5 Recent Android Versions and Their Features Leave a comment

Android is the most popular mobile operating system in the world. In early 2016, Android accounted for around 85% of all smartphone sales to end users worldwide. Their user-friendliness and the control they offer over the system make them the winner in the mobile operating system arena.

Since its inception in 2008, Android has seen many developments and introduced various updated versions. Each version has something to offer with an interesting tasty nickname inspired by delicious desserts.

Today’s blog post discusses the details of 5 recent Android versions. Use this post as a reference to find out the features of various versions before buying a smartphone.

Android 4.4 – KitKat

Android’s KitKat version was officially introduced on September 3, 2013. It focused on optimizing the operating system of entry-level devices and making improvements in the visual performance and responsiveness. The most notable changes in this update include:

• Unified hangouts app that supports SMS and MMS enabling you to store all messages in one app
• Improved performance even on low-end devices
• New immersive mode that facilitates better navigation
• Activation of Google Now by saying ‘OK Google’
• Smarter caller ID feature
• Support for cloud storage solutions

Android 5.0 – Lollipop

The Lollipop version of Android was unveiled on June 24, 2014 and it became available on select devices on November 12, 2014. The key change made in this update was of a design language known as Material Design. This language has now become the unified design language implemented across all Google products. It enables fluid, purposeful motion providing more tangible interaction. Other significant changes include:

• Introduction of the smart lock system
• More captivating Android gaming
• New battery saver mode
• Easy access to notifications from the lock screen and other applications with the help of top-of-the-screen banners
• Addition of do-not-disturb feature to notifications
• Screen pinning
• Introduction of handy controls such as screen rotation, flashlight, hotspot and cast screen controls

Android 6.0 – Marshmallow

Officially released on October 5, 2015, the Marshmallow version of Android was a refinement and extension of the main features of its Lollipop version. It emphasised maintaining the previous version rather than focusing on makeovers. However, it featured some excellent additions such as:

• Increased standby battery life with Doze mode
• Advanced controls to allow or deny permissions for all installed apps
• Fingerprint sensors to unlock the device, authenticate transactions and other controls
• Easy transfer of your data, apps and account to a new device
• A highly improved version of Google Now

Android 7.0 – Nougat

The Nougat version of Android was officially launched on August 22, 2016. Its multitasking interface has made it a huge hit among the smartphone users. The Doze-on-the-go feature made this version improve performance and offer better battery management. Some of the key features of this update are:

• Multi-window to use two apps at the same time
• High-performance 3D graphics
• VR mode to experience high-quality virtual reality
• Customized quick settings
• Introduction of night-light feature
• Bundled notifications for individual apps

Android 8.0 – Oreo

Oreo is the latest version of Android and it will be succeeded by Android ‘P’. It was released to the public on August 21, 2017. It is the smarter, faster and more powerful of all the updates. It has 2x the boot speed when powering up, thus enabling you to complete your tasks quickly. It minimizes background activities in the least used apps and gives you a smoother operating system. Other important features include:

• New emoji collection
• Better colour management
• Auto-fills to remember your logins and getting into apps instantly
• Notification dots for categorizing notifications and viewing them quickly
• Redesigned notification shade
• Teleportation of new apps from the browser without installation

Android is a multidimensional mobile operating system that comes with a wide variety of ‘sweet tech treats’ with each version. Its forward-thinking features and user-friendly interface has made it the leader OS in the world. Hopefully, this nostalgic trip of a part of Android’s history has helped you get an insight of this powerful operating system. Go through it to understand the important features of your Android smartphone.