems: iOS and Android. The first is the brainchild of Apple, which has a closed source, but is used only on products of this company. The second is the development of Android, Inc., which was purchased by Google. Main feature is openness and freeness, which has made it so popular for manufacturers of smartphones, tablets and other devices.
Little-known company Android, Inc. was purchased by the search giant back in 2005. Google planned to create a free operating system with open source, which is what it did in the fall of 2007, presenting the first version of the package for developers. Officially, the first version of the system was shown on September 23, 2008, along with the first Android smartphone – HTC Dream. The OS, despite the skepticism of many experts, managed to attract the attention of both ordinary users and equipment manufacturers.
The rapid growth of the mobile operating system began, which was accompanied by the emergence of new versions with various improvements. Android OS in a very short time managed to oust a number of other platforms from the market, sharing a place on Olympus with its main competitor, iOS.
Why is this system so popular?
Firstly, users liked the functionality and openness. Android opened up a lot of possibilities, allowed us to delve into file system, install a bunch of applications from different sources, even appearance We change the OS. operating system, if you put in just a little effort, it can change beyond recognition, which is difficult to do on many other mobile operating systems.
We must not forget about custom firmware developed by ordinary users, which are completely capable of turning a “green robot” into something completely different. In addition, the official Android store is simply overwhelmed with thousands of applications and games, many of which are absolutely free (paid ones, by the way, are much cheaper than in the same App Store).
Whatever one may say, Android also has disadvantages.
- One of the most annoying and hated disadvantages among users is system freezes and lags (although this problem disappears with the release of new improved versions of the OS, and serious mistakes found only on very cheap devices).
- Another weak point of even the best versions of Android is considered to be frequent infections with viruses that can get onto the device even from the official application store.
- Finally, the disadvantages include the slow updating of devices to more current and better versions. It may take a year before the smartphone receives the latest version. In addition, the overwhelming number of budget/mid-range devices remain without updating to the latest version.
Which version of Android is better: outdated, current and new
Having familiarized ourselves a little with the history, advantages and disadvantages of Android, let’s move on directly to existing versions this operating system. To make it easier for you to understand, we will divide the material into several blocks according to the state of Android versions: outdated, current and new. Here we will talk in detail about the features of each version, their advantages, disadvantages, as well as the relevance of use in 2017. Well, in the end, we’ll decide which version of Android is more convenient and better today.
We are telling you about outdated versions of Android for informational purposes. For most users they are no longer able to provide the necessary functionality, and therefore are of interest only to geeks.
Outdated versions of Android
Android is a relatively new operating system, but it can boast of an abundance of versions. Like other well-known systems, it was constantly being improved, new editions were released, and the old ones were gradually forgotten. The same thing happened, for example, with Windows - not many people will remember Windows 95, and XP is gradually being forgotten. Android also has such dinosaur versions, although finding them on devices is not easy. Moreover, they have nothing to surprise today’s user.
Android 1.0 "Apple Pie"
So, the system begins its journey with version 1.0, which was named after apple pie. This is the first stable build, introduced in the fall of 2003. It looks a little different than the latest best versions of Android, but the similarities are undoubtedly visible. Naturally, Android 1.0 was filled with bugs, and many of the usual smartphone functions were not provided at all.
What made version 1.0 stand out:
- a notification system familiar to Android with a drop-down top curtain;
- desktop widgets;
- integration with Gmail services;
- online application store.
It’s clear that Android 1.0 “Apple Pie” is hardly suitable for everyday use: it lacks many “tricks”, it is impossible to install many programs, and a device running “Apple Pie” is quite difficult to find.
Android 1.1 "Banana Bread"
At the beginning of February 2009 of the year Android received a major update that made a number of functions available, although the system has not changed at all externally. Version 1.1 was available for a single smartphone - T-Mobile G1 (HTC Dream).
Key innovations include:
- voice Google search Voice Search;
- possibility of sale paid applications in the shop Play Market;
- the function of updating the firmware “over the air” (at the same time the “About phone” item appeared in the settings).
Android 1.1 “Banana Bread” is nothing more than history today, and the HTC Dream, the device that supports it, is a rarity.
Android 1.5 "Cupcake"
“Keks” (the name of the version translated into Russian), released in the spring of 2009, brought a lot of small improvements that partially improved the system by adding new features. Thus, on-screen keyboards appeared, which allowed users not to provide the usual mechanical keys. The first smartphone to try Android 1.5 was again the brainchild of HTC – Magic.
Besides on-screen keyboard, appeared:
- new icons;
- ability to install third-party keyboards;
- animations when moving from window to window;
- browser changes;
- the ability to publish photos or videos online;
- support for MPEG-4 and 3GP and new Bluetooth profiles.
Like its predecessor, Android 1.5 “Cupcake” is forgotten today, which is understandable.
Android 1.6 "Donut"
Also in 2009, in the fall, Android received a new update, in which special attention was paid to the application store. Its interface was redesigned, errors were eliminated, and application screenshots appeared. Also major innovations were support for CDMA networks and display resolutions over 480x320 pixels, which attracted the attention of new manufacturers to the system.
In addition, Android 1.6 "Donut" boasted:
- improved camera interface and new capabilities for working with photos and videos;
- multilingual voice search;
- significant expansion of search capabilities;
- applications began to work faster;
- the ability to find out which programs are draining your battery.
Android 2.0/2.1 "Eclair"
Not stopping there, already in November 2009 the developers rolled out a new Android 2.0, which can be called breakthrough. It was this version that began to be massively introduced into smartphones of that time and widely distributed throughout the world. In the debate about which version of Android is the most convenient and best, at that time 2.0 definitely won. Smartphones running Android 2.0 really surprised us back then with their capabilities and fairly powerful hardware.
What's new:
- ability to work with multiple Google accounts;
- The camera interface has been updated, effects and flash support have been added;
- the keyboard has become more comfortable;
- updated calendar and graphic architecture;
- support for new display sizes and resolutions;
- improved user interface;
- a lot of other minor improvements.
The new 2010 introduced update 2.1, the main innovations of which were “live” wallpapers and improvements to Google Maps. Based on this version of Android, the famous Nexus One is released, a smartphone that was a desirable acquisition for any geek of those years.
Android 2.2 "Froyo"
In May 2010, the “frozen yogurt” update was released, which first appeared on Nexus smartphone One. In Android 2.2, attention was paid to optimizing the interface, memory, etc. Now applications start to launch noticeably faster, and the Play Market also has Adobe Flash, which allowed standard browser run videos and even some flash games.
The list of innovations in Android 2.2 “Froyo” is quite wide:
- Possibility of Wi-Fi distribution;
- installing applications in extended memory;
- support for ultra-high resolution screens;
- the browser received integration of the V8 JavaScript engine;
- a bunch of small updates.
Google subsequently released several security updates to Android 2.2 “Froyo”, after which it introduced a new version of the OS.
Android 2.3 "Gingerbread"
One of the most famous, innovative and best versions of Android, which is still found on many devices. It was presented in December 2010, and received many subsequent updates that added something new to the system. There really were a lot of changes, which allowed Android 2.3 “Gingerbread” to receive a lot of positive ratings. Firstly, the system has changed slightly in appearance - it has become darker and more elegant. Secondly, there is support for even clearer displays, as well as audio and video codecs. In addition, the new version received:
- support for more sensors (barometers, gyroscopes);
- redesigned keyboard;
- the ability to clear memory of garbage;
- more energy efficient use of battery.
Android 2.3 is rightfully considered one of the best and most convenient versions of the OS (for 2010-2011 - the best). Even today it is not difficult to find a device that will work under the control of “gingerbread”, but its purchase does not seem entirely advisable.
Android 3.0/3.1/3.2 "Honeycomb"
Already in February 2011, Google introduced another version of Android, although it was developed exclusively for tablets. The update contained many innovations that made using tablets more comfortable. For example, it was optimized custom mode, support for multi-core processors appeared, and multitasking was improved.
The list of innovations with subsequent additions looks impressive:
- support for hardware acceleration appeared;
- support for peripheral devices;
- optimized work on different devices;
- improving stability and security;
- Auto-updates appeared in Android Market;
- Improved support for Adobe Flash.
Android “Honeycomb” was full of various innovations, but Google decided to continue to present universal OS that will work on both tablets and smartphones.
Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich"
“Waffle Ice Cream” was announced in May 2011, and in the fall the version was already officially presented. Android 4.0 was the first version of Google's OS that supported work with tablets and smartphones. It brought a lot of useful improvements and was very popular with users, although at the start it had a lot of bugs and operational problems.
The list of innovations is quite long:
- The notification panel has changed;
- improved multitasking;
- The lock screen has been changed, shortcuts have appeared for quick access to phone functions;
- typing has become more comfortable, spell checking has become more stable;
- The camera now has more capabilities;
- Screenshots can be taken programmatically;
- subsequent bug fixes and security updates.
Android 4.0 turned out to be innovative and quite convenient. Today the OS version is seriously outdated, although about 1% of devices still run 4.0.
Android 4.1/4.2/4.3 "Jelly Bean"
At the end of June 2012, an updated version of Android was presented, which remained virtually unchanged in terms of interface design, but received a lot of improvements at the hardware level. Improvements ensure a smoother interface, quick start games and applications, as well as a minimum of bugs. The best version of Android at that time received:
- new keyboard with gesture support;
- support for multiple profiles on one device;
- Miracast technology, which allows you to transfer videos and photos to your TV wirelessly;
- menu quick settings in the notification panel;
- camera interface update.
In the fall, a convenient version of Android 4.2 was presented with minor improvements, and in the summer of 2013, version 4.3 was released to the public, which brought new updates and fixes to the operating system.
Today, Jelly Candy still has a decent amount of market share and can still be used, but more and more app developers are dropping support for it.
Android 4.4 "KitKat"
The KitKat version, despite being introduced back in 2013, is still very common. Currently, the share of Android 4.4 is slightly more than 18% (the latest Nougat, for a moment, has a share of no more than 10%). Until recently, KitKat was installed on the vast majority of budget devices and has repeatedly received the title better version Android. The secret of success on cheap devices lay in excellent optimization, which is why today many users prefer KitKat.
What did the version bring:
- Google Now voice assistant;
- optimized memory allocation;
- faster application launch;
- support for wireless printers;
- “remote control” appeared;
- switching launchers in device settings;
- The security system has been improved and minor bugs have been fixed.
Be that as it may, the share of Android 4.4 “KitKat” is declining quite quickly, and gadget manufacturers are giving preference to newer versions of the OS. Therefore, we will write down the beloved version as outdated and move on to the current ones.
Current versions of Android
Outdated versions of Android, despite the affection of many users, are seriously inferior to current ones, which boast a wider range of functions and regular updates. Besides current versions Android can be called the best due to minimum number problems and mass distribution in the market.
Android 5.0/5.1 "Lollipop"
One of the best and most popular versions of Android so far. Introduced in the fall of 2014, the OS from Google won the hearts of many users, and manufacturers of smartphones and other devices liked the new product. Lollipop stood out with its updated interface, which the developers called Material design - working with devices became easier, more pleasant and more comfortable. Attention was also paid to autonomy, thanks to which.
Besides, Android Lollipop contributed:
- improved notification system;
- the ability to encrypt user data;
- redesigned mode automatic adjustment screen;
- setting up alerts;
- new animations;
- a lot of subsequent minor updates that made the system more stable and secure.
The Android Lollipop version can still be considered the best today, because in terms of prevalence it is second only to Marshmallow - 31% versus 22%. A huge number of smartphones running this OS version are still on sale and they definitely deserve attention.
Android 6.0 “Marshmallow” – the most stable Android today?
Android 6.0, introduced in May 2015, remains the most popular version of Google's OS to this day. And, apparently, he is not going to give up his position in the near future. Many budget devices, despite Nougat, receive Marshmallow, which is polished by the developers and is practically not inferior to the newer version. Externally, not everyone will be able to distinguish this version from its predecessor - the same Material design with similar icons has been preserved. However, the functionality has expanded with new interesting features.
- Now Android devices can be unlocked using a fingerprint scanner;
- natively supports 2 SIM cards;
- it became possible to control application access to personal data;
- multi-window mode has been introduced;
- application added Android Pay for electronic payments;
- Some new animations and updates for stable system operation.
Overall, Marshmallow is a modified Lollipop. Version Android 6.0 is really convenient, has all the functions that a modern user needs and is also the most common. Marshmallow will be relevant for at least another year.
New versions of Android
It is the newest versions of operating systems that attract the majority of users, which is not surprising. The updated OS, although slightly, is improved compared to its predecessors, boasts better developer support and regular updates.
Android 7.0 / 7.1 / 7.1.1 / 7.1.2 "Nougat"
This is the newest version of Android today. It was introduced in August 2016, but so far has not been able to conquer the market among Android devices. Visually, Nougat is noticeably different from its predecessors, and it is not without new functions.
The most noticeable changes in Android 7.0:
- it became possible to split the screen into two halves;
- now all running applications are deleted from memory using one button;
- The notification system has been improved, a quick response function has appeared;
- night mode, which allows you to achieve a level of contrast that is comfortable for the eyes;
- improved energy saving mode;
- redesigned folder design;
- new emoticons;
- picture-in-picture mode;
- Full hardware support for virtual reality has been added.
It seems that the capabilities are not the most important, but the system has noticeably improved. In the future, three quite significant updates will be released - 7.1, 7.1.1 and 7.1.2. The first update introduced the Daydream VR mode. A notable innovation in 7.1.1 was round application icons. Well, the latest update 7.1.2 brought improved encryption capabilities and corrections of minor errors.
According to many users, Android “Nougat” has become the best and most convenient version of Google’s mobile OS. Nougat looks stylish and modern, supports many useful functions and will be relevant for another year.
Android 8.0 "O..."
This fall, Google released a beta version of the future Android 8.0 for select smartphones, which will apparently be named after the Oreo liver. The official release of Android O, according to a number of sources, is scheduled for early autumn 2017. True, most users will be able to try out the coveted new product no earlier than the first quarter of 2018.
It’s too early to talk about all the innovations of the future version, but some details are already known:
- notifications will be improved;
- An event counter will appear on the application icons;
- dynamic icons will appear;
- minor interface updates.
Well, all that remains is to wait for autumn.
Is the new version of Android the best?
Not really. Getting acquainted with the new version of Android every year, which was supposed to be the best, experienced users decided that:
Updates bring not only improvements, but also bugs.
It often takes developers months to fix all the problems, and during this time, as a rule, the next version is announced. That is, the user receives a perfectly polished system closer to the presentation of the new version. Therefore, many people prefer to “sit” for an extra month on an older, but more convenient version of Android, rather than put up with the bugs of the new product.
However, you should not rush from one extreme to another and remain faithful for a long time outdated versions. In addition to poor functionality, older operating systems are more susceptible to virus attacks and are unable to protect 100% user data from intruders.
Based on this, we can conclude that in the near future the most optimal choice versions remain Android Marshmallow and Nougat. By purchasing a device running Android 7.0, you'll get the most up-to-date features, and many devices running Marshmallow are likely to receive an update to the next version. If you like a smartphone running Android Lollipop, then it’s better to find out in advance whether it will receive an update to at least 6.0.
Conclusion: do not chase the latest version of Android
In today’s rather extensive material, we tried to tell you about the most important features of each version of the Android OS, as well as answer the question of which one is the most convenient and best. Google's operating system does not stand still, bringing something new with every update. However, it is difficult to keep up with each new version of the OS, and there is no particular point in this - solutions from two years ago still cope with their tasks perfectly. We hope our article will help you understand all the nuances of each version of Android and decide which is the best.
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