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This first release was made in September 2008, but was not used in any commercially available device.
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This minor update was the first release used in a commercial device, the T-mobile G1, in October 2008
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This was a major release that was first utilized by a number of manufacturers. It was made available in April 2009, and was code-named Cupcake by Google. Enhancements include: Camcorder support to record and watch videos
Ability to easily upload images and videos to Picasa and YouTube
A number of Bluetooth improvements
Widgets and folders can now be placed on the home screen
Animation on various screen transitions
On-screen keyboard with text-prediction -
The v1.6 Software Development Kit (SDK) was released in September 2009. This release was code-named Donut. Enhancements include: New camera, camcorder and photo gallery interfaces
Improved voice search and search experience
Support for higher screen resolutions
Google turn-by-turn navigation
Text to speech engine
Multi-touch gesture support
VPN (Virtual Private Network) support -
In October 2009, the 2.0 SDK was released, and updated in January 2010 with version 2.1. Few devices were released with v2.0, but v2.1 has been quite popular. These releases were both code-named Eclair. Enhancements include: Improved UI
Contact and Account improvements and synchronization
Email support for Exchange, supports multiple account aggregation
More camera improvements including flash, digital zoom, white balance, scene modes and macro focus
Improved virtual keyboard
Browser improvemen -
In May 2010 the 2.2 SDK was released. This release is code-named Froyo (for Frozen Yogurt). Enhancements include: Camera control improvements with more on-screen buttons
Tethering with up to 8 WiFi hotspots or via USB connection
Multi-lingual keyboard support allows quick language switching
More performance improvements for faster app access and browser speedups
Bluetooth improvements including voice dialing, contract sharing, support for bluetooth car and desk docks
Numerous enhancements for M -
In December 2010 the 2.3 SDK was released. This release is code-named Gingerbread. There have also been a stream of minor updates and bug fixes to version 2.3 since it's intial release, with the latest as version 2.3.7 in September 2011. Enhancements from the first 2.3 release include: UI refinements for simplicity and speed
Faster, more intuitive text input on the virtual keyboard
One-touch word selection and copy/paste
Improved power management and power usage status
Application status and ab -
In February 2011, the 3.0 SDK was released. This release is code-named Honeycomb and is targeted at devices with larger screens such as tablets. Enhancements include: New UI optimized for tablets includes a new system bar, action bar, customizable home screens and recent apps list
Redesigned keyboard for faster more accurate entry
Improved text selection, copy and paste
Synchronize media files via USB without mounting a USB mass-storage device
Support for physical keyboards via Bluetooth or USB -
In late October 2011, version 4.0 was released. This release is code-named Ice-Cream Sandwich. It merges the 3.x tab centric design and the v2.x phone based design into a single version. Major UI changes and enhancements include: Refined UI
Recent Apps selection
Home folders and favorites tray
Resizable Widgets
Lock screen actions
Quick Response for calls
Network data control
Other areas that are new or improved include: Social network improvements
Unified calendar
Camera and Camcorder change -
In July 2012, version 4.1 was released. This release is code-named Jelly Bean. UI changes and enhancements include: Improved touch response and transitions
Expandable, actionable notifications
Adaptive keyboard and guesses
Other areas that are new or improved include: Instant review of taken photos
External braille input and output via USB
Improved Voice search
NFC based photo sharing
USB audio
Google Wallet -
In September 2013, version 4.4 was announced. This release uses the new code-name of Kit Kat. Areas that are new or improved include: Just say "Ok Google" to start voice operations
When playing music or videos, lock screen shows related art
Immersive mode hides everything except the active content
Faster multitasking
Priority contacts listing
Hangouts places all messages in one place
Printing -
In October 2014, version 5.0 was announced. This release uses the new code-name of Lollipop. Areas that are new or improved include: Responsive UI with natural lighting and shadows
Improved notifications, selective notifications and prioritzations
Battery saver, estimated time when charging should be completed
Encryption defaults on, and new smart-lock features
Sharing for guests and access to contacts from other phones
Improved Bluetooth operation
Boosted performance including support for 64-
