Android Version History and Key Features
Android 1.0 (September 2008)
- Android Market: App store for downloading applications
- Web Browser: WebKit-based browser with support for HTML and XHTML
- Camera Support: Basic camera functionality without video recording
- Gmail Integration: Native email client
- Google Maps: Navigation and location services
- YouTube: Video streaming application
Android 1.5 Cupcake (April 2009)
- On-Screen Keyboard: Virtual keyboard support
- Video Recording: Ability to record and upload videos
- Widgets: Home screen widgets for quick access
- Copy and Paste: Text selection and clipboard support
Android 1.6 Donut (September 2009)
- Voice Search: Voice-powered search functionality
- Multiple Screen Sizes: Support for various screen resolutions
- CDMA Support: Expanded network compatibility
- Gallery Improvements: Faster camera access and photo management
Android 2.0/2.1 Eclair (October 2009)
- Multiple Accounts: Support for multiple email and sync accounts
- Bluetooth 2.1: Enhanced Bluetooth connectivity
- Live Wallpapers: Animated home screen backgrounds
- Google Maps Navigation: Turn-by-turn GPS navigation
- Improved Camera: Flash support, digital zoom, and color effects
Android 2.2 Froyo (May 2010)
- Speed Improvements: JIT compiler for 2-5x performance boost
- USB Tethering: Share mobile internet connection
- Adobe Flash Support: Flash 10.1 integration in browser
- App Storage on SD Card: Install apps to external storage
Android 2.3 Gingerbread (December 2010)
- Refined UI: Updated user interface design
- NFC Support: Near Field Communication capabilities
- Multiple Cameras: Support for front-facing cameras
- Improved Copy/Paste: Enhanced text selection
- Gaming Performance: Native code development support
Android 3.0 Honeycomb (February 2011)
- Tablet Optimization: First tablet-specific Android version
- Action Bar: New UI element for app navigation
- System Bar: Quick access to notifications and settings
- Multitasking: Visual task switcher
- Resizable Widgets: Adjustable widget sizes
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (October 2011)
- Unified Design: Combined phone and tablet interfaces
- Face Unlock: Facial recognition security
- Android Beam: NFC-based content sharing
- Data Usage Monitor: Track and control data consumption
- Improved Camera: Zero shutter lag and panorama mode
Android 4.1/4.2/4.3 Jelly Bean (July 2012 - July 2013)
- Project Butter: 60fps UI and vsync for smooth performance
- Google Now: Predictive personal assistant
- Expandable Notifications: Rich notification content
- Multiple Users: Support for separate user accounts (tablets)
- Photo Sphere: 360-degree panoramic photos
Android 4.4 KitKat (October 2013)
- Optimized Performance: Works on devices with 512MB RAM
- Immersive Mode: Full-screen apps with hidden status bar
- Google Hangouts: Unified messaging integration
- "OK Google" Hotword: Hands-free voice activation
- Print Framework: Native printing support
Android 5.0/5.1 Lollipop (November 2014)
- Material Design: New design language with animations
- ART Runtime: Replaced Dalvik for better performance
- Multiple Users: Support on phones (not just tablets)
- Smart Lock: Context-aware device security
- Battery Saver: Extended battery life mode
Android 6.0 Marshmallow (October 2015)
- App Permissions: Granular runtime permission controls
- Doze Mode: Aggressive battery optimization when idle
- Google Now on Tap: Context-aware assistance
- Fingerprint Support: Native biometric authentication
- USB Type-C: Reversible charging support
Android 7.0/7.1 Nougat (August 2016)
- Multi-Window: Split-screen multitasking
- Quick Reply: Respond to notifications inline
- Daydream VR: Virtual reality platform
- Data Saver: Reduce mobile data usage
- Vulkan API: Enhanced 3D rendering
Android 8.0/8.1 Oreo (August 2017)
- Picture-in-Picture: Watch videos while using other apps
- Notification Dots: App icon badges for notifications
- Autofill Framework: System-wide autofill for passwords
- Project Treble: Modular architecture for faster updates
- Adaptive Icons: Consistent icon shapes across launchers
Android 9.0 Pie (August 2018)
- Gesture Navigation: Swipe-based navigation system
- Adaptive Battery: AI-powered battery optimization
- Digital Wellbeing: Usage tracking and app timers
- App Actions: Predictive app suggestions
- Notch Support: Display cutout compatibility
Android 10 (September 2019)
- Dark Theme: System-wide dark mode
- Gesture Navigation 2.0: Refined gesture controls
- Focus Mode: Temporarily pause distracting apps
- Privacy Controls: Location permissions (while using app only)
- Live Caption: Automatic captions for media
Android 11 (September 2020)
- Conversation Notifications: Priority messaging section
- Bubbles: Chat heads for multitasking
- Built-in Screen Recording: Native screen capture
- One-Time Permissions: Temporary app access
- Media Controls: Quick switching between audio devices
Android 12 (October 2021)
- Material You: Dynamic theming based on wallpaper
- Privacy Dashboard: Comprehensive privacy overview
- Approximate Location: Share only approximate location
- Scrolling Screenshots: Capture entire pages
- Game Mode: Performance optimization for gaming
Android 13 (August 2022)
- Per-App Language: Different language for each app
- Notification Permission: Explicit permission for notifications
- Themed Icons: Extended Material You theming
- Clipboard Preview: See what you're pasting
- Spatial Audio: Enhanced audio positioning
Android 14 (October 2023)
- Health Connect: Centralized health and fitness data
- Lock Screen Customization: More personalization options
- Predictive Back Gesture: Preview before navigating back
- Ultra HDR: Support for high dynamic range images
- Regional Preferences: Customize based on location
Android 15 (October 2024)
- Private Space: Secure container for sensitive apps
- Theft Detection Lock: AI-powered anti-theft protection
- Satellite Connectivity: Emergency messaging via satellite
- Adaptive Vibration: Context-aware haptic feedback
- Enhanced Multitasking: Improved app pairs and desktop mode