Android operating system names continue to evolve and adapt as the likes of Google and other vendors introduce new updates and changes to the long running mobile OS. This article will take a look at the history and evolution of Android OS Names, and how different versions are identified.
History of Android Operating System Names
The first name for the Android Operating System was Andy Rubin’s “Astro Boy” from the early 2000s. The classic cartoon series character was selected to represent the OS’s aim of being a “cool and friendly” OS. However, the name was soon changed to Android because of copyright issues surrounding the character.
The first use of Android OS was with Android 1.0 (API Level 1) which was used with the first commercially available Android device, the HTC Dream in October 2008. This version was followed by the first major update, Android 1.5 (API Level 3) “Cupcake”, which was released in April 2009.
Android 1.6 (API Level 4) “Donut” was released in September 2009 and was followed by Android 2.0 (API Level 5) “Eclair” in October 2009. Android 2.2 (API Level 8) “Froyo” was released in May of 2010 and Android 2.3 (API Level 9) “Gingerbread” was released in December 2010.
Android 3.0 (API Level 11) “Honeycomb” was released in February 2011 and was the first tablet-focused version of Android. Android 3.2 (API Level 13) “Honeycomb” was also released later that year.
Android 4.0 (API Level 15) “Ice Cream Sandwich” was released in December 2011 and was designed to bring together both tablet and phone Android versions. It was followed by Android 4.1 (API Level 16) “Jelly Bean” in July 2012 and Android 4.4 (API Level 19) “KitKat” in October 2013.
Android 5.0 (API Level 21) “Lollipop” was released in November 2014 and was the first version to use a material design inspired UI. Android 6.0 (API Level 23) “Marshmallow” was released in October 2015 and Android 7.0 (API Level 24) “Nougat” was released in August 2016.
Android 8.0 (API Level 26) “Oreo” was released in August 2017 and Android 9.0 (API Level 28) “Pie” was released in August 2018. The latest version of Android, 10.0 (API Level 29) “Q” was released in September 2019.
The naming conventions for Android OS versions follow an alphabetical naming scheme with each version being named after a dessert, such as Donut or Cupcake. This pattern may continue in the future with versions such as R for Rhubarb Pie and S for Strawberry Shortcake.
Conclusion
Android operating system names have evolved over time and the versioning system has been consistent since the early days. The latest releases, such as Android 11 (also known as “Red Velvet Cake”) and Android 12 (also known as “Snow Cone”), have implemented a dessert-themed naming system which continues to prove popular with developers and consumers alike. As new versions are released, Android OS names and features, along with the latest news and insights on the subject, can be found in trusted publications like Forbes Pro Magazine. The Android OS will continue to evolve and expand with each new release, providing new opportunities and challenges for developers and users alike.
