Android in Its Beginnings (Android 1.0

Hello there! We are going to talk about the beginnings of Android, a nostalgic moment to revive. We'll talk about the most antique versions, 1.0 to 5.0.

First, let's talk about the...

Origin:

Android was born in 2003 by the creators Rich Miner, Chris White, Andy Rubin, and Nick Sears.

They originally wanted to create an operating system for digital cameras, but the market for these wasn't big, so after that, they changed their focus to Smartphones.

Google acquired Android in 2005 for 50 million dollars, so this was the start of this operating system that is based on Linux.

Android 1.0 (Apple Pie)

The first version of Android was released on 23 September 2008, together with the first phone with Android, the HTC Dream. This version integrated the most fundamental Google services like Gmail, Google Maps, Calendar, YouTube, etc.

Android 1.1 (Petit Four or Banana Bread)

This tiny version of Android was released on 09 February 2009 initially for the HTC Dream.

This update resolved Bugs and added a few features like:

Details and reviews are available when a user searches for businesses on Maps.
Longer in-call screen timeout by default when using the speakerphone, plus the ability to show/hide the dialpad.
Ability to save attachments in messages.
Support added for marquee in system layouts.

Fun fact: The internal name of this Android Version (Petir Four) wasn't used officially.

Android 1.5 (Cupcake)

The third version of the Android operating system and the first to officially use a dessert-themed codename, it was released on April 27, 2009, starting a long tradition in Android's naming convention.

Key Features of Android 1.5 Cupcake:

Virtual Keyboard
- Introduced the on-screen keyboard, allowing phones without physical keyboards to enter text.
Video Recording and Playback
- Enabled video recording, playback, and upload to YouTube directly from the device.
Widgets and Home Screen Improvements
- Introduced home screen widgets, such as the calendar and music player, offering more interactive home screens.
Bluetooth Enhancements
- Added stereo Bluetooth (A2DP and AVRCP) support for wireless music streaming.
Browser Improvements
- The web browser gained copy-paste functionality, and the WebKit rendering engine was updated for better performance.
UI and Performance Enhancements
- Animations for screen transitions and general UI polish were added.
- Improved responsiveness and faster overall performance.
Third-Party App Widgets
- Developers could now create custom widgets, opening up new possibilities for app interaction.

Cupcake laid the groundwork for the modern Android experience with its support for soft keyboards, widgets, and more robust app development tools. It marked a turning point where Android started to gain significant traction in the smartphone market.

Android 1.6 (Donut)

Here is the fourth version, Android Donut, released on 05 September 2009. Among the more prominent features introduced with this update were added support for CDMA smartphones, additional screen sizes, a battery usage indicator, and a text-to-speech engine.

This version brought improvements like:

Voice and text entry search enhanced to include bookmark history, contacts, and the web
Ability for developers to include their content in search results
Multi-lingual speech synthesis engine to allow any Android application to "speak" a string of text
Easier searching and ability to view app screenshots in the Android Market
Gallery, camera, and camcorder are more fully integrated, with faster camera access
Ability for users to select multiple photos for deletion
Updated technology support for CDMA/EVDO, 802.1x, VPNs, and a text-to-speech engine
Support for WVGA screen resolutions
Speed improvements in searching and camera applications
Expanded Gesture framework and new GestureBuilder development tool
Free Google-powered turn-by-turn navigation
Redesigned Android Market with all the latest apps.

Android 2.0 - 2.1 (Eclair)

The fifth operating system for Android and the second major release of Android. Eclair spans the versions 2.0.x and 2.1. Released on October 27, 2009, Android Eclair builds upon the significant changes made in Android 1.6 "Android Donut". The first phone with Android Eclair was the Motorola Droid. Google ceased Android Market support for Android Eclair on June 30, 2017.

The new features brought in this version were:

Now supports Bluetooth 2.1.
Expanded Account sync, allowing multiple Google and Exchange accounts to be added to a device for email and contact synchronization.
Exchange email support, with a combined inbox to browse email from multiple accounts on one page.
Ability to tap a Contact's photo and select to call, text message, or email the person (Quick Contact bar).
Ability to search all saved SMS and MMS messages, with the ability to delete the oldest messages.
Numerous new camera features, including flash support, scene mode, white balance, color effects, macro focus, picture size, and storage location.
Improved typing speed on virtual keyboard by using multitouch data.
Refreshed browser UI with bookmark thumbnails, double-tap zoom, and support for HTML5.
Improved Google Maps 3.1.2 with navigation.
Revamped UI.
Version supports more screen sizes and resolutions, with a better contrast ratio.
Auto-brightness has been added.
Supports Live wallpapers.
Several AOSP app icons have been updated.

Android 2.2 - 2.2.3 (Froyo)

Android Froyo is the sixth version of Android released on 20 May 2010 and is a codename of the Android mobile operating system developed by Google, spanning versions between 2.2 and 2.2.3. Those versions are no longer supported. The name Froyo is short for frozen yogurt.

This version brought:

Speed, memory, and performance optimizations
Additional application speed improvements, implemented through JIT compilation
Integration of Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine into the Browser application
Support for the Android Cloud to Device Messaging (C2DM) service, enabling push notifications
Improved Microsoft Exchange support, including security policies, auto-discovery, GAL look-up, calendar synchronization, and remote wipe
Improved application launcher with shortcuts to Phone and Browser applications
USB tethering and Wi-Fi hotspot functionality
Option to disable data access over mobile network
Updated Market application with batch and automatic update features
Quick switching between multiple keyboard languages and their dictionaries
Support for Bluetooth-enabled car and desk docks
Support for numeric and alphanumeric passwords
Support for file upload fields in the Browser application
The browser now shows all frames of animated GIFs instead of just the first frame.
Support for installing applications to the expandable memory
Adobe Flash support
Support for high-PPI displays (up to 320 ppi), such as four-inch 720p screens
Gallery allows users to view picture stacks using a zoom gesture

Android 2.3 - 2.3.7 (Gingerbread)

It is the seventh version of Android, a version of the Android mobile operating system developed by Google and released on 06 December 2010.

The features that brought this version were:

Updated user interface design with increased simplicity and speed
Support for extra-large screen sizes and resolutions (WXGA and higher)
Native support for SIP VoIP internet telephony
Faster, more intuitive text input in virtual keyboard, with improved accuracy, better suggested text, and voice input mode
Enhanced copy/paste functionality, allowing users to select a word by pressing and holding, copy, and paste
Support for Near Field Communication (NFC), allowing the user to read an NFC tag embedded in a poster, sticker, or advertisement
New audio effects such as reverb, equalization, headphone virtualization, and bass boost
New Download Manager, giving users easy access to any file downloaded from the browser, email, or another application
Support for multiple cameras on the device, including a front-facing camera, if available
Support for WebM/VP8 video playback, and AAC audio encoding
Improved power management with a more active role in managing apps that are keeping the device awake for too long
Enhanced support for native code development
Switched from YAFFS to ext4 on newer devices
Audio, graphical, and input enhancements for game developers
Concurrent garbage collection for increased performance
Native support for more sensors (such as gyroscopes and barometers)
A new app: Stickers, an app for downloading stickers from the Sticker Store

Android 3.0 - 3.2.6 (Honeycomb)

Android Honeycomb, released on 22 February 2011, is the codename for the third major version of Android, designed for devices with larger screen sizes, particularly tablets, however, it has also been unofficially ported to the Nexus One. It is the eighth version of Android and is no longer supported since November 14, 2016. Honeycomb debuted with the Motorola Xoom in February 2011. Besides the addition of new features, Honeycomb introduced a new so-called "holographic" user interface theme and an interaction model that built on the main features of Android, such as multitasking, notifications, and widgets.

The new features were:

Optimized tablet support with a new virtual and “holographic” user interface
Added System Bar, featuring quick access to notifications, status, and soft navigation buttons, available at the bottom of the screen
Added Action Bar, giving access to contextual options, navigation, widgets, or other types of content at the top of the screen
Multitasking support - tapping Recent Apps in the System Bar allows users to see snapshots of the tasks underway and quickly jump from one app to another
Redesigned keyboard, making typing fast, efficient, and accurate on larger screen sizes
Simplified, more intuitive copy/paste interface
Multiple browser tabs replacing browser windows, plus form auto-fill and a new “incognito” mode allowing anonymous browsing
Quick access to camera exposure, focus, flash, zoom, front-facing camera, time-lapse, and more
Ability to view albums and other collections in full-screen mode in Gallery, with easy access to thumbnails for other photos
New two-pane Contacts UI and Fast Scroll to let users easily organize and locate contacts
New two-pane Email UI to make viewing and organizing messages more efficient, allowing users to select one or more messages
Support for video chat using Google Talk
Hardware acceleration
Support for multi-core processors
Ability to encrypt all user data

Android 4.0 - 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich)

Android Ice Cream Sandwich (or Android 4.0) is the fourth major version of the Android mobile operating system developed by Google. Unveiled on October 19, 2011, Android 4.0 was built upon the significant changes made by the tablet-only release Android Honeycomb, in an effort to create a unified platform for both smartphones and tablets. The first phone with Android Ice Cream Sandwich was the Samsung Galaxy Nexus.

The new features of this version:

Enhanced speed and performance
Separation of widgets in a new tab, listed similarly to apps
Easier-to-create folders, with a drag-and-drop style
Improved visual voicemail with the ability to speed up or slow down voicemail messages
Pinch-to-zoom functionality in the calendar
Offline search, a two-line preview, and a new action bar at the bottom of the Gmail app
Ability to swipe left or right to switch between Gmail conversations
Integrated screenshot capture (accomplished by holding down the Power and Volume-Down buttons)
Improved error correction on the keyboard
Ability to access apps directly from lock screen (similar to HTC Sense 3.x)
Improved copy and paste functionality
Better voice integration and continuous, real-time speech-to-text dictation
Face Unlock, a feature that allows users to unlock handsets using facial recognition software
New tabbed web browser, allowing up to 16 tabs
Automatic syncing of the browser with users' Chrome bookmarks
Modern Roboto font
Data Usage section in settings that lets users set warnings when they approach a certain usage limit, and disable data use when the limit is exceeded
Ability to shut down apps that are using data in the background
Improved camera app with zero shutter lag, time lapse settings, panorama mode, and the ability to zoom while recording
Built-in photo editor
New gallery layout, organized by location and person
Refreshed "People" app with social network integration, status updates, and hi-res images
Android Beam, a near-field communication feature allowing the rapid short-range exchange of web bookmarks, contact info, directions, YouTube videos, and other data
Hardware acceleration of the UI
Resizable widgets – already part of Android 3.1 for tablets, but new for cellphones
Wi-Fi Direct
1080p video recording for stock Android devices

Android 4.1 - 4.3.1 (Jelly Bean)

Android Jelly Bean, released on 09 July 2012, is the codename given to the tenth version of the Android mobile operating system developed by Google, spanning three major point releases (versions 4.1 through 4.3.1). Among the devices that launched with Android 4.1 to 4.3 are the Nexus 7 (2012), Nexus 4, Nexus 10, Nexus 7 (2013), and Hyundai Play X.

Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) – Released July 2012

1. Project Butter

Made the UI smoother and more responsive with 60 FPS animations and better touch responsiveness.

2. Google Now (initial version)

Introduced as part of the Google Search app — gave real-time info like weather, traffic, sports, etc.

3. Expandable Notifications

Notifications could be expanded with two-finger swipes to show more content or actions.

4. Improved Voice Search

Much faster and more accurate speech recognition and voice feedback.

5. Smart App Updates

Only the parts of the app that changed would be downloaded during updates, saving bandwidth.

Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) – Released November 2012

1. Multi-User Support (on tablets)

Different users could have their own space, apps, and settings on the same device.

2. Lock Screen Widgets

Add widgets like a calendar or camera directly to the lock screen.

3. Quick Settings Menu

Pulled down from the top-right to quickly access toggles like Wi-Fi, brightness, etc.

4. Gesture Typing (on the keyboard)

Similar to Swype, users could slide their finger across letters to type.

5. Photo Sphere

Take 360° panoramic photos — an early form of what we now see in Google Street View captures.

Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) – Released July 2013

1. Restricted Profiles (on tablets)

Let parents or administrators limit app access and features for specific users.

2. Bluetooth Smart (Low Energy) Support

Enabled connection with newer fitness devices and smartwatches with lower power usage.

3. OpenGL ES 3.0 Support

Improved graphics performance for high-end 3D games and visual effects.

4. Improved Dial Pad Autocomplete

Suggested names/numbers as you dialed.

5. Better DRM APIs for streaming

Helped developers create secure streaming apps (e.g., for Netflix or Play Movies).

Android 4.4 - 4.4.4 (Kit Kat)

Android KitKat is the codename for the eleventh Android mobile operating system, representing release version 4.4. Released on 31 October 2013, KitKat focused primarily on optimizing the operating system for improved performance on entry-level devices with limited resources. The first phone with Android KitKat was the Nexus 5.

New Features

KitKat 4.4 includes many new features to enhance the user experience and provide a polished feel across the Android device on which it is running.

Improving Android's Performance

Android 4.4 was designed to require less RAM than before, to help its performance on phones with less than 1 Gigabyte of RAM.

Full-Screen Artwork

When music is playing and the device is locked, the lock screen will show full-screen artwork and allow you to skip tracks.

Immersive Mode

Apps can disable the system and status bars.

Phone App Refresh

The dialer does not have any blue highlights and does not have numbers on the landing screen. There is a search box so you can search for your contacts or businesses to call them.

Kk-print-land-n5

Printing in Android 4.4 KitKat.

Integration With Printing Apps

KitKat has a system-level printing framework, which printer makers can make plug-ins for.

Android 5.0 - 5.1.1 (Lollipop)

Android Lollipop (codenamed Android L during development) is the fifth major version of the Android mobile operating system, released on 04 November 2014, developed by Google and the 12th version of Android, spanning versions between 5.0 and 5.1.1.

New features introduced by Gingerbread include the following:
Updated user interface design, providing increased ease of use and efficiency.
Support for extra-large screen sizes and resolutions (WXGA and higher).
Native support for SIP VoIP internet telephones.
Improved text input using the virtual keyboard, with improved accuracy, better text suggestions, and voice input capability.
Enhanced copy/paste functionality, allowing users to select a word by pressing and holding, copying, and pasting.
Support for Near Field Communication (NFC), allowing the user to read NFC tags embedded in posters, stickers, or advertisements.
New audio effects such as reverb, equalization, headphone virtualization, and bass boost.
New Download Manager, giving users easy access to any file downloaded from the browser, email, or another application.
Support for multiple cameras on the device, including a front-facing camera, if available.
Support for WebM/VP8 video playback and AAC audio encoding.
Improved power management, including more active management of power-consuming applications.
Enhanced support for native code development.
A switch from YAFFS to ext4 file system on newer devices.
Audio, graphical, and input enhancements for game developers.
Concurrent garbage collection for increased performance.
Native support for more sensors (such as gyroscopes and barometers).
The first Android easter egg, which depicts the Android mascot standing beside a zombified gingerbread man in a field of other zombies talking on cell phones, presumably Android smartphones.
Improved speed over Froyo due to system updates.

Android in Its Beginnings (Android 1.0 - Android 5.0)

Key Features of Android 1.5 Cupcake: