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Android

Photos: The evolution of the Android OS

By Conner Forrest October 20, 2014, 1:16 PM PDT

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Photos: The evolution of the Android OS

Android 1.0/1.1

Image: T-Mobile

Android 1.0/1.1

Google recently announced the newest version of its mobile operating system, Android 5 Lollipop. Here’s a look back at Android versions over the years.

The Android operating system made its debut as a Google property in late 2008 on the T-Mobile G1. This version was known as Android 1.0, and was lauded for its pull-down notification system. Android 1.1 was released early 2009 and mostly dealt with bug fixes and minor improvements. Android 1.0 was also known as “Alpha,” and Android 1.1 was also known as “Beta.”

Image: T-Mobile
android1-5.jpg
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Photos: The evolution of the Android OS

Android 1.5 Cupcake

Image: CNET

Android 1.5 Cupcake

Android 1.5, also known as “Cupcake,” was the first version to carry the dessert name theme. The main features of Android 1.5 were the on-screen keyboard, video capabilities, and the ability for developers to create their own widgets.

Image: CNET
android1-6.jpg
android1-6.jpg
Photos: The evolution of the Android OS

Android 1.6 Donut

Image: Samsung

Android 1.6 Donut

Google released Android Donut late in 2009, introducing features and updates that were mostly under the hood. Android 1.6 introduced the ability of Android to run on different aspect ratios and resolutions, and opened it up to CDMA devices.

Image: Samsung
android2-0.jpg
android2-0.jpg
Photos: The evolution of the Android OS

Android 2.0 Eclair

Image: CNET

Android 2.0 Eclair

Android 2.0 launched on the original Motorola Droid on Verizon very shortly after the launch of Android Donut. The new UI design was the most dramatic visual change to the OS, and Eclair brought support for multiple Google accounts on a single device. Eclair ran from version 2.0u20132.1.

Image: CNET
android2-2.jpg
android2-2.jpg
Photos: The evolution of the Android OS

Android 2.2 Froyo

Image: Google

Android 2.2 Froyo

Summer 2010 saw the introduction of Android 2.2 Froyo, first available for update on the Nexus One device. With Froyo, the phone and browser were no longer separate widgets, but were anchored to the bottom on the home screen. Froyo ran from version 2.2u20132.2.3.

Image: Google
android2-3.jpg
android2-3.jpg
Photos: The evolution of the Android OS

Android 2.3 Gingerbread

Image: CNET

Android 2.3 Gingerbread

Android 2.3 launched in tandem with the Samsung-produced Nexus S phone. Gingerbread provided support for front-facing cameras, as well as providing many minor changes in design and performance. Gingerbread ran from version 2.3u20132.3.7.

Image: CNET
android3-0.jpg
android3-0.jpg
Photos: The evolution of the Android OS

Android 3.0 Honeycomb

Image: Motorola

Android 3.0 Honeycomb

Honeycomb was Google’s first real attempt at a tablet OS, and it was met with mixed reviews. The main noticeable features of Android 3.0 were its UI design and widget layout, as they were quite a departure from past Android versions. Honeycomb ran from version 3.0u20133.2.6.

Image: Motorola
android4-0.png
android4-0.png
Photos: The evolution of the Android OS

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

Image: Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

Face Unlock and Android Beam were among the key features announced with the rollout of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Roboto took the place as the default text and a customizable favorites tray made its way to the bottom of the home screen. Ice Cream Sandwich ran from version 4.0u20134.0.4.

Image: Jessica Dolcourt/CNET
android4-3.jpg
android4-3.jpg
Photos: The evolution of the Android OS

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

Image: Josh Miller/CNET

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

The 2012 I/O developer conference saw Google announce Jelly Bean, Android version 4.1. Google Now was, without a doubt, the biggest feature of this Android version, which also introduced some minor design tweaks and predictive text. Android 4.2 introduced multiple user profiles on a single device and was around the same time as the release of Google Play edition smartphones. Jelly Bean ran from version 4.1u20134.3.1.

Image: Josh Miller/CNET
android4-4.jpg
android4-4.jpg
Photos: The evolution of the Android OS

Android 4.4 KitKat

Android 4.4 KitKat

KitKat was yet another Android version to launch alongside a new Nexus device, this time being the Nexus 5. Google Now landed on the home screen and the dialer got a refresh, as well as some other changes to design and productivity. KitKat ran from version 4.4u20134.4.4.

android5.jpg
android5.jpg
Photos: The evolution of the Android OS

Android 5.0 Lollipop

Image: Google

Android 5.0 Lollipop

Android Lollipop will be the first Android version to make use of Google’s new Material Design. It also adds some new security features, notification updates, and enhanced multiple user access.

Image: Google
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By Conner Forrest
Conner is a former Senior Editor for TechRepublic. He is now a Senior Research Analyst at 451 Research.
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