As always there was a lot of rumors about the next version of Android (version 4.3). The rumors indicated that the next version of Android will be named (based on the formula of naming Android versions) Key Lime Pie and the version would be 5.0. But after unveiling a chocolate Android robot in the Google yard complex, they named the new version of Android, Android Kit Kat. This Android version is 4.4 and its name is tied to the name of a famous chocolate company, Nestle, which makes the Nestle so excited that they are going to print Google's green robot on their chocolate packing. Moreover, Nestle puts Google’s Play gift card in some chocolates and entry card to a Nexus 7 Tablet lottery in some as well.

In this article, we discuss about the evolution of Android since the beginning, and the way to name each Android version.



 Android Naming Method

Have you ever thought about how the naming of Android versions is done? Naming of Android distributions follows a general rule. The first official version of Android which was made ​​available, Cupcake, started with the letter C. The next versions were Donut and Éclair, which started with D and E respectively. If you look carefully, you’ll see that the alphabetical order have been followed in each release. In addition to the alphabetical order, all the named follows the names of delicious foods. This same rule has been continued in the new version, Kit Kat, as well.

Android from the past to the present

• Android 1.5 (Cupcake): we saw many changes in this version compared to the earlier versions of the Android operating system. Adding widgets, support for stereo Bluetooth, video capture and playback were the most important changes in this version of Android.

• Android 1.6 (Donut): About six months after the arrival of Android 1.5, a new update was released for this operating system. This version supported WVGA resolution and added some new features in routing and navigation, Text To Speech function and improvement the Android Market.

• Android 2.0 (Eclair): One year after the introduction of the Android, this operating system reached version 2.0. This version came with many new features such as, support for live backgrounds, a new redesigned GUI, MS Exchange application and supports for multiple accounts in the Email application.

• Android 2.2 (Froyo): Android 2.2 is one of the completed versions ever created. Again, this version came with many changes and new functions and improvement which some of them were, USB and WiFi Tethering (sharing internet with other devices) , full Adobe Flash support, Chrome V8 JavaScript engine design , Voice Dialer and a function to install apps on the memory card.

• Android 2.3 (Gingerbread): Among the changes in this version we can name some improvement on Android's user interface, new sensors, support for Task Management and most importantly, support for NFC. Most of the devices are still running Gingerbread.

• Android 3.0 (Honeycomb): Google unveiled a customized version of Android for tablets. This version unlike the other versions was not open source and can only be installed on tablets. Proprietary interface, a dedicated browser for tablets, improved notification center were some of the most important changes in this version. Honeycomb continued to version 3.2, but after the integration of phone and tablet platforms came to an end.

• Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich): this Android version was one of the most revolutionary versions which feature lots of new features and functions. This version brought more stability to operating system, greater working speed and improvement in User interface. From this version the Android for both phones and tablets become integrated and just one platform is used for both.

• Android 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 (Jelly Bean): Android reached full maturity in the Jelly Bean version. One of the major changes in the Jelly Bean was Project Butter. It was a substantial improvement in the OS graphics part. Introduction of Google’s smart personal assistant, Google Now, was another important change in this version. Currently, this version is the latest version of the Android and available to users.

• Android 4.4 (Kit Kat): As we said at the beginning, still no information about this version is released and we should wait for the official Google’s announcement on this version features and functions.