Operating system "Android. Comparing the best versions of Android OS Android version names

The changes mainly affected the smoothness of the interface. The new update brings performance improvements - central and GPU work in parallel. This will allow Android 4.1 to run at 60 frames per second on some devices.

4.1.1

Updated interface, using Project Butter technology to achieve a smoother UI. The technology includes triple buffering of the graphics pipeline to ensure there are no jumps in the frame rate when animating the interface, as well as vertical synchronization technology.
Automatic scaling of the widget and changing the location of the rest of the content if it does not fit on the desktop.
Update virtual keyboard, which received a predictive input system and an expanded dictionary. Support for new languages.
Possibility of voice input in offline mode, without using an Internet connection.
Blind or visually impaired people will be able to connect a Braille input device to a smartphone or tablet running Android 4.1.
More informative notification panel.
Updated search, thanks to which, in the manner voice assistant You can get answers to your voice questions.
Added Google Now service. It will supply the user useful information, based on the calendar, history search queries and routes of movement of the phone.
Contact photos are now stored and displayed in high quality.
The improved Camera app adds some features.
New interface for tablets, classic Android interface 3.0-4.0.4 is available by editing Build.Prop and changing the DPI to a value below 140.

4.1.2

Bugs fixed and performance increased.
Increasing and reducing the size of notifications in the panel can now be done with one finger.
Added landscape desktop mode to Nexus 7.

4.2

4.2.1

4.2.2

Some security improvements and fixes for some software bugs.
When downloading, the notification center curtain now displays not only the filling progress bar, but also the percentage and download time.
The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth quick activation shortcuts in the switch panel have received an additional option: now a long press on the icon immediately turns on the wireless module, and a single press sends the user to settings.
New sounds have appeared: when connecting the device to a wireless charging station, a new alert signal indicates a critical battery level.
Errors in audio transmission via Bluetooth have been fixed.
Improved ADB security.

4.3

Keep and Hangouts will now be included in iOS and Google Apps by default.
A recently discovered bug called MasterKey has been fixed.
Smart or Bluetooth 4.0 LowEnergy included new firmware, which increases the energy efficiency of the device when operating using this protocol.
The notification area now shows all running applications, even in the background. You can disable the display of the icon in the panel in the settings.
In the settings you can set a constant Wi-Fi work for improved geo-positioning.
AVRCP 1.3, available in conjunction with Bluetooth Smart, allows two devices to be paired using Bluetooth and used to control each other.
New camera and gallery available.
The system now supports OpenGL ES 3.0.
Appeared hidden setting individual permissions for applications.

4.3.1

Eliminating minor errors and improving system stability and performance. For Nexus 7 (2013) LTE only.

Approximately every year a new version appears on the Android operating system. For each version there are certain applications, games, programs and much more. To download various toys and applications without any problems, we have prepared categories for you:

Adroid 2.2 has been out for a long time, but only 0.2% of users use it. We must not leave and forget about them. Therefore, on our website there is a section of all applications for this version:

Version Adroid 2.3, like 2.2, came out a long time ago, but it has 17 times more users and accounts for about 3.4%. It is still often found on various smartphones that were released in 2011-2012. If you have this particular weight, then we advise you to look at this section:

Ice Cream Sandwich was introduced at Google I/O in 2011 and released with Galaxy smartphone Nexus. This version has many additions, such as:

To find applications for them, simply click on the version you are interested in.

Version of Android 5, called Lollipop or lollipop in Russian, has a simple and stylish design and has captured about 16.5% of all Android users. It was released on November 3, 2014, and on March 21, 2015, an improved version of Android 5.1 appeared.

We have also created sections for them:

The penultimate version of the operating room Android systems. Unfortunately, not many people have received the update yet, but this does not mean that owners of the sixth version are not looking for games! Therefore, we also created a section where you can find all the games and applications that will be available for the sixth version of Android.

The newest Android OS called Nougat. This version was released in the summer of 2016 and is just beginning to conquer smartphone owners. Naturally those who have mobile devices updated to the latest version, have access to any application!

“Sweet” names are basic Android versions began to be received starting with v.1.5, which was released in mid-2009. Moreover, the initial letter of each new version Android should be next in the alphabet (currently Oreo). For each version, the developer reworked the design and user interface, and also introduced some technical innovations.

Android Version 1.0: Base

On September 23, 2008, the first Android operating system, called Base, was born.
At that time, applications for Google Maps, Gmail and Youtube had already been released.

Android version 1.1: Base_1.1

On February 10, 2009, the first Base update was released. It was called Base_1.1, and it became possible preservation MMS attachments.

Android Version 1.5: Cupcake

From now on, all future versions of Android will be named after sweets. In this case, the initial letter must be the next one in the alphabet.

On April 30, 2009, a new version of Android was released - 1.5, Cupcake. The most famous innovations of this version, among other things, were automatic switching between portrait and landscape orientation display and own screen keyboard.

Android Version 1.6: Donut

Starting from September 15, 2009, Android version 1.6, also known as Donut, became available.
A significant change was, in particular, that from now on it became possible to configure VPN virtual networks.

Android Versions 2.0-2.1: Éclair

Since Android 2.0, not every system update automatically resulted in the release of a new major version. Instead, starting in October 2009, for each major version, several subversions began to appear, modified, but at the same time bearing the name of the main system.

On October 26, 2009, Android 2.0 version called Éclair was released as an update. Digital zoom was presented here, and support for LED flash was also introduced.

On December 3, 2009, Android version 2.0.1 was released, which fixed some bugs.

On 01/07/2010 an update to version 2.1 appeared. Among other innovations, it made it possible to use animated (“live”) wallpapers.

Android Version 2.2: Froyo

This version of Android 2.2 was released on 05/20/2010. She made some important improvements. For example, starting with it, the volume random access memory was able to exceed 256 MB. In addition, it is now possible to transfer applications to an SD card.

Latest version Froyo was released in January 2011 as Android 2.2.2 and included a fix for the SMS bug.

Android Version 2.3: Gingerbread

On December 6, 2010, version Android 2.3, also known as Gingerbread, appeared. Starting in the OS, support for Near Field Communication (NFC) appeared, and its own operational download manager was added.

Then in December 2010, Android version 2.3.1 appeared, which fixed some bugs and contained an update to Google Maps 5.0.

In January 2011, Android version 2.3.2 appeared. It fixed a bug with the SMS service.

Android 2.3.3 was released on February 23, 2011, introducing the ability to equip Android devices with a dual-core processor.

On April 29, 2011, with an update to 2.3.4, the Google Talk application appeared, with the help of which video and voice chat became possible.

Finally, Android 2.3.5 was released on 07/08/2011 and some bugs were fixed. Also, the two subsequent additional versions 2.3.6 (09/02/2011) and 2.3.7 (09/20/2011) contained corrections of system defects.

Android version 3.x: Honeycomb

As of 02/23/2011, Gingerbread was replaced by Android 3.0, also known as Honeycomb. In the new version of the system, the interface has become more convenient, and the developers have also optimized it for working from a tablet. Besides, in Google browser Chrome has new features (for example, incognito mode).

On May 10, 2011, the first Honeycomb update to Android 3.1 was released. It added USB Host mode, and improved the interface and widgets.
Version Android 3.2 was released on July 16, 2011, where images were optimized for various screen diagonals.
Latest version of Honeycomb 3.2.1, some bugs were fixed, released 09/20/2011.

Android Version 4.0: Ice Cream Sandwich

On 10/19/2011, a version of Android 4.0 called Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) became available. Here, among other things, unlocking using facial recognition has been added, and many improvements have been made in small things.

On November 17, 2011, version 4.0.1 appeared, where the volume control error was fixed.
In version 4.0.2, which became available starting December 15, 2011, new improvements were introduced (for example, new way unlock), and support for DivX has been discontinued.

The two latest updates to ICS version 4.0.3 (12/16/2011) and 4.0.4 (02/04/2012) brought further improvements. For example, in version 4.0.4 the overall volume level was increased.

Android Version 4.1: Jelly Bean

On June 27, 2012, Android 4.1 version called Jelly Bean was released. This update brings significant improvements to the user interface. In addition, the Google Now service was integrated into the system.

Starting with version 4.1.1 dated July 11, 2012, Google's payment service, Google Wallet, was integrated into the system.

4.1.2 (released October 10, 2012) introduced the ability to manage notifications using gestures.

11/13/2012 - with version 4.2 - system streaming (Miracast) became available. In addition, other security updates have been introduced. In 4.2.1, released on November 27, 2012, some bugs were fixed.

4.2.2 (released on February 12, 2013) made it possible to install widgets directly on the lock screen.

Version 4.3 (released July 24, 2013) introduced many other innovations. Thus, it introduced limited accounts for children, and the Camera application was improved.

Last update Jelly Bean was released on 10/04/2013 under number 4.3.1. Some minor bugs have just been fixed here.

Android Version 4.4: KitKat

On October 31, 2013, Android 4.4, called KitKat, was released as a successor to Jelly Bean. A significant innovation was the removal of the limit to five home screens. Additionally, the Google+ Hangouts app can now be selected as an alternative for SMS.

On December 6, 2013, the first update to version 4.4.1 followed. The Camera app has been slightly redesigned here, along with some minor bug fixes.

Android version 4.4.2 appeared on 12/09/2013. The changes also concerned mainly bug fixes.

06/02/2014 4.4.3 was released: a known bug that caused a loss of network connection was fixed.

The latest update for KitKat is version 4.4.4. - followed on 06/19/2014.

Android Versions 4.4.W: Wear

Version Android 4.4.W was developed specifically for Smartwatches and other so-called “wearable computers”. Android 4.4.W was released in June 2014 and is based on Android 4.4.

Android Version 5: Lollipop

On November 3, 2014, a new version of Android 5.0 appeared called Lollipop. It has changed the notification panel, the so-called “curtain”. Additionally, this version is now used for most smart watch.

5.0.1 (released 12/02/2014) was mainly optimized for Android Wear use.

12/19/2014 appeared Android update 5.0.2, in which bugs were fixed.
Android 5.1 has been available since 03/09/2014. Changes have been made here to make the system more stable.

The latest version of Android 5.1.1 to date was released on April 22, 2015 and is again aimed at correcting errors.

Android 6.0: Marshmallow

At a Google event held on September 29, 2015, the latest operating system was presented to the public. In August, Google already released a Developer Preview version of Marshmallow, which already gave a good idea of the new features of Android 6.0. The system was first presented on Nexus phones, and then on top-end devices from other manufacturers.

The system has implemented better control rights: only after you have used specific functions of the application, you will be asked to allow access for it. This way, you won't have to grant access to a program that you may not need at all.

Extended autonomous operation battery life: background processes are automatically terminated and thus the battery lasts longer.

Thanks to fast charging. also in new system You can separately adjust the volume for notifications, media and alarms. It also brings a fingerprint sensor similar to Apple's Touch ID.

Android 7.0: Nougat

Starting on August 22, 2016, Android 7 became officially available. In addition to the usual performance and security improvements, it had other major innovations.

Update in the background. The user knows almost nothing about it.

Splitscreen (split screen). If you want to use two apps at the same time, with Android 7 this is no longer a problem. In Splitscreen mode, two applications run in parallel on halves of the screen, if the application itself supports this mode.

Notifications. Google developers did a pretty good job on them. Among other things, you can now respond to whatsapp messages directly through the curtain without opening the application itself.

The traffic saving mode has also been seriously updated. In settings, you can deny access to data transfer for selected applications.

Android 8.0: Oreo

Since August 2017, Android 8 has become available for download. Generally speaking, in addition to a more user-friendly shell, it is worth noting a significant improvement in the Settings interface.

Speed-Boot. Some changes affected not only faster application launch, but also the boot process when the phone is turned on.

Smart Text Selection. Phone numbers, postal addresses or entire URLs are sometimes difficult to repeat, but thanks to Smart Text Selection, just double-click to copy the desired text.

Picture-in-Picture mode. What Apple already introduced for iPad is now available on Android. If an app like YouTube or Chrome supports this feature, you can continue playing videos on the small screen while using other apps.

Application icons, except for two - “Clock” and “Calendar” - were always static. Now developers of all other applications can animate them and create “live” icons.

New feature Rescue Party is designed to help with system boot problems. If the phone due to a serious error software goes into constant reboot, this function should detect the problem and automatically put the smartphone into recovery mode.

Android 9.0: P...

The most current version Google's operating system is expected at the end of August 2018. What Android 9 will be called is still unknown. The most frequently discussed names on this moment- these are Poptart, Pancake and Popsicle (ice cream on a stick).

Every new major version of Android has had a fun Easter egg hidden in it. Where and how you can find this surprise in your version of Android, we already.

The Android operating system is present in most modern gadgets. It attracts users with many advantages: stability, accessibility, security and other features. However, the company regularly releases updates that are strikingly different from each other. With each new version, Google tries to remove as many shortcomings as possible and make the platform better and more perfect. Many gadget users and those who are just about to purchase a new device often think about which is the best version of Android that will suit them for their device and will meet all the requirements and wishes. To understand this, you should study each of them in detail.

Android Jelly Bean (4.1/4.2/4.3)

Experts consider Android Jelly Bean a version in which there were no special innovations - only old features that were already found in previous operating systems have become better and more modernized. It is worth noting that compared to previous versions, it turned out to be the fastest and best version. However, there are still some new items and functions that may be useful for a smartphone or other device.

Among them, a place of honor is occupied by the possibility of voice text input and the implementation of the Google Now service. It is noteworthy that an Internet connection is not required to translate speech into text, which means that there will be no delays or difficulties - the data is not uploaded to the server, but is processed directly on the device. Google Now is a smart search that takes into account your location and previous searches.

Regardless of the degree of system load, receiving notifications, working in the menu, with windows, etc., everything happens smoothly. Appeared in this Android variation new technology NFC, which allows you to exchange data by touching two gadgets. The number of widgets has increased slightly, and now you can also change their sizes. The changes to the notification panel, which shows more detailed data, such as the text of the message, were useful.

Advantages:

Smooth interface;
Google Now service;
Improved text input system;
Improved performance of the built-in browser;
Performance.

Flaws:

The Home button does different things depending on which app is turned on;
Problems with displaying recently launched applications;
There is no fixed icon size.

Android KitKat (4.4)

Although Android KitKat did not become the expected 5th version, it received many visual and functional innovations that make you look at this platform completely differently. Among the “cosmetic” changes, it is worth noting the lock screen and the appearance of numerous fields, icons and other elements, with the help of which you can now quickly launch the desired application. There have been no fundamental changes in the list of pre-installed software. A useful innovation is the ability to open the application in full screen - this way more display space is used. If you use a gadget for games and not only, then it was created for this version of Android and higher greatest number the best apps and games. Multitasking mode has been improved, allowing you to quickly switch between applications. A remote control function is available, requiring an Internet connection and account. The developers have improved the work with the Google Now service, which you can launch much faster.

Advantages:

Improved autonomy;
Smooth operation of the system;
Beautiful and light shell;
Adding popular features at the hardware level.

Flaws:

Inconvenient widget navigation;
Different sizes of icons;
Errors when entering a graphic password;
High consumption of RAM;
Inability to transfer applications to a memory card.

Android Lollipop (5.0/5.1)

In the new version of Android Lollipop, the design has radically changed thanks to the Material Design concept. All notifications appear on the lock screen, and you can also launch several applications from it. A notable feature of the system is the ability to quickly access the software and change device settings in a matter of seconds. Many of the Android developer's applications have also changed to become better and fit the new design. This applies to GMail, camera, calculator, calendar, browser and others. The main thing is the ability to install applications on a memory card, which previous version it was impossible.

Advantages:

Smoothness and speed of operation;
Fundamentally new design;
Quick access to programs;
Ability to customize appearance systems.

Flaws:

Fast device energy consumption;
Complex interface;
Incompatibility with some software.

Android Marshmallow (6.0)

This version of Android is better in terms of graphic design and speed. Developers continue to add new features that make working with the Android gadget easier: on the desktop, icons are combined into folders, there are many ways to search for information, the appearance of widgets and icons can be changed to your taste. The sound settings in the OS have been adjusted, several sound modes are provided, and changes in working with text have also been made. Although overall there have been no significant changes compared to the previous system, this is still the best version of Android for 2016.

Advantages:

Beautiful design;
Accessible interface;
Improved core applications;
Improved settings for sound, applications, etc.

Flaws:

Active Wi-Fi consumes a lot of energy.

Android "N" (7.0)

The latest and best version of Android for the tablet, which will be released only in the summer of 2016, has received several interesting innovations. The notification system has changed - now you can reply to messages, read mail, etc. directly from the notification shade. A multi-window mode has appeared, allowing you to work with several applications on one screen, which is especially important for a tablet. Panel quick settings updated with new functions. Quick switching between applications is also available, now better system energy saving, a traffic saving function and much more.

Advantages:

Less battery consumption;
Saving Internet traffic;
Sleep function;
Multitasking and multi-window mode.

Flaws:

At this stage, they were not detected due to the lack of an OS version in the public domain.

Summarize

Thus, we can summarize that for 2016, the best version of Android for a tablet or smartphone will definitely be 6.0 “Marshmallow”; in any case, the platform is the most convenient, beautiful and functional until the official release of the new version 7.0. Outdated variations of the system are no longer supported by many new applications, and Marshmallow provides users with a huge set of useful functions, a beautiful shell and a pleasant experience of working with the devices.