OMG, this post hardly handles pastries or pudding, but goes into a chronological version history of the Android mobile operating system that began with the release of Android beta in November 2007. However, the first commercial version, Android 1.0 was offered to the public in September 2008.  Further Android versions (since April 2009) have been developed by Google under a confectionery-themed code name that was released in the following alphabetical order:

• Cupcake (1.5)
• Donut (1.6)
• Éclair (2.0 – 2.1)
• Froyo (2.2 – 2.2.3)
• Gingerbread (2.3 -2.3.7)
• Honeycomb (3.0 – 3.2.6)
• Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0 – 4.0.4)
• Jelly Bean (4.1-4.3)
• KitKat ( 4.4)

Android 1.5 (Cupcake)

Even though the Cupcake was Android’s 2^nd major release, nevertheless, it was the 1^st commercially available version. Featuring plenty of useful facilities, it was introduced along with Android’s first touchscreen-only phone – the HTC Magic. Cupcake, incidentally, enabled the copy-and-paste feature which we now literally take for granted – from plain text on a page to internal apps.

Android 1.6 (Donut)

Launched in September 2009, Android 1.6, also known as Donut, includes several new updates such as text-to-speech technology. As a matter of fact, it allows searches to be conducted via text and voice, while this is not restricted to the web; you can search your bookmark history, music, contacts, dictionary, etc from the same search box.

Android 2.0/2.1 (Éclair)

Released in October 2009, Android 2.0 and its update 2.1, also known as Éclair had brought along a revamped User Interface (UI), along with the introduction of Live Wallpapers (animated wallpapers at the homescreen). While it has Bluetooth 2.1 support for faster file transfer it also provides the virtual keyboard for faster typing experience.

Android 2.2 (Froyo)

May 2010 witnessed the launching of Android 2.2, also called Froyo or Frozen Yogurt that literally blew the competition out, so far as OS speed was concerned – due mostly to the Java V8 engine and the JIT compiler that launched apps faster than anything else. Addition of features like USB Tethering and Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot enabled easier data access.

Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)

Android 2.3, also known as Gingerbread saw the light of the day only after six months when Froyo had the headlines. While it allowed Copy-paste word-by-word (Press-hold to select) instead of by blocks, users were able to switch between front and back camera, thanks to the modified camera app.It also has better battery control tool that allows users to check which app is guzzling battery juice most and then take the appropriate decision.

Android 3 (Honeycomb)

This is when Google decided to pay more attention to tablets than smartphones. With the launching of Android 3, also known as Honeycomb, everything was on the UI, there becoming no need for physical buttons. The Back and Home keys perpetually get located at the bottom of the scAndroid 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)

Android 4, originally released in Oct 2011 and then updated in March 2012, also known as Ice Cream Sandwich has been credited with fantastic performance and speed. However, it carries some of the significant features that Honeycomb, installed in tablets has. This includes withdrawal of physical buttons. Also, the launcher is customizable while users can addncidentally, Project Butter is the codename for all of the work executed in order to turn Android faster, smoother and more responsive.

Android 4.4 (KitKat)

Google’s latest version of its Mobile Operating System, Android 4.4, also known as KitKat may not usher in a substantial list of transformative design and feature alterations, as in Ice Cream Sandwich, but to introduce a strategy to get this version on all Android devices – both premium and not-so-premium.

This is of course, a big deal because year after year, lower-end handsets come out running old versions of Android, arguing that Android is fragmented, thus giving customers a somewhat inconsistent experience. With KitKat, Google has permanently resolved the issue as it can run on most devices, thereby closing the gap between high-end and low-end devices.