The Evolution of Android

In such a short space of time, Android has become one of the best and most popular mobile operating systems in the world. Currently, it is featured on Smartphones from many different manufacturers. Arguably the best thing about Android is that it is an open-source platform and as a result, it offers great value for your money. to date Google has come up with many different versions of Android, all named after a sweet treat! Some of these include Jelly Bean, Ice Cream Sandwich, Gingerbread, Froyo, Honeycomb, Donut, Eclair and Cupcake. Almost every version has been able to provide superb functionality and convenient features. We take a look at each version of Android below, and try not to get too hungry while doing so:

Ice Cream Sandwich

One of the most successful versions of Android has been Ice Cream Sandwich. This version was launched in May, 2011 as a follow-up to Honeycomb. It came with a lot of additional features and was also popularly known as Android 4.0.   Android Ice Cream Sandwich was first adopted by Samsung Galaxy Nexus. Since then, many different Smartphones and tablets have been using this version of Android.

Honeycomb

Honeycomb was popularly known as Android 3.0. It was launched in February, 2011. This version was specifically designed for tablets with the Motorola Xoom being the first to adopt this version. Google applications like GTalk and Gmail were updated so that they could be used with this version and it is still one of the most successful versions of Android.

Gingerbread

Gingerbread was launched in December, 2010. It is also known as Android 2.3/2.4. This version came with some new enhancements when it was first adopted by Google Nexus S. Most of the budget Smartphones available in the market still use this version.

Froyo

Froyo was one of the most popular early versions of Android. It is also known as Android 2.2, it was launched in May, 2010. With Froyo, users could enjoy Flash-based games in the web browser as Adobe Flash 10.1 was enabled in this version. Other features also added to its success and popularity.

Éclair

This version of Android was launched in the last quarter of 2009. It is also known as Android 2.0/2.01/2.1. Google Maps and GPS navigation were significantly improved in this version and it was first adopted by Motorola Droid. Some other Smartphones which ran on Eclair were HTC Desire, Motorola Motoblur and HTC Legend among others.

Donut

Donut, popularly known as Android 1.6 was launched in September, 2009. This version was a big hit at the time as it came with many interesting features including high resolution touch screens and native support for mobile phones like Verizon and Sprint. Donut was used by many different Smartphones including Sony Ericsson Xperia X10, Motorola Devour, Motorola Droid and others.

Cupcake

This was the first major success of Android Operating System. It was popularly known as Android 1.5 and was launched in April, 2009. A lot of changes were made in the user interface. Features like upload services and Bluetooth were also improved.

So, it’s clear that in a short span of time, Android Operating System has revolutionized the whole market related to Smartphones and tablets. It has become the love of millions who use Smartphones daily.  You may have noticed that not only are these named after sweet deserts, but there is also an alphabetical theme from Cupcake through to Jelly Bean, making it fairly easy to guess what the next version will be called. Key lime pie anyone?