Oreo Android, the sweetest version?
What does an Oreo cookie, a donut, a marshmallow or a lollipop have to do with your smartphone? Well, believe it or not, the names of all those sweets indicate the Android operating system installed on your cell phone.
After months of speculation about the new features to be included in the new Android operating system, August 21, the day of the solar eclipse, was the date chosen by Google’s engineers to unveil Android 8.0, codenamed Oreo. This new version allows you to minimize videos to a small window in any corner of your screen so that you can video chat while you’re checking your calendar or writing an email, for example.
However, the trend of codenaming Android releases after sweets and desserts is nothing new. Despite Android’s first two versions were unnamed: Android 1.0 (launched in September 2008) and Android 1.1 (released a year and a half after the first one), all subsequent Android versions have received tastier names than their predecessors.
Android Cupcake
Version 1.1 was followed three months later by version 1.5 (April 2009). Despite incorporating some really cool features (such as the ability to associate the contacts on your phone to pictures, or record videos in MPEG-4 and 3GP formats), this release is mainly remembered for being the first one codenamed after something as sweet as a cupcake.
From then on, all new Android versions have received a name that is irresistible for those with a sweet tooth.
Android Donut
If it was not tasty enough, Android Cupcake was followed by Android Donut in September 2009. This version, which featured a quick search box and major improvements to Android Market, was followed a month later by Eclair (Android 2.0 and 2.1), with amazing live wallpapers which responded to your touch. Additionally, Eclair included live traffic information that allowed users to choose the fastest way to get to their destination.
Frozen yogurt
Almost a year after Eclair’s release, Android decided it was time to offer users another delicacy with the launch of Froyo, short for “frozen yogurt.” This new version enabled users to control their phones using their voice.
Gingerbread
In December 2010, seven months after Froyo was released, Android announced the launch of Ginberbread. This codename was used to refer to versions 2.3 and 2.3.7, which provided a smooth experience for both users and app developers. This release introduced support for NFC communication, which allows users to, among other things, make payments with their phone as if it were a credit card.
An Android version as sweet as honey
Just three months after the release of Gingerbread, Android launched Honeycomb in March 2011. Honeycomb was the first Android operating system specifically adapted for work with tablets, and featured a simple interface that allowed the use of wide-format images.
Ice cream sandwiches
Several months had to pass before Android 4.0, codenamed Ice Cream Sandwich, was released in October 2011. This version managed to satisfy users’ sweet tooth once again, with its new control technology and customization options.
Jelly beans
Almost an entire year had to pass before Android 4.1, Jelly Bean, came out in July 2012. Jelly Bean was the first operating system to include a personal assistant with Artificial Intelligence. Plus, it provided the ability to use different user accounts on the same cell phone.
After a long break… Kit Kat
The technological advances included in Android 4.1 were so widely acclaimed that users had to wait more than a year for the next Android version. However, after the long wait, October 2013 saw the release of Android Kit Kat and its revolutionary ‘OK Google’. ‘OK Google’ allowed people to start a voice search, get driving directions or play a song without even touching their phones – just verbally saying the phrase.
Lollipop
Android Lollipop, released in November 2014, allowed the operating system to make the jump from smartphones and tablets to other types of devices. This update, which spanned versions between 5.0 and 5.1.1, marked the birth of the Android-based smartwatches, smart cars and smart TVs.
Marshmallow
It looks as if, after Jelly Bean, Android made the decision to launch a single new version per year. So, 13 months after Lollipop was launched, Google released Android Marshmallow in October 2015. User devices (now spanning not only tablets and smartphones, but all sorts of devices), became even tastier with the new Google Now on Tap, a feature that provided quicker shortcuts and smarter replies, as well as improved security features.
Summer nougat
June 2016 saw the release of Android Nougat. This version included a new Multi-Window mode and support for a new virtual reality platform called Daydream.
Some years ago, getting your phone wet was lethal. Today, however, Samsung’s latest spot for the launch of the Galaxy S8 smartphone features people taking pictures with their cell phones from the bottom of a swimming pool. Who knows if Android version 35, if Google continues with its habit of releasing a new version each year, will allow us to command our smartphone or smartwatch to make us some chocolate cookies…