Android Codenames
Updates for the open source Android mobile operating system developed under dessert-inspired codenames, with each new version arriving in alphabetical order with new enhancements and improvements to the Android SDK .
Here's a snapshot of the Android updates that have already been released as well as at least one currently in development:
- Cupcake (v1.5) - Debuted in Fall 2008: Key additions: Speech recognition tools, a virtual keyboard, video upload support for YouTube and support for live data feeds and live folders.
- Donut (v1.6) - Debuted in Fall 2009: Key additions: Support for CDMA smartphones, additional screen sizes and a text-to-speech engine.
- Eclair (v2.0) - Debuted in October 2009: Key additions: Support for multi-touch devices, new browser interface, Microsoft Exchange support, single interface for managing multiple online accounts, soft keys support, and an enhanced camera app (with digital zoom and flash support).
- FroYo (v2.2) - Debuted in Fall 2010: Key additions: USB tethering support (for turning a smartphone into a Wi-Fi hotspot), significant speed improvements, Flash 10.1 support, voice dialing over Bluetooth, the ability to store apps on external memory cards, updated browser with Google Chrome's V8 JavaScript.
- Gingerbread (v2.3) - Debuted in December 2010: Key additions: Google Voice over Wi-Fi, enhanced gaming functionality, improved Google Apps.
- Honeycomb (v3.0) - Debuted in February 2011: Key additions: A tablet-centric update that delivered a new interface optimized for devices with larger screen sizes (particularly tablets), video chat support based on Google Talk protocols, new System Bar for global status and notifications and Action Bar for application control, tabbed Web browsing, optimized soft keyboard and a new email interface.
- Ice Cream Sandwich (v4.0) – Debuted in October 2011: Key additions: A smartphone-centric update based on the Linux kernel v3.0.1 that brings many of Honeycomb's features to smartphones, including Face Unlock facial recognition software, tabbed Web browsing capabilities, unified social networking contacts, 1080p video recording capabilities and video chat support based on Google Talk protocols.
- Jelly Bean (v5.0?) – Expected to debut in 2012: Anticipated key additions: Advanced natural language voice command capabilities akin to Apple’s Siri, an improved Web browser – possibly a mobile version of Google Chrome, enhanced file management capabilities and more.
See also Android platform and Android SDK.
Related Terms
- Donut - Android Codename »
- Eclair - Android Codename »
- Jelly Bean - Android Codename »
- Honeycomb - Android Codename »
- Gingerbread - Android Codename »
- Ice Cream Sandwich - Android Codename »
- Ubuntu Codenames »
- Windows 8 codename »
- Quantal Quetzal (Ubuntu Codename) »
- Raring Ringtail (Ubuntu Codename) »
- Windows Server 8 codename »
- Android Market »
- Android Launcher »
- Android Renderscript Compute »
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