Saturday, February 4, 2012

Android OS overview Evolution Features

The first commercial version of Android OS was 1.0 which was released in 2008. Towards end of 2009, Android released its one of the popular version called Eclair(ver2.1) . The version is now used by several entry level Android phones such Micromax A60.
Android OS

Android Eclair OS:Android Eclair was the turning point for Android OS. In this version user interface has been completely reworked, Higher screen resolution and higher screen size support started.  Live wall papers, camera flash support, Exchange email support and multiple account/contact on device  are added in this version.

Android Froyo:Six months after the release of Eclair version, Android released newer version 2.2 which is named as Android Froyo.  This version added many features such as WiFi Hot spot functionality, USB tethering, better multimedia management, push notification and added the feasibility to install apps on SD card instead of Phone memory. Other performance improvements done are improved application launcher, batch and automatic app update support in the Android Market, Adobe Flash support and voice dialing via Bluetooth. Froyo was started to feature in  tablets because of the built-in support for larger displays and better stability. 

Android Gingerbread:Another six months down the line, Android version 2.3 code named as Gingerbread is launched. Google Nexus S is the first smartphone feature Android Gingerbread. In Gingerbread OS, the entire user interface has been re worked and added many performance improvements.  The major emphasize has been put on onscreen keyboards and better accuracy of the keyboards with simpler copy/paste functionality. This version started support for Front camera, gyroscope and barometer on Android devices. Power management is also increased with this version which intern helped to increase battery life of Android smartphones.

Android Honeycomb:Android 3.0 code named Android Honeycomb launched dedicated for Tablets keeping in mind 7 inch or larger screen size. Honeycomb version added new interface with 3D effects and Android button standardization.  This version OS removed the necessity of having physical buttons by adding system bar at the bottom. The system bar includes navigation buttons, notifications and even provides one-touch access to connectivity settings. Other improvements include a better onscreen keyboard, hardware acceleration, multi-core processor support and multi-tasking.
The new Android 3.1 brought in support for external USB keyboards and joysticks, while Android 3.2 includes further bug fixes and overall performance improvements.

Android 4.0 or Android Ice Cream Sandwich:  Android 4.0 code named as Ice Cream Sand witch is the first common OS for Tablets and Smartphones. This version of Android incorporated all the good features of 2x,3x versions.  It also added new look and improvement on performance.  The new Ice Cream Sand witch new features are face unlock(Face recognisation), customisable launcher, separation of installed widgets, a new tabbed browser, built-in photo editor, improved camera performance and a refreshed contacts app with social network.
Google Nexus is the first phone to feature Android ICS, However all other popular smartphones such as Samsung Galaxy S2, Motorola Razr etc will get this update shortly.  It is been rumored that Samsung Galaxy S3 will feature Ice Cream Sand witch.

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