Sweet Code Names of Android Version:
Google’s Android division certainly has a sense of humor. It named all of its version codenames after desserts. Though the first version of the OS (1.0) that was publicly released in Sept. 2008 did not have a code name at all, either internally or publicly. According to Android engineer Jean-Baptiste Queru Android 1.1, released in Feb. 2009, didn’t have a public code name. However, it reportedly used the internal name “Petit four” while it was in development at Google. The name refers to a French dessert. The catchiest part is the Android version names go by dessert names and by alphabetical order for the most part. So let’s check out different versions of Android OS and the desserts associated with them.
Android 1.5: Cupcake
Technically Android 1.5 received its first official codename which was supposed to be version 1.2, but Google decided to make it a major revision and made it 1.5 instead. It added quite a few new features and improvements than previous ones such as the ability to upload videos to YouTube, a way for a phone’s screen display to automatically rotate to the right positions, and support for third-party keyboards.
Android 1.6: Donut
Android V1.6, codenamed “Donut,” was released in September 2009.The new features included support for carriers that used CDMA-based networks. This allowed Android phones to be sold by all carriers around the world. Other features included the introduction of the Quick Search Box, and quick toggling between the Camera, Camcorder, and Gallery to streamline the media-capture experience. Donut also introduced the Power Control widget for managing Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, etc.
Android 2.0 and 2.1: Eclair
Android 2.0 was released in October 2009. This version was the first to add text-to-speech support, and also introduced live wallpapers, multiple account support, and Google Maps navigation, among many other new features and improvements.
Android 2.2: Froyo
Android 2.2 Froyo officially launched in May 2010 abbreviation to frozen yogurt. Smartphones with Froyo installed could take advantage of several new features, including Wi-Fi mobile hotspot functions, push notifications via Android Cloud to Device Messaging (C2DM) service, flash support, and more.
Android 2.3, 2.4: Gingerbread
On December 6th, 2010, Google officially announced the first phone with Android OS 2.3 Gingerbread. Gingerbread made the Android experience simpler and faster for both users and developers. Gaming reached new heights, battery life lasted longer and NFC support spawned a whole new category of apps.
Android 3.0, 3.1, and 3.2: Honeycomb
Honeycomb was released in February 2011, and was rapidly followed by 3.1 and 3.2 in July and August of 2011. Honeycomb ushered in the era of tablets with a flexible interface design that showcases large imagery and seamless on-screen navigation.
Android 4.0: Ice Cream Sandwich
Ice Cream Sandwich was officially released in October 2011. It featured a new design and default font, as well as the ability to monitor and limit mobile data usage and other upgrades.
Android 4.1: Jelly Bean
Jelly Bean came out in 2012. Intelligence permeated all facets of Jelly Bean which ushered in the era of personalised mobile assistance with Google Now. It also made notifications more actionable and allowed one device to work for multiple user accounts.
Android 4.4: KitKat
Google announced that Android 4.4 would be named KitKat on September 3, 2013. Android KitKat helped you get things done with just the sound of your voice – just say “OK Google” to launch voice search, send a text, get directions or even play a song. And when you are hands on with your device, a new immersive design brings your content to centre stage. Android 4.4 takes system performance to an all-time high by optimising memory and improving your touchscreen so that it responds faster and more accurately than ever before. The new phone app automatically prioritises your contacts based on the people that you talk to the most. You can also search for nearby places and businesses, your contacts or people in your Google Apps domain. From apps like Quickoffice, you can open and save files on Google Drive, other cloud storage services or your device. And with quick access to recently used files, it’s easier than ever to send the file that you were just working on.
Android 5.0: Lollipop
Android arrives on screens big and small – from phones and tablets to watches, TVs and cars. Lollipop has a bold visual style and the fluid tactile response of Material Design. Lollipop also contains other UI improvements and has an excellent battery life on some devices.
Android 6.0: Marshmallow
Marshmallow was launched in the fall of 2015. Now there’s more to love about your mobile device: easy shortcuts to smart answers with Now on Tap, battery life that can last longer and new app permissions that give you more control. Android Marshmallow lets you define what you want to share and when. Turn permissions off at any time, too. Now you can skip the crazy passwords. The key is at hand. Your fingerprint unlocks your phone and lets you securely breeze through sign in, the Play Store and even in apps.
Android 7.0: Nougat
Version 7.0 of Google’s mobile operating system launched in the fall of 2016.Nougat’s many new features included better multi-tasking functions for the growing number of smartphones that have bigger displays, such as split-screen mode, along with quick switching between apps.
Android 8.0: Oreo
In March 2017, Google officially announced and released the first developer preview for Android O, also known as Android 8.0. In August, Google confirmed that Oreo would indeed be the public name for Android 8.0. Android Oreo packs in lots of visual changes to the Settings menu, along with native support for picture-in-picture mode, notification channels, new autofill APIs for better management of passwords and fill data, and much more.
Android P
Google recently released the first Android P Developer preview. There are a few features that make it stand out. Android P is likely to be released to the public this fall. The overall look and feel of Android P so far seems very familiar, coming from Google Pixel’s Android Oreo interface. Android P gives you everything you need to make your apps compatible and build for the next version of Android. It’s free, and you can get started right away just by downloading the Preview tools. The P Developer Preview includes everything you need to test your existing apps on a variety of screen sizes, network technologies, CPU/GPU chipsets, and hardware architectures.
