Android is the most popular mobile operating system developed by Google based on the Linux kernel and designed primarily for touch-screen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet .The first commercial version Android 1.0 was released in September 2008. Android has a great journey of 5 year and in this journey we see many updates in Android versions.
In this post we shall see Version number , API Level , Nick Name ,Release Date and Features for each of the android versions .
1. Alpha
| Version | 1.0 |
| API Level | 1 |
| Nickname | No Name |
| Release Date | September 2008 |
Features
- Allows to download and update the application from android market.
- Web browser to show, zoom and pan full HTML, X HTML web pages .
- This Version is Packed with great internet serviced based apps like Gmail , Gtalk,Google maps ,Google Search and many more app likes media players ,bluetooth support and wifi .
2. Beta
| Version | 1.1 |
| API Level | 2 |
| Nickname | No Name |
| Release Date | February 2009 |
Features
- The Update Resolved bugs which were found in version 1.0
3. Cupcake
| Version | 1.5 |
| API Level | 3 |
| Nickname | Cupcake |
| Release Date | April 2009 |
Features
- Supports Keyboard predictions
- Widgets are introduced in this version
- Auto-rotation option
- Animated Screen Transition
- Media Support for video recording and playback in MPEG-4 and 3GP formats
- Ability to uploads videos to youtube
- Ability to upload photos to picasa.
4. Donut
| Version | 1.6 |
| API Level | 4 |
| Nickname | Donut |
| Release Date | September 2009 |
Features
- Text to speech technology is introduced.
- Support for WVGA screen resolutions.
- Speed improvements in searching and camera applications.
- Ability for users to select multiple photos for deletion.
- Gallery, camera and camcorder more fully integrated, with faster camera access.
5. Eclair
| Version | 1.6 |
| API Levels | 5 , 6 , 7 |
| Nickname | Eclairs |
| Release Date | October 2009 |
Features
- Expanded Account sync allowing users to add mulitple accounts to device for synchronization.
- Live wallpapers were introduced in this version.
- Ability to search all saved SMS and MMS messages.
- Improvement in Google Maps.
- The Web Browser is refreshed with thumbnail ,double tap zoom and support for HTML 5 features.
- Camera Features like flash, digital zoom, white balance and colour effects are including in camera settings.
6. Froyo
| Version | 2.2 – 2.2.3 |
| API Level | 8 |
| Nickname | Froyo |
| Release Date | May 2010 |
Features
- Speed, memory, and performance optimizations.
- Adobe Flash Player Support.
- USB tethering and Wi-Fi hotspot functionality.
- Updated Market application with batch and automatic update features.
- Support for Bluetooth-enabled car and desk docks.
- Gallery allows users to view picture stacks using a zoom gesture.
7. Gingerbread
| Version | 2.3-2.3.2 |
| API Levels | 9 , 10 |
| Nickname | Gingerbread |
| Release Date | December 2010 |
Features
- Support for a front-facing camera for video calling .
- Support for Near Field Communication (NFC) .
- New Download Manager, giving users easy access to any file downloaded from the browser, email, or another application .
- Audio, graphical, and input enhancements for game developers .
Note : Drawable Image Resource are handled very typically in android prior to honeycomb version they are stored in native memory and then from honeycomb and above version they are stored in heap memory
8. Honeycomb
| Version | 3.0 – 3.2 |
| API Levels | 11 , 12 , 13 |
| Nickname | Honeycomb |
| Release Date | February 2011 |
Features
- This version is Optimized to Support tablets.
- UI refinements.
- Keyboard Redesigned.
- Better 3D Support.
- Support for video chat using Google Talk.
- Multiple browser tabs.
- Improved Adobe Flash support in browser.
9. Ice Cream Sandwich
| Version | 4.0.3 – 4.0.4 |
| API Levels | 14 , 15 |
| Nickname | Ice Cream Sandwich |
| Release Date | October 2011 |
Features
- Face recognition for unlocking your phone.
- Calendar provider enhancements to support zoom functionality.
- Integrated screenshot capture (now accomplished by holding down the Power and Home buttons).
- Easy to create folders in drag and drop manner.
10. Jelly Bean
| Version | 4.1 – 4.3 |
| API Levels | 16 , 17 , 18 |
| Nickname | Jelly Bean |
| Release Date | July 2012 |
Features
- Many security enhancements, performance . enhancements, and bug fixes are found in this version .
- Improvement in UI to make it faster and smooth .
- Improvement in notification ,such as photos or subject lines in emails.
- Group Messaging.
11. Kitkat
| Version | 4.4 |
| API Level | 19 |
| Nickname | kitkat |
| Release Date | October 2013 |
Features