The Android operating system is considered one of the "youngest", although everyone has got used to it for a long time. The first version was released just 9 years ago in September 2008. Since then, more than 40 updates have been released that have fixed previous errors and added even more functionality to the system.
Google wanted to assign the name of a famous robot to each subsequent version of the operating system. However, the developers abandoned this interesting idea, as it infringed on copyright. Therefore, it was decided to award new versions of the names of confectionery products, and to do this in the order of the Latin alphabet.
This is what the evolution of one of the most popular operating systems in the world looks like!
Android 1.0 "Apple Pie"
The version that started the history of Android was originally called Astroboy. Later, the creators changed it to "Apple Pie". The starting point for the "evolution" of the OS was released on September 23, 2008.
The most important feature of the version is the appearance Android Market, with which it became possible to download games and applications from an official source.
Android 1.1 "Banana Bread"
The original name "Bender" was given to this version in honor of the famous character from the animated series "Futurama". Later the name changed to "Banana Bread". The new version was released on 09.02. 2009 year.
Users could now add their own reviews to maps.
New buttons "Show" and "Hide" appeared in the call menu.
Files received via MMS can now be saved to the device memory.
Banana bread is unique in that it was meant for one single T-Mobile smartphone G1. This version has never appeared on other devices.
Android 1.5 "Cupcake"
On April 30, 2009, the next version of the Android OS called "Keks" was released.
Users could now install a third-party keyboard to replace the standard one.
The system keyboard received a row additional functions and the ability to work in both portrait and landscape display orientations.
Widgets appeared on the desktop, and folder transfer became possible.
Support for new formats for recording and playing audio and video files.
The call log and contact list have been visually changed.
Android 1.6 "Donut"
The App Store has been redesigned and improved.
An interface has appeared with which it became possible to switch files in the gallery, as well as select several files at a time.
The stability and speed of the search function has been improved and new features have been added.
Android 2.0 - 2.1 "Eclair"
Now you can work with several Google accounts at once.
The functionality of the camera has been updated.
The appearance of the calendar has been updated.
For the first time there were live wallpapers.
Many small changes and fixes for the system.
Android 2.2 "Froyo"
"Frozen yogurt" - this was the name of the next version of OS Android, released on 05/20/2010.
A general optimization of the security and operation of the OS was carried out.
Now you can transfer contacts using Bluetooth.
Bugs and errors of previous versions have been fixed.
Android 2.3-2.3.7 "Gingerbread"
"Gingerbread" - this was the name of the next update of the Android OS, released 06.12. 2010 year.
New user interface design
The system began to recognize new audio and video file formats.
Users could now copy and paste various files.
New audio effects have been added, including reverb, bass, and more.
Support for more cameras on one device, as well as additional sensors.
Fixed bugs related to sending mobile messages.
Android 3.0 - 3.2 "Honeycomb"
The current OS was "sharpened" only for tablets.
The desktop of tablet devices has become three-dimensional.
Support for devices with multi-core processors.
Now it is possible to connect various input devices and controllers to the tablet, for example, a computer keyboard or joystick.
The operating system has become more stable: its performance has increased, and many bugs have been fixed.
Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich"
A single graphical interface for all gadgets for Android OS.
The notification panel has become more informative.
The blocking panel was changed: the user could access calls, camera, SMS and email.
Users were able to take screenshots thanks to the built-in tools of the OS.
The functionality of the camera was increased: the image began to stabilize automatically, shooting in panorama mode appeared, and much more.
Android 4.1 -4.3 "Jelly Bean"
On June 27, 2012 Google hosted a presentation of the next version called "Jelly Candy".
The developers synchronized the work of both processors: the main and the graphic one, as a result of which the system interface began to work more smoothly.
The keyboard has been updated: new languages have been added and the dictionary has been expanded, as well as the ability to enter using the SWYPE method.
The information displayed in the notification panel has become more detailed.
Added support for multi-profile: now on the device it was possible to create several accounts with different parameters.
The "Camera" application has received the function of taking panoramic 360-degree photographs with the possibility of publishing them on the Internet.
Support for Miracast technology.
Improved standby mode, when the device, while in sleep or charging mode, displays news, live wallpapers, weather and other information on the screen.
Support for Bluetooth gamepads.
Other improvements.
Android 4.4 "KitKat"
The new version was named after the popular Kit-Kat chocolate bar and was released on October 31, 2013.
Multiple interface changes.
Function remote control Android.
Now users could instantly save files to the cloud, and also got access to cloud printers.
Pedometer support.
Android 5.0 - 5.1 "Lollipop"
03.11. 2014 was released next version- "Lollipop". Currently, according to official statistics, most of the devices based on Android work on the "Candy" -33.4% of the total number of devices.
The most dramatic change affected the appearance of the OS: a standard was introduced called "Material design", which consists in simplicity, brightness, stability and extended functionality.
You can open notifications directly on the screen. You just need to double tap.
The device now supports work with 2 SIM cards.
Fixed bugs of previous versions and improved system stability.
Numerous improvements have been made to the Nexus line of smartphones only.
A universal smartphone protection system called Device Protection has appeared, which, in the event of the owner losing or theft of the smartphone, locks the device, turning it into a useless "brick".
Google has built its own VPN service into the software "stuffing" of the device.
Release date - May 28, 2015. In Russian it sounds like "Marshmallow" - a confectionery product that resembles the familiar to us marshmallows.
The main innovation is the support of the payment system Android Pay... Now users with devices equipped with a fingerprint scanner can go through the verification and unlock procedure of the device using the software platform.
The Doze power saving function has appeared, the work of which was based on the use of a motion sensor. Device for a long time,
being in a motionless position goes into a "deep sleep", thereby preserving the charge. Background applications and processes also use less energy.
Now you can turn on the camera by double-clicking the power button.
Android 7.0 -7.1.1 "Nougat"
August 22, 2016 saw the light of the last to date, the seventh version called "Nougat".
Now "android" began to support the multi-window split screen mode.
By pressing one button, it became possible to clear all running processes and applications.
You can switch between running applications in background using the browse button.
Added "Night" mode, in which the adjustment of the optimal brightness and contrast of the screen in the dark is carried out automatically.
The Doze function, which is responsible for power saving, has been modified: now it saves power every time the device screen turns off.
Updated appearance of folders.
The system keyboard has received new emoji, as well as the ability to use stickers, gifs and other content.
Support for the acclaimed platform virtual reality Daydream VR.
And some graphics for easier perception of information
The diagram below clearly shows the evolution of the "green robot" from the beginning of creation to the present day.
And here you can see up-to-date information on the percentage distribution of versions of the total number of all devices based on the Android OS.
Android 8.0 - "Oreo"
At the moment, the exact release date and name of the eighth version of Android are unknown. However, according to information leaked to the network, it can be assumed that this will happen in May 2017. Most likely, the update will be named after the popular American Oreo cookie.
The first smartphone in the G8 will be the Google Pixel 2, which is scheduled to be released in late summer - early autumn this year.
The system of protection of devices based on "Oreo" will be improved, as well as the speed of operation will be increased in comparison with its predecessors.
According to rumors, there will be further development of Daydream, a virtual reality platform.
The work of built-in applications from Google will be optimized.
Updating Android can be tricky for an inexperienced user. Indeed, today there are many different versions, and many of them work successfully on devices, and are in demand. If updating to the latest version has become a problem for you, do not worry - in this article we will tell you which is the most latest version Android and how to update Android to the latest version.
The main Android version usually released once a year (although this is not always the case), with monthly security updates released in between. Sometimes Google also releases updates, they are numbered nonzero digits after a period (.1, .2, etc.). For example Android 8.0 - full version and Android 8.1 is its add-on. Updates are often more significant than the versions themselves.
Along with every Android version, there is a codename that many people use instead of the version number. Each one is named after a dessert or some other form of confection that is more fun than anything else.
Brief history of Android versions
Let's briefly recall the release history of Android versions, their names and release dates:
- Android 1.5, Cupcake: April 27, 2009
- Android 1.6, Donut: September 15, 2009
- Android 2.0-2.1, Eclair: October 26, 2009 (Initial release)
- Android 2.2-2.2.3, Froyo: May 20, 2010 (Initial release)
- Android 2.3-2.3.7, Gingerbread: December 6, 2010 (Initial release)
- Android 3.0-3.2.6, Honeycomb: Feb 22, 2011 (Initial release)
- Android 4.0-4.0.4, Ice Cream Sandwich: October 18, 2011 (Initial release)
- Android 4.1-4.3.1, Jelly Bean: July 9, 2012 (Initial release)
- Android 4.4-4.4.4, KitKat: October 31, 2013 (Initial release)
- Android 5.0-5.1.1, Lollipop: November 12, 2014 (Initial release)
- Android 6.0-6.0.1, Marshmallow: October 5, 2015 (Initial release)
- Android 7.0-7.1.2, Nougat: August 22, 2016 (Initial release)
- Android 8.0-8.1, Oreo: August 21, 2017 (Initial release)
- Android 9.0, Pie: August 6, 2018
As you can see, the update system didn't have any regularity early on, but since the Ice Cream Sandwich era, OS updates have started coming out annually.
It is also interesting that:
- Honeycomb was the only Android version for Android, and it worked with the Gingerbread build for phones only. Separate phone and desktop operating systems have been merged starting with Ice Cream Sandwich.
- Ice Cream Sandwich was arguably the most significant Android update to date. He not only combined the tablet and phone versions of the OS, but completely redesigned the appearance of the system.
- Google originally released developer-focused Nexus devices to highlight each version of Android. This eventually morphed into the consumer-centric Pixel device line that we have today.
- Android KitKat first revealed that Google has teamed up with a commercial manufacturer to release Android. They did it again for Android Oreo.
The penultimate version of Android 8.1, Oreo
The original version of Android Oreo (8.0) was released on August 21, 2017, and the Android 8.1 update was released on December 5, 2017.
Oreo offers a number of updates and new features over its predecessors, including a new download policy, limited background app data, notifications for apps running in the background or battery usage, picture-in-picture, auto-complete passwords in apps, improved time autonomous work and loading times, Project Treble and more.
Latest Android 9.0, Pie
Android 9.0, Pie has a number of updates and new features over its predecessor, including better battery life, improved app security, gesture navigation, and more.
The next version will be Android 10 Q
The next version operating system there will be Google Android Q - which is currently under development. The first beta versions of the new OS are expected to be sent out at the end of March 2019.
The official presentation of the latest version of the Android operating system will take place at the end of May 2019 at the Google I / O developer conference.
How to find out the Android version
To find out which version of Android is installed on your mobile device:
- Go to the "Settings" menu.
- Scroll down to the end.
- Enter "About phone" or "About device". If your phone doesn't have this option, it's likely running Oreo already. In this case, look for the "System" option.
- Scroll to Android Version. If your device already has the Oreo version installed, you can find the version information in the System Update section.
How to update to the latest version
It all depends on the manufacturer of your device. For handling and delivery Android updates manufacturers answer mobile devices, i.e. Samsung is in charge of updates for Samsung devices, LG handles updates for its phone, and so on. The only updates that Google itself handles are updates for the Pixel and Nexus devices.
Those. you may not be able to update your device today if your device manufacturer has not yet processed the update.
To find out if an update is available for your device, go to Settings -> About Device -> System Updates (or similar). Again, this may be in a different location, depending on your phone. For example, Samsung sets the System Updates option to the root of the Settings menu.
Clicking this option will check for an update on the device. If an update is available for your phone, it usually notifies you of this fact and prompts you to download and install it now.
The only sure way to make sure you get the latest version of Android is to buy Pixel smartphones. Google updates these phones directly and they tend to be updated with the latest major version and security fixes.
The Android operating system is present in most modern gadgets. It attracts users with many advantages: stability, availability, security, and other features. However, the company regularly releases updates that are strikingly different from each other. With every new Google version tries to remove as many flaws as possible, to make the platform better and more perfect. Many users of gadgets and those who are just going to purchase a new device often think about which is the best version of Android 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 to be a version in which there were no special innovations - only the old features that were already encountered in previous OS have become better and more modernized. It should be noted that in comparison with the previous options, it turned out to be the fastest and the best version... Nevertheless, there are still some novelties and functions that may be useful for a smartphone or other device.
Among them, an honorable place is occupied by the possibility of voice input of text 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 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. A new version of Android has appeared in this variation. NFC technology, which allows data exchange when two gadgets touch. The number of widgets has slightly increased, now you can also change their sizes. The changes were helpful in relation to the notification panel, which shows more detailed data, for example, the message text.
Advantages:
- Smoothness of the interface;
- Google Now service;
- Improved text input system;
- Improved work of the built-in browser;
- High-speed performance.
Flaws:
- The Home button performs different actions depending on which application is enabled;
- Problems displaying the last running applications;
- There is no fixed size for icons.
Android KitKat (4.4)
Although the Android KitKat did not become the expected 5th version, it received many visual and functional innovations that make you look at this platform in a completely different way. Among the "cosmetic" changes, it is worth noting the lock screen and the appearance of numerous fields, icons and other elements, with which you can now quickly launch desired application... There have been no fundamental changes in the list of preinstalled 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 is for this version of Android and higher that the largest number of the best applications and games have been created. Improved multitasking mode, in which you can 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 lightweight shell;
- Adding popular features at the hardware level.
Flaws:
- Inconvenient widget navigation;
- Different sizes of icons;
- Errors when entering a picture password;
- Large consumption of RAM;
- The inability to transfer applications to a memory card.
Android Lollipop (5.0 / 5.1)
V new version Android Lollipop has drastically changed its design thanks to the Material Design concept. All notifications appeared on the lock screen, and you can also launch several applications from it. A remarkable feature of the system is the ability to quickly access software and change device settings in a matter of seconds. Many of the Android apps have also been redesigned to better 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 was impossible in the previous version.
Advantages:
- Smoothness and speed of work;
- A fundamentally new design;
- Quick access to programs;
- The ability to customize the appearance of the system.
Flaws:
- Fast power consumption of the device;
- Complex interface;
- Incompatibility with some software.
Android Marshmallow (6.0)
This version of Android is better in terms of graphic design and speed of work. The developers continue to add new functions that simplify the work with the gadget on Android: icons on the desktop are combined into folders, there are many ways to search for information, the appearance of widgets and icons can be changed to your liking. The sound setting in the OS has been adjusted, several sound modes are provided, and changes have also been made to work with text. Although, in general, there have been no dramatic changes compared to the previous system, but this is still the best version of Android for 2016.
Advantages:
- Beautiful design;
- Accessible interface;
- Improved base applications;
- Enhanced settings for sound, applications, and more.
Flaws:
- Active Wi-Fi consumes a lot of power.
Android "N" (7.0)
The latest and greatest version of Android for a 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 curtain. A multi-window mode has appeared, which allows you to work with several applications on one screen, which is especially important for a tablet. The quick settings panel has been replenished with new functions. Fast switching between applications is also available, became better system energy saving, a function of saving traffic, and much more.
Advantages:
- Less battery consumption;
- Saving Internet traffic;
- Sleep mode function;
- Multitasking and multi-window mode.
Flaws:
- At this stage, they were not found 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 before 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 with devices.
Smartphones and tablets are becoming more sophisticated and more powerful, operating system developers are trying to keep up. An example of this is that the latest version of Android is significantly different from its predecessors. What is this difference and are the latest developments so good?
Description
This is the version of Android, which is more informative than the previous ones. Notifications have been improved and are accessible from the lock screen, as well as from any running application, just swipe down from the top of the screen.
Messages can be viewed from the lock screen, and a reply to them is also available from there. Incoming calls are not closed open programs, just a kind of widget will appear at the top of the screen, which you can ignore or answer the call. By setting up notifications, you can hide information about various events from others. You can also configure the type of ringing from different applications and just from different users.
The changes also touched the battery:
- all devices based on Android 5.0 have an increased battery life (1.5 hours on average);
- while charging, the screen displays the time until the end of the process;
- information on the cost of applications became available.
Regarding security - the owner of the smartphone can encrypt their data to avoid problems if the device is lost or stolen. This also includes the ability to use one device with several accounts - logging in under different accounts allows friends or loved ones not to share their information with each other. In addition, you can use the guest mode or the contact screen, in which the other user will only have access to the main set of applications, without personal files.
Media changes:
- Possibility of voice search on YouTube and Google Play.
- The device can be set up as a gamepad when connected to a TV.
- Videos and photos from the gadget can be broadcast to the TV.
Pros and cons
In addition to the already mentioned advantages of this version, you can also indicate an improved mode for people with poor eyesight with an increase in contrast and adjustment of the display, as well as accelerated turning on of the device with the ability to fully work with it.
The cons are as follows:
- more powerful applications and higher requirements for the gadget drain it faster;
- some users find the interface rather confusing;
- this version is still incompatible with pretty large quantity software.
Android 6.0 "Marshmallow"
Screenshots
Description
There are no special differences from the previous version, however, it is worth mentioning the existing features:
- there was a function of unlocking the screen by fingerprint;
- direct support for 2 SIM cards;
- dosage of battery energy to the work of background processes;
- access to apps and personal files is even better controlled;
- the ability to work with a "smart" home;
- multi-window mode;
- an additional application for payments appeared;
- another mobile device can be charged using a USB cable;
- there are several new animations.
Pros and cons
The advantages are:
- the ability to customize the gadget for yourself;
- you can download any file to your smartphone, regardless of whether it can be opened;
- battery consumption reduction function;
- search by applications;
- it has become much easier to talk to the gadget, now it is not necessary to launch the Google line to call the voice assistant.
There is one minus - the version cannot be installed on budget devices, and in general the list of smartphones and tablets based on Android 6.0 is quite limited.
Android 7.0 / 7.1 "Nougat"
Screenshots
Description
This is the most recent version of Android 2016, which is an even more improved Marshmallow. Here are its features:
- incoming calls can be filtered by phone number;
- improved system for working with previous running applications;
- night mode is also improved;
- notifications from one program can be combined into one;
- battery saving is done not only in standby mode;
- a picture-in-picture mode appeared;
- added 72 new animations with emotions; virtual reality is now supported in hardware.
Pros and cons
In addition to the above, you can add to the plus:
- improving the quality of 3D images;
- adding special shortcuts to the desktop that carry information about a preset action, i.e. with one click, you can send a message to a specific subscriber from your contact list;
- icons of standard applications have been visually redesigned.
The downside is that this version cannot yet be installed on any device except Samsung Galaxy S7 / S7 edge.
Outcomes
The choice of the latest versions of Android is small, because Marshmallow and Nougat are designed for specific brands and models of phones. Lollipop, despite all the complaints, is a very good development and the inability to support some applications does not prevent you from fully enjoying working with it.
Any gadget owner knows that there are different versions of Android - the operating system that manufacturers install on their devices. It was originally created to manage only mobile phones. Then it was used on tablets, smart watches, virtual reality glasses and even. The incredible popularity of Android is due to the many useful functions that it received in the development process. It is thanks to this that he easily bypassed his competitors Microsoft and Apple, conquering the market for almost all mobile devices. But it all started with a small startup. If Google did not see such prospects in the Android OS, users might not know what a modern gadget should be like.
This operating system became available to users in 2008. However, its development began 5 years before the release of the first version. The founder of the project was Andy Rubin, who, together with friends, wanted to implement the idea of creating an open operating system for mobile phones... They created and registered a company called Android Inc.
The ideas that formed the basis of Android, at that time, seemed too innovative. Therefore, the project did not arouse interest among investors who did not understand its essence. The exception was Google, which rescued a literally bankrupt company in time. But she also became the full owner of the Android trademark and all developments.
Due to litigation with Oracle, one of the leading search engines then she was going through hard times. It was decided to create Android in the form of an open OS, which is primarily focused on Google services.
The first working version of Android that was not released
The developers focused on the success of the then popular Blackberry company. Because of this, the first working version of Android had a similar interface. It appeared in mid-May 2007 and was named M3. The operating system was designed for phones with keys and a relatively small display. On the home screen, the main element was the Google search bar.
The idea for a touchscreen phone was taken over from Apple, which by then had released the first iPhone. If not for this event, the first version of Android would have appeared before 2008 and would have been designed for a regular push-button phone. The company decided to postpone the release of the OS and take a course on development specifically for touch screens... In addition, Andy Rubin was actively developing maps for the navigation service and wanted to create support for GPS technology in phones.
The official release of the first version of android
Android 1.0 was released in September 2008. Since Google was not engaged in the production of mobile devices, the company had to look for a manufacturer of phones for the new OS. The choice fell on the Taiwanese company HTC, which was one of the leaders in the production of devices under control Windows Mobile from Microsoft. The first phone to use Android as the OS was called the HTC Dream. A touchscreen display was installed in it, for which the OS from Google was adapted.
Despite the rather great interest in the device based on the new operating system, Android had to be significantly reworked. This was necessary in order to get rid of old concepts, eliminate the identified shortcomings and make it more modern. The real success of Android came only with the release of version 1.6.
A month after the official release, the Android Market was opened - the official store of applications that are intended for this OS. He has allowed a huge number of developers from all over the world to create applications for him and at the same time make good money. For users, this store has become the place where you can quickly quickly find and download the desired program for your phone.
Android 2.x versions
The developers have significantly improved the functionality and appearance of the operating system for the release of the version of Android 2.0, which was codenamed Eclair and was released in 2010. Incidentally, the idea of giving "tasty" names to new versions was suggested by one of the developers and was initially seen as a joke. But Android 1.5 eventually got the name Cupcake, version 1.6 - Donut. So the idea stuck and subsequent versions of the OS began to receive the names of sweets in alphabetical order.
The number of phone manufacturers that Google has partnered with had already grown significantly by this time. Motorola, Samsung, LG and other giants are interested in the promising OS. Competition in the market began to grow between them. To stand out from others using the same software, companies had to improve the hardware of their devices. In fact, Android has become the reason for the "performance race" of smartphones being produced.
In the same year, Google decided to release a branded smartphone. Since the company still did not have its own production facilities, HTC again took up the production of the Google Nexus One (this name was given to the new device).
The developers continued to develop and improve their mobile operating system and Android 2.2 Froyo appeared in the same year. This version added support for the technology Adobe flash, cloud data synchronization, and performance improvements for programs that use JIT compilation.
With the release of the most successful version of Android at that time, Google launched the second version of its branded smartphone on sale. This time Samsung was chosen as the manufacturer. However, by the day of the start of sales, LG announced its new phone using a dual-core processor. Therefore, the Nexus S did not achieve significant commercial success.
Operating system for tablets
In 2011, Google decided to give a decent answer to Apple for its iPad and adapted Android for tablets. Until then, this OS was only used on phones. So the light saw the version of Android 3.0 - Honeycomb. Many companies such as Motorola, Samsung, Acer, Lenovo and others have started using this version of the OS for their tablet PCs.
Due to some problems in Android work 3 and its incompatibility with phones, in the future, Google refuses to create versions of Android intended only for tablets.
Cross-platform OS
In the fall of 2011, the fourth version of the OS from Google appeared, called Ice Cream Sandwich. The interface has been significantly redesigned, new functions have been added. It has already become cross-platform - it could be installed both on a tablet and on a phone. With the release of this version of Android, the application store received a new name - Google Play.
In 2012-2013, the OS remained practically unchanged. Company Google more focused on the production of Android-powered devices. This is how they appeared on the market Galaxy smartphones Nexus, ASUS Nexus 7, LG Nexus 4 and Samsung Nexus 10 Tablet.
In 2013, the latest version of Android 4.4 was released, called KitKat. According to the already familiar tradition, the Nexus 5 was jointly released, for the production of which LG was responsible. This version of the OS seemed almost perfect. The developers managed to create a convenient and attractive interface that was in no way inferior to the iOS of that time. The work of all services has been debugged, support for a huge number of functions has been added. But, Google was not going to stop there.
Android 5 and OS versions for wearable devices
Deciding to expand the use of its OS, Google introduced a version of Android Wear designed for “ smart watch". But the most important event of that year was the release of the Android Lollipop version. In it, the interface was completely redesigned, which was named "Material Design". Besides external changes significant internal processing was carried out. Previously, the application code was processed by the Dalvik virtual machine. It was replaced by Android Runtime, which significantly increased OS performance and reduced power consumption.
Android 6.0 version with Google Now on Tap support
Android 6 somewhat disappointed fans of this OS, since there were no significant changes in the interface and functionality in it. The developers focused on creating a technology for searching the Internet for information about any element that is on the display. It was named Google Now on Tap. However, she did not gain the expected popularity.
In addition, Google has taken seriously the problems with the vulnerability of its OS, starting the regular release of patches and updates. It is also worth noting the emerging privilege management system, which asks for permission to use certain device functions. Doze and App Standby have been added to increase device runtime.
Evolution Android - Nougat release (Android version 7.0)
At the moment, this seventh version of Android is the latest. Android Oreo (tentative name) is coming soon. In the 7th version of Android, developers have added the ability to work with two applications at the same time by splitting the display. Despite the fact that many manufacturers have already implemented multitasking in their firmware, now it is officially supported.
The increase in the speed of work was achieved due to the transition to the new Java 8 and updates virtual machine ART. Applications in Android 7 work much faster due to the rejection of the "optimization stage" when they are first launched.
The innovations also affected the interface: to the panel with quick settings now you can add any buttons at the user's discretion. Appearance notifications have become better, the settings menu has turned out to be more detailed and structured. The new version of Android has full support for virtual reality. Notifications are now grouped by app, and emoji icons have been added.
In addition to the above, Android 7.0 surpasses everything previous versions due to the following features:
- the ability to change the display resolution;
- simplified OS upgrade procedure;
- suspend background processes when the screen is off to save battery power;
- support for the new personal assistant Google Assistant;
- function of closing all running applications with one click;
- support for instant applications that do not require installation to work;
- night mode for less stress on the eyes while using the device at night;
- function of saving Internet traffic.
All this makes Android Nougat one of the best operating systems for mobile devices today. Judging by the announced innovations of the next version of Android, they will be rather cosmetic in nature and will not bring anything revolutionary. Google is now focusing more on the security, performance, and energy efficiency of its OS. But, the developers still do not forget to please users with even small, but useful changes in the interface and functionality.
