Android Versions

Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google and is used on a wide range of smartphones and tablets. Since its initial release, Android has gone through several major versions, each with its own set of features, improvements, and changes. Here’s an overview of the major Android versions1:

1. Android 1.0 (No Codename): Android’s initial release, which introduced the basic features of the platform, including a web browser, email support, and integration with Google services. It was released in September 2008.
2. Android 1.5 (Cupcake): Introduced features like an on-screen keyboard, widgets, and the ability to record videos. It was released in April 2009.
3. Android 1.6 (Donut): Added support for CDMA networks, improved the camera interface, and introduced quick searching within the phone and web. Released in September 2009.
4. Android 2.0/2.1 (Eclair): Introduced features like turn-by-turn navigation, multiple account support, and enhanced Bluetooth functionality. Released in October 2009.
5. Android 2.2 (Froyo – Frozen Yogurt): Brought speed improvements, support for Adobe Flash, and the ability to use the device as a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. Released in May 2010.
6. Android 2.3 (Gingerbread): Introduced a more refined user interface, support for Near Field Communication (NFC), and improved power management. Released in December 2010.
7. Android 3.0/3.1/3.2 (Honeycomb): Designed specifically for tablets, it featured a new holographic user interface and optimized multitasking. Released in February 2011.
8. Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich): Merged the smartphone and tablet versions of Android, introducing features like face unlock, Android Beam, and resizable widgets. Released in October 2011.
9. Android 4.1/4.2/4.3 (Jelly Bean): Introduced Project Butter for smoother performance, Google Now, and improved notifications. Released in July 2012.
10. Android 4.4 (KitKat): Focused on performance optimization, lower memory usage, and a new immersive mode for apps. Released in October 2013.
11. Android 5.0/5.1 (Lollipop): Introduced Material Design, improved notifications, and enhanced performance. Released in November 2014.
12. Android 6.0 (Marshmallow): Focused on user privacy with granular app permissions, introduced Doze for improved battery life, and featured Google Now on Tap. Released in October 2015.
13. Android 7.0/7.1 (Nougat): Brought multi-window support, enhanced notifications, and performance improvements. Released in August 2016.
14. Android 8.0/8.1 (Oreo): Introduced Project Treble for faster updates, Picture-in-Picture mode, notification channels, and improved battery management. Released in August 2017.
15. Android 9 (Pie): Focused on navigation gestures, adaptive battery management, and digital wellbeing features. Released in August 2018.
16. Android 10: Introduced dark mode, enhanced privacy controls, and improved gesture navigation. Released in September 2019.
17. Android 11: Focused on conversation notifications, screen recording, and improved device controls. Released in September 2020.
18. Android 12: Introduced a refreshed Material You design language, one-handed mode, and enhanced privacy indicators. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, it was in beta testing and expected to be released later in 2021.

The Android versions continue to evolve, and new versions have likely been released after my knowledge cutoff date. Each new version typically brings enhancements in performance, security, user interface, and features to the Android platform.