And a new version of this operating system is just around the corner. Let's take a look at what we know about Android 9.0 so far.
What “tasty” name can Android 9.0 get?
From the early days, all updates to the Android operating system were named after sweets and in alphabetical order.
So far we have seen:
Android Donut (v1.6)
Android Eclair (v2.0)
Android Froyo (v2.2)
Android Gingerbread (v2.3)
Android Honeycomb (v3.0)
Android Ice Cream Sandwich(v4.0)
Android Jelly Bean (v4.1)
Android KitKat (V4.4)
Android Lollipop (v5.0)
Android Marshmallow (v6.0)
Android Nougat (v7.0)
Android Oreo (v8.0)
We should see the launch of Android 9.0 or Android P in 2018. The name won't be announced until the summer, but that doesn't stop us from trying to guess what the name will be.
But there is no guarantee that your device will definitely be updated to Android 9.0, as usual. Device fragmentation is still a problem for the operating system. Even in the latest update of statistics on the use of Android versions on January 8, there were still devices running version 2.3.3 of Gingerbread.
What new features will be in Android 9.0?
So far, there have been very few rumors about what we can expect from Android P, except that, as speculated in the XDA Developers community, Google will remove access to unofficial APIs (which are not part of the official SDK). This news may upset some developers.
Other changes we expect to see in the upcoming update, according to rumors circulating on enthusiast sites, include support for Wi-Fi Direct Printing and Bluetooth hearing aids, as well as better integration with Google's IoT platform.
Things we'd also like to see in Android 9.0 include faster deployment of the OS itself, as well as reduced device fragmentation. We're also looking forward to improved picture-in-picture support, as well as further improvements to battery life and performance.
What would you like to see in Android P? Tell us about it in the comments.
In our age, it will be quite difficult to imagine yourself even for a day without a phone or tablet with Internet access. For many, these devices are just an accessory, a means of communication, a gaming device, and for others, they are an indispensable assistant in their work. Whatever purpose the gadget is used for, its software must be the latest.
There are many operating systems for phones and tablets, but the most popular is Android. Due to the fact that it has a user-friendly interface and stable operation, this OS is installed on almost all recently released devices. Android updates occur periodically, eliminating system problems and errors and adding new functions. During the existence of the OS, at least 10 versions were released. We will look at the main ones today, including the latest version of Android.
Android 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 (Jelly Bean)
These versions of the operating system are not much different. All of them are modified Android 4.0. In the updates, the developers slightly optimized the interface, made transitions even smoother, eliminating jerks when switching between desktops of a phone or tablet.
The visual design of the system has also undergone minor changes. A quick settings button has been added, which is located in the notification panel. The developers have also introduced support for multiple profiles on the device.
The full version of Android, numbered 4.3.x, is still used on some devices and is completely up to date.
Android 4.4 (KitKat)
This version was aimed at improving the performance of the operating system and adapting it to low-cost smartphones and tablets. The functioning of RAM has also been improved.
For the first time, the developers have built in a remote OS control service and a “smart” caller ID.
Android 5.0 and 5.1 (Lollipop)
In this version of Android, most of the changes were in the visual design. All components of the design were highlighted with shadows, which gave them volume and detail.
A multi-user mode has been added that helps multiple users control a phone or tablet. With this version of Android, it became possible to use a 64-bit processor and the latest version of Bluetooth version 4.1 on the device.
The gadget's battery discharges a little slower due to greater optimization of its operation.
Android 6 (Marshmallow)
This is one of the latest versions of this operating system, which was released in May 2015. With this update came a lot of both internal and external changes.
For example, the ability to lock the gadget using a fingerprint was introduced, and blocking through facial recognition was improved. Also among the innovations is the addition of the ability to make instant payments using the new Android Pay system.
Android 7 (Nougat)
In the latest version of Android, users were treated to an innovation that allowed them to use two applications at once on two halves of the display.
Options have been added that make using the operating system more convenient. These include:
- "Clear all" button in background processes.
- Improved notification system.
- Compact panel with quick access icon.
Which version of Android is suitable?
At first glance, the answer to this question is obvious. You need to choose only the latest version of the operating system, since it will eliminate all the errors of the previous ones and add new functions. But remember that the latest version of Android may not be suitable for your device if it does not have the required capabilities.
For example, a phone called HTC One S has version 4.2 and it will be impossible to update the system to 6.0, since a processor with two cores and a frequency of 1.2 GHz will simply not be enough for the normal functioning of the OS.
Mobile phones running the Android operating system have become very popular. However, at the very beginning of its journey, this system was a rather modest mobile OS with a small set of functions. The Internet giant Google regularly released updates, each of which expanded functionality and at the same time gave the user new opportunities. Today versions 4.x.x, 5 and 6 are widespread. Which Android is better? You should choose the appropriate OS version based on your phone's performance and personal preferences.
Android version history: what is available to you
Despite the great popularity of Android 4.5 and 6, before them there were a number of versions that made a significant contribution to the development of the system. Let's look at them, analyze the key innovations, and also tell you whether it is worth installing this Android system on your smartphone or tablet.
Where it all began
From 2009 to 2010, Google developed and updated the very first version of the OS - Android 1.0 Apple Pie. This was the very first stable version. It was here that the well-known Play Market application store appeared. Later, modification 1.1 appeared called Banana Bread. “Show” and “Hide” buttons have been added to the call menu, and a number of issues have been fixed.
Then came versions 1.5 Cupcake (support for widgets and folders, recording and playback in MPEG-4 and 3GP formats, animation between window switching) and 1.6 Donut. The key innovations of the latter include the appearance of an interface for working with video/photos, multilingual search and other tools.
This version is not currently used on virtually any phone.
Android 2.0 and 2.1 Eclair
The second version included many updates. Now users could choose one of several Google accounts, the ability to quickly access contacts, search through MMS and SMS messages, support for different fonts and screens was added, and the calendar and graphic architecture were updated.
Also, the new Eclair began to support the Bluetooth 2.1 standard, which allowed users to transfer media files between devices even faster. In system number 2.1, minor improvements were made and “live wallpaper” was added.
At the moment, this version of the OS is also practically not used. There is no point in installing it on a modern smartphone, since compared to new Android systems its functionality is very small.
At the same time, the new update significantly speeds up the operation of all Android smartphones. Animation and application launching have been improved, and the Play Market has been updated. Support for high-resolution screens (for example, 4 inches with 720ppi), fields in the browser for downloading files and installing programs into extended memory has been added.
The new Android already worked with OpenGL ES 2.0 and Adobe Flash 10.2. In versions 2.2.1-2.2.3, minor fixes were made and security was improved. Froyo costs 0.1% of phones. The version is considered outdated.
“Gingerbread” is the name of the next OS from Google, released at the end of 2010. Engineers reworked and improved the design, added support for ultra-high screen resolutions, new sound effects, and added support for various sensors such as gyroscopes and barometers. Support for multiple cameras was built in.
Subsequent updates from 2.3.1 to 2.3.7. Fixed problems on specific devices. Gingerbread is currently installed on 1.3% of Android devices. The version is considered old, so there is no need to install it.
The third version was intended for tablet devices. Having decided that it was inappropriate to develop two separate modifications for tablets and smartphones, the developers simply created a universal Android 4.0 OS.
This version has become innovative, as it has received a huge number of updates and changes. The developers have significantly improved the interface, multitasking, and added various protocols. There is an opportunity to take a screenshot. Several fixes were made in builds prior to 4.0.4.
At the time of its release, Ice Cream Sandwich had many bugs and errors. Despite this, many users installed it. This OS is installed on approximately 1.3% of phones. The version is outdated, therefore, it is not recommended to install it on your phone (except if your device has very low performance, and the next versions of Android are very slow).
At the time of 2012, this was the most popular version of this operating system. Today its share is about 2%. Engineers updated the interface, virtual keyboard, and camera. New languages have been added.
In 4.1.2 performance was improved and bugs were fixed. 4.2 updated the camera interface, the kernel of the operating system itself, and also began to support several profiles. The camera now has the ability to make full panoramas. Also, the user can now place widgets even on the lock screen.
In versions up to 4.3.1, various bugs were fixed and support for Bluetooth 4.0 and OpenGL ES 3.0 was added. You can install this operating system on budget devices with low performance. For example, for phones with a single-core processor and RAM up to 1 gigabyte.
The key advantages of this version include:
- Performance;
- Smooth interface;
- New convenient text input system;
- Improved built-in browser.
Disadvantages include problems with some applications, with different functions of the Home button depending on the program turned on.
If for some reason you do not want or cannot install version 4.1-4.3, then be sure to turn your attention to KitKat. In it, the developers paid special attention to the interface and optimization for low-performance devices. The key feature was changes in the famous Google voice assistant. Android 4.4 is currently installed on 25.2% of devices. This is the most popular system.
It is perfect for smartphones with 512 megabytes of RAM or more. The system works smoothly and stably on dual-core and quad-core smartphones or tablets.
If you are lucky enough to buy a good high-performance phone, then be sure to install Lollipop. The developers have made the interface as simple, accessible and understandable as possible. One of the most popular functions – a flashlight – has been added to the top toolbar. Also, the new version of the OS saves battery power by sending data to the processor in batches.
The system is installed on 22.8% of mobile devices, and continues to gain popularity. Update 5.1 is more stable. This version can be installed on any modern smartphone released in 2013-2016. Before you try to install this OS, check to see if your device supports it.
This version has a beautiful design, a clear interface and higher performance. At the moment it can be called the best version of Android. Unfortunately, not all devices support it, so if you have an outdated smartphone, you won't be able to try Marshmallow.
It is installed on 24% of smartphones, and this figure is also growing rapidly. However, there are no significant innovations in it, so if you have version 5.X preinstalled, and it completely satisfies you in terms of performance, then you don’t have to upgrade. Lollipop will completely satisfy your needs.
The developers have made the new system more informative, and also partially redesigned the interface. The multitasking mode has been improved. Now all open applications can be closed with one button. The user can also place two applications on the screen at the same time.
There are a lot of gadgets on store shelves on different versions of Android OS: 4.4 KitKat, 5.0 Lolipop, 6.0 Marshmallow, etc. Therefore, when choosing a new device, the question arises: which version of Android is better. To determine the choice of the optimal and reliable system, consider the versions of Android used. We will also find out the main advantages and disadvantages of each assembly.
Classification and features of Android versions
Google releases a new version of the Android OS every year. And since some smartphone manufacturers are slow to update, and some devices are not updated at all, users use more than 10 versions of the Android platform. For convenience, assemblies are divided into three categories:
- Legacy: 4.4 KitKat and below.
- Current: 5.0 and 5.1 Lolipop, 6.0 Marshmallow.
- New: 7.0 and 7.1 Nougat.
A reasonable question arises: which Android is better?
Outdated versions
The firmware is installed on discontinued devices. Not officially supported: do not receive system updates and security patches. Some applications from Google Play do not work, or are not optimized, or are loaded on Android 4.4 or higher. Which can be explained by the reluctance of developers to support old builds of the Android system.
Advantages:
- The system is debugged and works stably on the most popular devices with weak hardware.
- Stable operation in popular Google Play programs.
Flaws:
- System updates are not supported.
- There are open vulnerabilities and security holes.
- Some applications are not available for download from Google Play, or do not work correctly.
- There may be conflicts with the operation of some wearable devices.
Current versions of Android
Used in current and discontinued devices. Includes some improvements, innovations and improvements. Security system signatures have also been updated and found vulnerabilities have been closed. Devices running Android 5.0, 5.1 and 6.0 work correctly with wearable gadgets. Applications on Google Play are optimized, with a minimum of unsupported programs for downloading.
Advantages:
- Security signatures have been updated to protect your device.
- New functions and capabilities have been introduced.
- Correct operation of wearable devices starting from android 5.0. Further support has also been announced.
- Most applications are optimized to run smoothly on Lolipop and Marshmallow.
- In version 6.0 Marshmallow, it is possible to combine a MicroSD card with the internal memory of the device.
- The OS puts less load on the RAM.
Flaws:
- More hardware resources are required, which is why older devices do not work stably.
New versions
They will appear on future devices, as well as as an update on current and some discontinued ones. The version offers new features, capabilities and security updates. Recently discovered vulnerabilities have also been fixed. Ensures correct operation with wearable devices. However, at first, applications may not work correctly due to insufficient optimization.
Advantages:
- Recently discovered security holes have been closed.
- New features have been added and old features have been improved.
- Correct work with wearable devices.
- Memory cards are used to store application caches.
Flaws:
- Due to lack of optimization, applications may malfunction at first.
- Unstable operation of devices with weak or outdated hardware.
Conclusion
So which Android is better? Considering all of the above, we believe that devices based on Android 7.0 and 7.1 Nougat are better, since this version of the OS has a number of advantages. At the same time, at first you will have to put up with insufficient optimization of applications, which will pay off in the future. It is also optimal to choose a device with 6.0 Marshmallow, since a transition to the next version is likely. In addition, do not forget that the newer the system, the higher the requirements for hardware resources. Therefore, a smartphone or tablet with outdated or weak hardware does not work as efficiently on the new version of Android.
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The Android operating system has come a long way to become the most popular mobile platform in the world. Many versions have changed and a huge number of new functions have been introduced. However, few remember exactly how it all began. We have prepared a series of articles with a complete history of the development of the Android operating system.
Read also → Read also →
Where did Android start?
The Android operating system was first announced as a product only in 2007. This happened two years after the takeover of Android by Google. Yes, Android is another startup that Google acquired and turned into candy. It was in 2007, after the announcement, that Google released the first public version of Android along with an emulator, and also demonstrated the system on a BlackBerry-style push-button all-in-one. The device was created by HTC.
Around the same time, Apple introduced its first iPhone. Google, seeing a new revolution, turned Android development into a “touch direction”, abandoning the concept of BlackBerry-style devices.
The public version, called Milestone 3, was already focused on touchscreen use only. Later, test versions 0.5, 0.9 were released, and only then the first stable release took place.
Android 1.0 Apple Pie (2008)
By the time Apple Pie was released, quite a long time had passed since the acquisition of Android Inc by Google - about three years.
T-Mobile G1
The era of the Android operating system officially starts on October 22, 2008, when sales of the T-Mobile G1 smartphone running Android 1.0 began in the United States. This device is also known as HTC Dream. The device incorporated all the features of smart phones of that time: touch screen, horizontal QWERTY keyboard, GPS. If the iPhone at the same time had a minimum of physical buttons, then the HTC Dream was the complete opposite - almost all the controls known at that time were located on its body. In less than two years, 1 million smartphones were sold.
Even then, some of the fundamental features of Android were laid down: a notification system with a top “curtain”, widgets for the desktop, integration with Gmail, the Android Market application store. It is noteworthy that the Android interface was developed in collaboration with the Swedish company The Astonishing Tribe, which was later acquired by BlackBerry.
Then the operating system was codenamed Astroboy, but then the name was replaced by Apple Pie. The decision was made due to possible litigation. It was from that time that the tradition began to call Android versions various delicacies.
Android 1.1 (2009)
In February 2009, the first cumulative update of Android 1.1 was released. As you can understand from the version, this was a minor update that did not bring big changes, but added a couple of functions. For example, Google Voice Search appeared, paid applications could be sold in the Play Market, maps received support for Google Latitude. In addition, support for over-the-air firmware updates has appeared. It was then that the “About phone” item was introduced into the settings menu.
Android 1.5 Cupcake (2009)
Only in April 2009, the Android 1.5 Cupcake update was released, which brought an integral part of modern operating systems - an on-screen keyboard. This way, manufacturers could release new phones without physical input keys. The first Android smartphone with full touch controls was the HTC Magic.
HTC Magic
Otherwise, the changes were extremely minor: new icons, a fresh design of the search widget, the ability to create multiple widgets for one program, a full implementation of the clipboard, video recording and playback, many improvements in standard Google applications, setting wallpaper on the lock screen, improved zoom in the browser .
Android 1.6 Donut (2009)
Android has evolved quite quickly. In the same 2009, but already in September, the third update in a row was released under version 1.6. Donut was chosen as the name. One of the most important innovations was support for CDMA networks, which allowed Verizon and other operators to sell smartphones to their subscribers. Also an important change was support for screens with resolutions greater than 480x320 pixels. It was then that manufacturers gained freedom in terms of installing displays in their devices.
The Android Market application store has received a new design - now white and more pleasing to the eye. Also, screenshots finally appeared on program pages - the user could look at what he was downloading.
An item appeared in the settings menu that talked about battery usage. Then it was in the “About phone” section. At least users could find out what exactly “eats” the battery charge so quickly. And the proprietary search widget has learned to search on the device and show results.
Android 2.0 and 2.1 Eclair (2010)
The Android 2.0 Eclair update, introduced in November 2009, became truly epoch-making and significant in the history of the platform. It was the device with version 2.0 and subsequent updates that began to march around the world, capturing the mobile device market.
Motorola Droid
The first gadget with Android 2.0 was the iconic Motorola Droid, which was one of the favorite devices for geeks. The smartphone offered powerful hardware and stock Android with a lot of features. Motorola Droid came with a 3.7-inch screen (854x480 pixels), a single-core TI OMAP Cortex A8 processor and 256 MB of RAM. There was still room for a classic horizontal keyboard.
Important changes and innovations in Android 2.0 Eclair:
- Support for multiple Google accounts and the ability to integrate accounts from other applications (synchronization).
- Full turn-by-turn navigation in Google Maps with 3D display.
- New unlock screen with gesture.
- Updated design of the standard desktop with new icons and widgets. The appearance has become more modern and neat. Almost all elements have been redrawn for higher screen resolutions.
- On-screen buttons to control incoming calls with gestures. Now smartphones did not necessarily have to have hardware “Accept” and “Reject” buttons.
- A heavily updated browser with support for modern web standards at that time. Even HTML5 support was implemented with video playback. However, there were no multi-touch gestures for zooming yet. A full-fledged address bar has appeared.
- A more comfortable on-screen keyboard with a new design.
- Text-to-speech translation.
- Installing your own tracks for a call.
In January 2010, Google released a minor, but very important update for its subsequent strategy - Android 2.1 Eclair. The first smartphone from the Nexus line is being released based on this OS.
Nexus One
The device, called Nexus One, was created by HTC based on the then-new Qualcomm Snapdragon S1 processor with a frequency of 1 GHz. The device featured an AMOLED display. The main changes in Android 2.1 Eclair were external: animations, minor design changes, live wallpapers, etc. Later, Update 1 was released for the Nexus One, which brought support for a popular feature from the iPhone - multi-touch gesture for zooming in and out.
Android 2.2 Froyo (2010)
In mid-2010, the Android 2.2 Froyo (frozen yogurt) update was released, which immediately marked one of the main advantages of the Nexus line - the One smartphone was the first to be updated to this version. In update 2.2, Google developers focused on increasing performance and optimization. One of the important innovations was the JIT compiler, which could convert Java code into native code for fast execution.
The browser has become faster thanks to the integration of the V8 engine to increase Javascript performance. The desktop screen became more convenient, as the bottom panel became less useless - it now had two additional buttons - a dialer and a browser. The dots on the sides called up a menu with additional functions. Google adopted these functions from third-party shells - HTC Sense already existed then.
The gallery has undergone major changes. For the first time, 3D animations and objects appeared. We can say that this program was ahead of all others and Android itself in development. And it was in Android 2.2 that exclusive support for Adobe Flash appeared, which was downloaded from the Android Market and worked in a standard browser. You could watch videos and even play some Flash games. However, the module worked very slowly and unstable, so even watching the video was a problem. Around the same time, Steve Jobs would call Adobe Flash an outdated and slow technology. Many will disagree with this, but in the end they abandoned Flash in favor of HTML5.
By the way, it was in Froyo that it became possible to distribute Wi-Fi, that is, turn the device into a portable access point to share the Internet with other devices. For those who love passwords, we have introduced an unlock code.
Android 2.3 Gingerbread
Six months later (December 2010) after the release of version 2.2, Google releases another major update - Android 2.3 Gingerbread. The first device with a “carrot” was the Nexus S from Samsung. The device at one time was quite breakthrough and interesting - all thanks to its powerful hardware and unique design with a curved screen. It is noteworthy that at the same time the hit iPhone 4 was released, and Microsoft finally released the not very successful Windows Phone.
Nexus S
The Nexus S was one of the first Android devices without a D-Pad trackpad for control. Of the hardware buttons, the smartphone only had power and volume keys, which was a breakthrough at that time.
Android 2.3 Gingerbread brought significant interface changes. Google continued to polish it and make it look nice. Animations have become even smoother, and icons are more beautiful. Some elements have been combed. For the first time since version 0.9, the top status bar received an updated appearance - it became black, and more indicator icons were added to it. In general, the entire Android 2.3 has become darker - apparently, the design was made specifically for the black Nexus S with a Super AMOLED screen.
Other innovations in Android 2.3:
- Character-by-character text selection system. Previously, you could only select all the text in a field, not individual sets of characters.
- New keyboard with a fresh, dark design and support for multi-touch combinations.
- Android Market 2.0 with an updated interface and nice animations.
- Front camera support. Although selfies were not yet popular in the days of Android 2.3, smartphones already had front cameras.
- Many improvements for game developers: use of sound, implementation of controls, normal access to the graphics subsystem and storage. This made it possible to release full-fledged games with 3D graphics.
- Improved power and battery management.
Image used in Android 2.3 easter egg
Interestingly, it was from this version that an Easter egg appeared in Android, which can be activated in “Settings”. Gingerbread has become a pioneer in this field, bringing us a variety of gingerbread men on screen.
Android 2.3 Gingerbread has become one of the most successful and popular versions of the Google mobile platform. Many devices still run this OS. All thanks to low hardware requirements and a good set of functions.
After version 2.3, the Android operating system still has ups and downs, but more on that already in the following articles from this series.
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