There's no doubt that Google's Android mobile operating system has exploded from its first foray in October 2008 to become--for many--the everyman's smartphone OS.
Google's breakneck development speed has paid off since it acquired Android, then a start-up, in 2005. The mature Android now accounts for 53 percent of smartphone sales as of the final quarter of 2010, according to research from Canalys--and there's no slowdown in sight.
Despite an earlier promise that Android updates would be reduced from about twice per year to once per year, Google has recently released Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and the tablet-specific Android 3.0 (Honeycomb), and hinted at the next treat in its enticing alphabet of releases, Ice Cream Sandwich. Meanwhile, many people are still waiting or hoping for their Android 2.2 (Froyo) updates.
Here's a look at milestones in Google's Android operating system, from its humble beginnings to its current ambitions in tablet domination.
Android versionSDK release*Notable updatesGPS and Bluetooth (but not stereo Bluetooth)MultitaskingTight integration with Google services like Gmail, Google Maps (with Street View), and Google CalendarApps: Amazon MP3 Store; YouTubeAndroid Market (about 35 apps at launch)No Microsoft Exchange Server; no camcorderUniversal search box (search had been limited to the Web)Revamped Android Market: Browsing categories (Apps, Games, Downloads) and filters (Top Free, Top Paid, Just In)Camera: Toggle between camera and video modes; integrated photo gallery and camera with bulk photo deletingSDK expands support for gestures, voice-to-textVirtual onscreen keyboardCamcorder mode for recording (and watching) videoStereo BluetoothHome screen widgets and foldersCopy/paste and search within the browserDirect upload to YouTube and PicasaMultiple user accountsExchange support; universal e-mail inboxQuick Contact pop-up widget to launch communications with friends in the address bookSearch saved SMS and MMS messagesCamera improvements include support for flash and digital zoomBluetooth 2.1Keyboard improvements: Adaptive dictionary that includes contact names in suggestionsLive wallpaper; five home screensSpeech-to-text added to any text field; microphone icon for voice dictation in e-mails, texts, and so onSpeedier OSUSB tethering and hot-spot supportAndroid Market update: Batch and automatic updates; installing apps to the SD cardAdobe Flash 10.1File uploading in the browserImproved Microsoft Exchange support: security policies, global address lookup, calendar sync, remote wipeBluetooth support for voice dialing and contact sharingRedesigned copy/pasteWebM video compression supportNFC (near field communication) supportSwitch to front-facing camera from camera appVirtual keyboard shortcuts
3D graphics supportSide-by-side browser tabs; private browsingDual-pane modes for address book, e-mailRedesigned UI includes program thumbnailsVideo chatting with Google TalkFull-screen-mode photo galleryBluetooth tethering* We list the date of the SDK release rather than the over-the-air (OTA) update timeline since OTA release dates vary by carrier and handset model.
Gingerbread (Android 2.3)
The Nexus S is the only Android phone to currently run on Gingerbread. Indeed, Android 2.3 included a few of the feature upgrades we expected, like support for video playback using Google's WebM video format. We also saw progressive improvements to copy/paste.
An online Android Market did arrive to shower Android users with over-the-air installations, but it came independently of the OS release cycle, and after the Nexus S debuted.
Honeycomb (Android 3.0)
We've taken several looks at Google's Honeycomb OS on CNET's top CES product, the Motorola Xoom. So far the tablet optimization impresses, especially when held up against other Android tablets running Android 2.2.
Google made its heavy investment in Honeycomb evident at its special demo event this month. There, The Goog showed off two-way video chatting with Google Chat and a new interactive app called Google Body that takes a Google Earth approach to human anatomy. CNET will have much more on Honeycomb when we get the Xoom in-house.
Ice Cream Sandwich (Android ?.?)
There isn't much known about Google's next Android release, not even a confirmation of the name. We're unsure if Ice Cream Sandwich will pick up where Gingerbread left off, as Android 2.4, or if it will follow in Honeycomb's footsteps as Android 3.1. It could roll out as soon as Google's annual I/O conference this May.
What about Google Music?
Speaking of I/O, we're also waiting for Google's Android Market music store to rival iTunes, something we've been looking out for since Google acquired Simplify Media. At this point, it's more probable we'll see Google Music announced and demoed there than at another special event like the Honeycomb demo.
Watch out, Apple. It's getting to be a Google World.
Editors' note: This article was originally published August 4, 2010. It was updated February 7, 2011.
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