Android devices form a very essential part of a huge section of mobile phone users in today’s world. With the global turmoil in the COVID-19 eras, the population has now entered a digital sphere. Android is the most used OS in smartphones during these days of transformation. But when did something like an android take birth in the first place and how did it decide its journey of growth? We did not know earlier than mother planet was to go on a social distancing strike in 2020, so how were we still prepared? Let’s answer all these questions right here!

When did it all start?

The story of Android dates back to 2003 when Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, and Chris White co-founded a start-up Android Inc. in Palo Alto, California. However, the company was later faced with the insufficiency of funds which brought Google into the picture. Google could sense the potential the product carried within and sealed a deal worth $50 Million to acquire Android in 2005. All the four Co-founders soon moved to the Googleplex to continue to develop the OS further under their new owners. The first public Android Beta Version 1.0 was finally published on 5th November 2007.

Android Version 1 Series

– Android 1.0 (API 1) and 1.1 (API 2)

Android 1.0 (API 1) was launched on the 23^rd  Of September 2008. It was incorporated into the HTC Dream smartphone (aka T-mobile G1 in the US). It thus became the first-ever Android device. The features it offered included Google Maps, YouTube, an HTML browser, Gmail, camera, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and many more. The unique feature at that time was the presence of an Android Market (now Play Store) from where the users could download and update Android applications additional to what was already pre-installed. A few months later, in February 2009, Google released the Android 1.1 (API 2) update for HTC Dream.  This time the aim was to make it more robust and user-friendly. There were four major updates in this version:

• Saving of attachments in messages
• Availability of details and reviews for businesses on Google Maps
• Longer in-call screen timeout by default while the speakerphone was in use along with the ability to toggle the dial-pad.
• Support was added for a marquee in the system layouts.

– Android 1.5 (API 3) aka Cupcake

This version came up in late April 2009 and was the first to have Google’s dessert-themed naming scheme and be incorporated in the Samsung Galaxy phone series. It was introduced with a lot of functionalities that we take for granted today. These updates included new features and enhancements to the ones already present in the above versions, for example, some major updates included auto-rotation, third-party keyboard support, support for widgets, video recording, enabling copy-paste for browser, facility to upload videos on YouTube, check phone usage history, etc.

– Android 1.6 (API 4) aka Donut

Just after a couple of months in September 2009, Donut was released. One of its most significant features was the inclusion of CDMA-based networks that made it possible for carriers across the globe to support it. Earlier only GSM technologies were in use. Other critical improvements such as support for devices having different screen sizes, quick search boxes and bookmarks on web browsers, fuller integration of Gallery, Camera, and Camcorder with faster camera access, expansion of the Gesture framework, text-to-speech, etc. were too introduced in this update.

Android Version 2 Series

– Android 2.0 (API 5), 2.0.1 (API 6), and 2.1 (API 7) aka Eclair

Almost after a year of the Version 1 release, Version 2.0 was launched in October 2009. Key highlights of this update included the introduction of navigation in Google Maps with voice guidance, support for adding multiple accounts in one device, display of live wallpapers, a lock screen with drag and drop unlocking functionality, additions to camera services such as Flash and digital zoom, the inclusion of smarter dictionary for virtual keyboards that learned through word usages, support for further more screen sizes, enhanced ability to track multi-touch events, better Calendar agenda, support for HTML 5 view and so on and so forth. Within three months of 2.0’s release, 2.0.1 and 2.1 were released in Dec 2009 and Jan 2010, respectively. These releases majorly dealt with minor amendments to the API and other bug fixes.  

– Android 2.2 (API 8) aka Froyo

Froyo is actually a combination of the words, “frozen Yogurt”. This version was launched in May 2010. Some of its most significant features included Wi-Fi mobile hotspot support, push notifications through Android Cloud to Device Messaging, enhancement of device security through PIN/ Password protection, Adobe Flash support, USB tethering functionality, update in Android Market application with the automatic update of apps features, support for Bluetooth enabled car, etc. The other versions 2.2.1, 2.2.2, and 2.2.3 were all in total about bug fixes and other security updates all released in 2011. The latest of them, i.e. 2.2.3 was published in Nov 2011.

– Android 2.3 (API 9) aka Gingerbread 

Gingerbread, released even before the later versions of Froyo, brought drastic changes to the look and feel of smartphones. The first phone to adopt this version was Nexus S, co-developed by Google and Samsung.  In this version, the user interface design was updated to bring in more simplicity and speed. Support for extra-large screen sizes and resolutions was integrated. Support for NFC function,  improved keyboard, enhanced support for multi-touch events, multiple cameras on the device including a front-facing camera, Enhanced copy/paste functionality were some other noteworthy features. Version 2.3.1 and 2.3.2 were released in Dec 2010 and Jan 2011 respectively. They majorly carried improvements and bug fixes for the Nexus S.

– Android Version 2.3.3 and further in the series Gingerbread (API 10).

Version 2.3.3 brought along some API improvements and bug fixes in Feb 2011. Further 2.3.4 in April the same year introduced support for voice and video chat using Google Talk. In this version, the default encryption for SSL was also changed from AES256-SHA to RC4-MD5. 2.3.5 and 2.3.6 were released dominantly with various kinds of bug fixes and improvements in July 2011 and Sept 2011 respectively. 2.3.7 got the Google wallet support for the Nexus S 4G in Sept 2011.

Android Version 3 Series

– Android 3.0 (API 11) Honeycomb

In Feb 2011, Android 3.0 Honeycomb was released to be installed on tablets and phones with larger screens only and had functions that could not be managed on phones with smaller screens. The most important function brought by this version was to eliminate the need for the physical button and rather the introduction of virtual buttons for performing the start, back, and menu functions. This version was first launched along with the Motorola Xoom Tablet. Other refined UI advancements were made by adding a System Bar which resolved quicker access to notifications and status at the bottom. The inclusion of an Action Bar gave access to contextual options, navigation, widgets, and other types of content at the top of the screen. This version also enabled switching between tasks/applications easier. Another significant feature included the ability to encrypt all the user data.

– Android 3.1 (API 12) Honeycomb

This version released in May 2011 presented many other UI refinements. Its foremost feature was support for joysticks, gamepads, external keyboards, and pointing devices. It also had better connectivity for USB accessories.

– Android 3.2 series Honeycomb (API 13)

Version 3.2 released in July 2011, mainly improved the hardware support and increased the ability of various applications to access files on the SD card.  Some displays support functions were also upgraded in this update to control the variation of display appearances on different Android devices more precisely. 

3.2.1 in Sept 2011 brought in various bug fixes and minor security, Wi-Fi, and stability improvements. Some other updates were too made to Google Books, Adobe Flash, and Android Market.

On Aug 30, 2011, 3.2.2 and 3.2.3 were released, and in Jan 2012, 3.2.5 was published. All of them were majorly about bug fixes and other minor improvements for the Motorola Xoom and Motorola Xoom 4G.

In Dec 2011, the 3.2.4 version introduced the Pay As you Go feature for 3G and 4G tablets. And the last version of this series, 3.2.6, published in Feb 2012 fixed the data connectivity issues faced when disabling the Airplane mode on the US 4G Motorola Xoom.

Android Version 4 Series

– Android 4.0 (API 14) Icecream Sandwich 

Android 4.0 was released in October 2011. It was a combination of a lot of features of the Honeycomb Version and the Gingerbread. For the first time ever, the Face Unlock feature for smartphones was introduced with 4.0. Other prominent features included the possibility to monitor the use of mobile data and Wi-Fi, sliding gestures to reject notifications, tabs of a browser or even tasks, integration of screenshot capture using the Power and Volume button, real-time speech to text dictation, using certain apps without necessarily unlocking, pre-fed text responses to calls, and many more. Another important feature that greatly enhanced the accessibility of devices for the visually challenged people was a new explore-by-touch mode through which users could navigate through the screen with the help of audible feedback. This eliminated the need to actually view the device’s screen. A lot of advanced camera capabilities were added in this version, including the Panorama mode. Live effects during the recording of videos were also introduced.  The new technology of Wi-Fi peer-to-peer (P2P) that lets the users connect directly to nearby peer devices over Wi-Fi, without the need for internet or tethering was also introduced with this version. Android 4.0.1 and 4.0.2 introduced in October and November 2011 brought minor bug fixes to certain devices.

– Android 4.0.3 and 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich (API 15)

4.0.3, released in December 2011 brought various bug fixes, optimizations, and enhancements to certain functionalities including databases, Bluetooth, graphics, camera, Calendar provider. 4.0.4, released in March 2012, too brought minor improvements such as better camera performance and smoother screen rotation.

– Android 4.1 (API 16), 4.2 (API 17), and 4.3 (API 18) Jelly Bean

Android 4.1 was the first version of Jelly bean and the fastest and smoothest by that time too. This version further enhanced the accessibility and extended assistance to international users by introducing Bi-directional text i.e. left to right or right to left scripts and support for various other international languages. From this version onwards, the notifications could be expanded, display a greater variety of content, present options for multiple actions, etc. User-installable keyboard maps were also introduced. Shortcuts and widgets can automatically be re-arranged or re-sized to allow new items to fit on home screens. Android Beam, an NFC-based technology could let users instantly share media, just by touching two NFC-enabled phones together. 

Version 4.2 was launched in Nov 2013. This was a faster smoother and more responsive version. This was the first version to introduce the feature of one tablet, – many users through which multiple users could use the same device but still have a separate system environment for each user data. Other prominent incorporations included Widget support (display any kind of content on the lock screen, however it was removed again in 2014), Daydream feature which is an interactive screensaver mode that starts when a user’s device is docked or charging, presentation functionality that let user represent a window for their app’s content on a specific external display, Wi-Fi Display that let users connect to an external display over Wi-Fi on the supported devices and full native support for RTL. 

Version 4.3 released in July 2013 built further on the performance improvements already included in earlier versions of Jelly Bean. It introduced the platform support for Khronos OpenGL ES 3.0, which provided games and some other apps with the highest-performance 2D and 3D graphics capabilities on supported devices. This release further extended the multi-user feature for tablets, which made it even easier to manage users and their capabilities on a single device. Another prominent feature of this version would let apps observe the stream of notifications with the user’s permission and then display them in any way they choose to. They could also send these notifications to nearby devices connected over Bluetooth. 

– Android 4.4 (API 19) Kitkat 

The launch of Android 4.4 KitKat took place in 2013 and had many distinct features such as the blue accents found in Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean had turned whiter and many storage applications displayed lighter color schemes. With the ‘Ok Google’ command, a user could access Google at any time and could work on phones with a minimum RAM memory of 512MB. The phone app could automatically prioritize user’s contacts based on the numbers most frequently contacted. Google Hangouts was introduced in this version that could keep all the user’s SMS and MMS messages together in the same app. Emoji was made also available on Google Keyboard.

– Android 4.4W (API 20) KitKat, with wearable extensions.

3 Versions of Android KitKat exclusive to Android Wear devices were released between June 2014 to October 2014. These were primarily designed for smartwatches and other wearables and integrated with Google Assistant technology and mobile notifications features into a smartwatch form factor. 

Android Version 5 Series  

– Android 5.0 (API 21) Lollipop 

Android 5.0 was launched in Nov 2014 with the Nexus 6 device. It was the first to feature Google’s ‘Material Design’ Philosophy which brought tremendous improvements to the UI Design, for example, the Vector drawables which could be scaled indefinitely without losing their definition were introduced. Other significant features included the replacement of VM Dalvik with Android Runtime that improved the app performance and responsiveness considerably as some of the processing power for applications could now be provided before they were opened. Support for Android TV was integrated that provided a complete TV platform for any app’s big-screen experience. The navigation bar had been renewed making it more visible, accessible, and configurable. A/V sync was improved noticeably. Quite some new concepts too were implemented in this release such as the ‘Document-centric apps‘ that enabled users to take advantage of concurrent documents and provided them with instant access to their content/ services, ‘Android in the workplace’ that allowed apps in the launcher to display a Work badge over their icon which was an indication that a certain app and its data are administered inside of the work profile, and  ‘dumpsys batterystats‘ command that would generate battery usage statistics and help the users understand system-wide power use.

– Android 5.1 (API 21) Lollipop

This version of Android was launched in March 2015. Some notable features of the release included official support for multiple SIM cards, the Device protection policy that kept the device locked in case of theft/misplacement until the owner signs into their Google account, and the introduction of High-definition voice calls, available between compatible 4G LTE devices.

Android Version 6.0 Marshmallow (API 23)

Android Marshmallow was launched in October 2015 and it did bring along remarkable features such as support for biometric fingerprint unlocking and USB type C support, the introduction of Doze mode which reduced CPU speed while the display remains turned off to enhance the battery life, a search bar for easy access to applications and option to mark them as favorites, Android Pay, the introduction of the Memory Manager, Contextual search from keywords within apps, the possibility to set the volume for device, media, and alarms all separately, a refurbished vertically scrolling app drawer that could be accessed alphabetically, provisions for target-specific sharing between apps, MIDI support for musical instruments and a lot more. Google Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X were the first devices to have android Marshmallow preinstalled.

Android Version 7 Series 

– Android 7.0 (API 24) Nougat

In August 2016, Google released Android 7.0 Nougat. It presented improved multitasking features especially for devices with larger screens, for example, the split-screen mode was introduced along with provision for fast switching between applications. Other significant features included the integration of the Daydream virtual-reality platform and enhancement of the ‘Doze now‘ mode. More characteristics such as rearranging the Quick Setting tiles for faster access, replying to conversations through notifications themselves, catching up with all the notifications from a specific app together through bundled notifications, limiting device data usage with Data Saver, and the possibility to change the size of the text as well as icons on the display screen were incorporated. Google Now was replaced with Google Assistant. The first phones to come with this version were Google Pixel, Pixel XL, and LG V20.

– Android 7.1, 7.1.1 and 7.1.2 Nougat (API 25)

Android 7.1, released in October 2016 majorly brought changes and updates to the existing features and the ones introduced in 7.0, however, one fascinating design idea portrayed in 7.1 was the Circular app icon support. 

In 7.1.1, launched in December 2016, a new set of emojis with different skin tones and haircuts to existing ones were added. Moreover, it now became possible to send GIFs directly from the default keyboard.

In April 2017, 7.1.2 was published that brought in battery usage alerts.

Android Version 8 Series

– Android 8.0 (API 26) Oreo

This version appeared in Aug 2017 and brought a series of noteworthy changes to the existing ones. It turned out to be a more powerful and faster version as it had a 2x boot speed compared to Nougat when tested on Pixel devices, according to a claim by Google. This version was smarter as well which was evident through the introduction of functionalities such as Autofill, picture-in-picture mode (for example, the video calling window in WhatsApp while working with some other app), and the Notification dots through which user could quickly catch up with newer information. This update brought enhancements to the security aspect too by launching Google Play Protect that ensured the safety of the device and its data against misbehaving apps. Apart from these, attention was also driven towards visual details, e.g. the blob style for emojis was replaced with emojis that were consistent with other platforms, and Quick Settings and Settings were redesigned considerably.

– Android 8.1.0 (API 27) Oreo

Android 8.1 released in December 2017, introduced a variety of new capabilities for users and developers. The most significant one for users was the development of Go Edition that provided configurations for Memory optimizations, Flexible targeting options (New hardware feature constants that let the users target the distribution of their apps to normal or low-RAM devices.), and Google Play Services. For Developers, a whole new bunch of APIs was added including the Neural Networks API, Shared memory API, and WallpaperColors API. 

Android Version 9 Pie (API 28)

Android 9 was introduced in August 2018. It brought tremendous improvements to the visual aspect and made exceptional use of the power of artificial intelligence. The most noticeable ones included, replacement of traditional navigation buttons with an elongated button in the center that functioned as the new start button, swiping which up provided an overview of recently used applications, a search bar, and five application suggestions. Improvements were brought to the battery life, ‘Shush‘ was introduced that automatically put the phone in ‘Do not Disturb‘ mode by placing the phone face down, capabilities for adaptive Brightness and Battery were embedded, provision to avail details of screentime to grab a better idea of how often and for what purposes the phone device was used was introduced.

Android Version 10 (API 29)

With Android 10 in Sept 2019, Google announced a rebranding of the operating system, eliminating the sweets-name based naming scheme that was being used for the earlier versions. With this version, a new logo and a different color scheme were announced. Facilities such as Live Captions for all media, smarter replies to text (automated text and actions suggestions), ‘Focus mode’ to block out distractions by selecting certain apps to pause temporarily, replacement of navigation buttons with the use of gestures, availability of the dark mode at the system level, provision for more control over permissions for applications, the introduction of support for foldable smartphones with flexible displays, and capabilities to see device location, set screen time limits and have better parental control over children’s content were embedded. 

Android Version 11 (API 30)

Android 11 was recently released on the 8^th of September 2020. This version has come up with a tagline ‘The OS that gets to what’s important‘ and it’s pretty much justified. Android 11 brings along capabilities to control conversations across multiple messaging apps all in the same spot, it allows the user to digitally select priorities for people they are conversing with and then show the most important conversations at the top and on the lock screen. Another distinguishing feature is the chat bubbles (similar to the Facebook messenger) through which users can pin conversations from various messaging apps so they always appear on their screens. The built-in screen recording feature has been introduced finally that avoids the installation of an extra app to record the screen. Enhancements have been brought to the smart reply features and the voice access functionalities. One more captivating feature is the Device control capability that allows controlling all the connected devices from one place. Google play security has also been updated remarkably. 11 major versions have been launched by Android till date and with each version, the OS promises to get better. Till the next release let’s speculate what newer capabilities could an OS unleash! 

Android Version 12 (API 31)

Android 12 was released on October 4, 2021 with tagline: “A Personal Phone for You”. Android 12 brings a complete visual overhaul with the introduction of Material You, a design system focused on personalizing the user interface. With dynamic colour themes, users can customize the look and feel of their devices to reflect their style, with the system adapting to wallpapers and user preferences. Here’s a summary of some key features and fun facts about Android 12:

• Material You: The new design language changes the aesthetic of the entire system based on users’ wallpaper, automatically generating a colour palette that’s applied to widgets, notifications, settings, and more.
• Improved Privacy Features: Android 12 introduced a Privacy Dashboard, allowing users to see which apps are accessing sensitive information like the microphone, camera, or location. Visual indicators (like a small dot) notify users when an app is actively using the camera or microphone.
• Quick Settings Overhaul: The Quick Settings panel was redesigned for easier access to important controls, including toggles for smart home devices, Google Pay, and internet connection.
• Performance Enhancements: Android 12 optimized the CPU usage by up to 22%, leading to smoother animations and better power efficiency. This was particularly beneficial for gaming and multitasking.
• Haptic Feedback Customization: Game developers and app creators can now provide more immersive experiences by customizing haptic feedback based on audio or touch interactions, which is great for mobile gaming.
• Scrolling Screenshots: One of the most requested features, scrollable screenshots, allows users to capture long pages without needing to stitch multiple images together.
• One-Handed Mode: Android 12 introduced a one-handed mode, shrinking the display to make it easier to interact with the device when using one hand.
• Fun Fact: Android 12’s Easter Egg features playful colour circles that reflect the Material You design system. When you long-press the clock in the settings menu, you’re greeted by a clock that spins around and eventually unlocks the dynamic colours.
• Another Fun Fact: Android 12 is optimized to work with foldable devices, which is significant as foldable smartphones gained popularity in 2021 and beyond. This shows Android’s commitment to innovation and adapting to new hardware trends.
• Overall, Android 12 focused on personalization, privacy, and performance, offering users a more tailored and secure mobile experience. With the growing trend of foldable phones and evolving smart technology, Android 12 set the foundation for even more flexible and interactive mobile platforms in the future!

Android Version 13 (API 33)

Android 13 was released on August 15, 2022. Android 13 continues the focus on personalization, security, and user experience enhancements. Building upon the foundation of Material You from Android 12, Android 13 introduces more user-centric features and visual tweaks for a seamless and secure experience across devices. Here are the features of and changes in the Android 13

• Expanded Customization with Material You: Users can now apply Material You’s dynamic colour themes to more apps, not just Google ones. It allows greater personalization of the entire system, including third-party app icons that adapt to wallpaper colours, making the phone feel uniquely yours.
• Enhanced Multilingual Support: Android 13 offers per-app language preferences, so users can choose different languages for individual apps. This is particularly useful for multilingual users who prefer certain apps in different languages.
• Improved Privacy and Security: The Photo Picker feature lets users share specific images with apps without giving access to the entire photo library. Also, app notification permissions require apps to ask before sending notifications, giving users more control over their app experience.
• Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio: This new audio standard introduced better energy efficiency and lower latency for wireless audio devices. It also supports broadcasting audio to multiple devices, like sharing music with friends seamlessly.
• Spatial Audio Support: For a more immersive audio experience, Android 13 added Spatial Audio, which adjusts the sound direction based on head movement, ideal for music and video playback with compatible headphones.
• Improved Tablet and Foldable Experience: Android 13 introduced features to optimize the experience on larger screens like tablets and foldable devices. The updated taskbar and improved split-screen mode enhance multitasking, making it easier to use several apps side by side.
• Fun Fact: Android 13’s Easter Egg is a quirky extension of the one from Android 12! This time, it adds colourful emoji bubbles, where users can tap to create emoji patterns. You can even find rare emojis like animals, food, and symbols!
• Fun Fact: For the first time, Android 13 supports streaming messaging apps to Chromebooks, allowing users to chat from their laptops without switching between devices. This shows Google’s increasing focus on a connected ecosystem.
• Overall, Android 13 brought further personalization through Material You, stronger security controls, and better support for large screens and audio features. It helped refine and improve the Android experience across different device types, setting the stage for the future of multi-device collaboration and connected ecosystems.

Android Version 14 (API 34)

Android 14 was released on October 4, 2023. Android 14 builds upon the foundations of personalization and device connectivity established by earlier versions, enhancing performance, accessibility, and multi-device functionality. With deeper customizations and smarter features, Android 14 aims to offer a seamless and efficient user experience. Following are the features of the Android 14:

• More Customizable Lock Screen: Android 14 introduces lock screen customizations, allowing users to personalize their lock screen with different clock styles, fonts, and widget placements, making the phone feel even more unique.
• Improved Battery Efficiency: Battery life enhancements continue in Android 14, with improved power management, especially for apps running in the background. This helps devices last longer on a single charge by reducing energy consumption for background tasks.
• Advanced Accessibility: Android 14 expands on accessibility features with enhanced screen readers, better magnification options, and non-verbal communication tools, making it easier for users with disabilities to navigate the system.
• Satellite Connectivity Support: For the first time, Android 14 adds support for satellite-based communication, enabling emergency messaging in areas with no cellular coverage. This is a significant move toward improving communication in remote locations.
• App Cloning: Android 14 officially allows app cloning, which lets users run two instances of the same app with different accounts, such as using two WhatsApp accounts on the same device. This is a great feature for people balancing personal and work life on one phone.
• Faster and More Secure Updates: Google Play System Updates have been further enhanced, allowing quicker and more frequent updates for security patches and system components without needing full OS upgrades.
• Health Connect Integration: Android 14 integrates Health Connect, a centralized hub for all fitness and health data, making it easier to manage health-related apps and share data between them seamlessly.
• Fun Fact: The Android 14 Easter Egg features a space-themed puzzle game where users collect “space sweets” (a nod to Android’s sweet treat naming history), as Android 14 is also internally known as “Upside Down Cake.”
• Fun Fact: Android 14 introduces emoji wallpaper generation! Users can create custom wallpapers filled with their favourite emojis in various patterns and styles, adding a fun touch to device personalization.

Android Version 15 (API 35)

Android 15, with the name of “Vanilla Ice Cream,” was released on October 15, 2024. This version builds upon previous iterations, introducing a range of features designed to enhance security, privacy, and user experience. Following are the features of Android 15:

• Theft Detection Lock: Android 15 introduces an AI-powered Theft Detection Lock that automatically locks the device upon detecting suspicious behavior, such as sudden movements indicative of theft. This feature helps protect user data by preventing unauthorized access.
• Private Space: Users can now create a secure, private space within their device to store sensitive applications and data. This area is protected by additional authentication measures, ensuring that confidential information remains secure even if the device is compromised.
• Partial Screen Sharing: Android 15 allows users to share or record specific portions of their screen, providing more control over the content being shared. This feature is particularly useful during presentations or when sharing sensitive information.
• App Archiving: To optimize storage, Android 15 introduces app archiving, enabling users to archive unused apps without uninstalling them completely. Archived apps free up space but retain user data, allowing for quick restoration when needed.
• Enhanced Multitasking on Large Screens: Recognizing the growing use of foldable devices and tablets, Android 15 offers improved multitasking capabilities. Users can pin the taskbar, save split-screen app pairs, and enjoy a more seamless experience when using multiple applications simultaneously.
• Satellite Connectivity Support: Building upon previous developments, Android 15 continues to enhance support for satellite-based communication, enabling emergency messaging in areas without cellular coverage. This feature ensures users can stay connected during critical situations.
• High-Quality Webcam Mode: Users can now utilize their Android devices as high-quality webcams for their PCs. This feature supports 1080p video over a wired connection, providing a convenient solution for video conferencing and streaming needs.
• Improved PDF Management: Android 15 includes substantial improvements to the PdfRenderer APIs, enhancing the handling and rendering of PDF documents within applications.
• Health Connect Integration: The latest extensions around Health Connect by Android are integrated into Android 15, providing a secure and centralized platform to manage and share health and fitness data across various applications.
• Fun Fact: Continuing the tradition of hidden surprises, Android 15 features an Easter egg that pays homage to its codename “Vanilla Ice Cream.” Users can discover this playful addition by navigating to the version number in their device settings.