Android Apps runs on a Linux based operating system for several types of mobile devices and smartphones. Google has partnered with Open Handset Alliance to develop the operating system for Android Apps.
It’s widespread usage has made Android Apps the best-selling and most used smartphone platform worldwide with over 850,000 new Android App activations daily.
Android Apps are available via Google Play (formerly Android Market). There are both free and paid Android Apps divided into four main sections from books, movies, music and Android Apps. In the Android Apps section you can browse Android Apps according to your interests such as business, entertainment, games, sports for example. Google Play also offers a nifty top charts feature highlighting top paid, top free, top grossing, top new paid and top new free Android Apps. You can also customize your library of apps with my books, my movies, my music and my Android Apps.
Android has a large community of developers writing applications ("apps") that extend the functionality of the devices. Developers write primarily in a customized version of Java. Apps can be downloaded from third-party sites or through online stores such as Google Play the app store run by Google. As of February 2012 there were more than 450,000 apps available for Android, and the estimated number of applications downloaded from the Android Market as of December 2011 exceeded 10 billion.
Android App development can be easily done with the many app builders and open source tools available such and IbuildApp.com, Java SDK, and MIT app inventor, a kind of what you see what you get platform for Android Apps development.
To become a licensed Android App developer you will need a Google Gmail account and a payment of $25.
History of Android App Versions
Android 1.0, the first commercial version of the software, was released on 23 September 2008. The first Android device, the HTC Dream (G1), incorporated the following Android 1.0 features:
· Android Market application download and updates through the Market app
· Web browser to show, zoom and pan full HTML and XHTML web pages – multiple pages show as windows ("cards")
· Camera support – however this version lacked the option to change the camera's resolution, white balance, quality, etc.
· Folders allowing the grouping of a number of app icons into a single folder icon on the Home screen.
· Access to web email servers, supporting POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP.
· Gmail synchronization with the Gmail app
· Google Contacts synchronization with the People app
· Google Calendar synchronization with the Calendar app
· Google Maps with Latitude and Street View to view maps and satellite imagery, as well as find local business and obtain driving directions using GPS
· Google Sync, allowing management of over-the-air synchronization of Gmail, People, and Calendar
· Google Search, allowing users to search the Internet and phone apps, contacts, calendar, etc.
· Google Talk instant messaging
· Instant messaging, text messaging, and MMS
· Media Player, enabling management, importing, and playback of media files – however, this version lacked video and stereo Bluetooth support
· Notifications appear in the Status bar, with options to set ringtone, LED or vibration alerts
· Voice Dialer allows dialing and placing of phone calls without typing a name or number
· Wallpaper allows the user to set the background image or photo behind the Home screen icons and widgets
· YouTube video player
· Other apps include: Alarm Clock, Calculator, Dialer (Phone), Home screen (launcher), Pictures (Gallery), and Settings.
· Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support
v1.1
On 9 February 2009, the Android 1.1 update was released, initially for the T-Mobile G1 only. The update resolved bugs, changed the API and added a number of other features:
· Details and reviews available when a user searches for businesses on Maps
· Longer in-call screen timeout default when using the speakerphone, plus ability to show/hide dial pad
· Ability to save attachments in messages
· Support added for marquee in system layouts
· v1.5 Cupcake
· The Android Emulator default home screen (v1.5).
· On 30 April 2009, the Android 1.5 update, dubbed Cupcake, was released, based on Linux kernel 2.6.27. The update included several new features and UI amendments:
· Support for third-party virtual keyboards with text prediction and user dictionary for custom words
· Support for Widgets – miniature application views that can be embedded in other applications (such as the Home screen) and receive periodic updates
· Video recording and playback in MPEG-4 and 3GP formats
· Auto-pairing and stereo support for Bluetooth added (A2DP and AVRCP profiles)
· Copy and paste features added to web browser
· User pictures shown for Favorites in Contacts
· Specific date/time stamp shown for events in call log, and one-touch access to a contact card from call log event
· Animated screen transitions
· Added auto-rotation option
· Added the current stock boot animation
· Ability to upload videos to YouTube
· Ability to upload photos to Picasa
V1.6 Donut
On 15 September 2009, the Android 1.6 SDK – dubbed Donut – was released, based on Linux kernel 2.6.29. Included in the update were numerous new features:
· Voice and text entry search enhanced to include bookmark history, contacts, and the web
· Ability for developers to include their content in search results
· Multi-lingual speech synthesis engine to allow any Android application to "speak" a string of text
· Easier searching and ability to view app screenshots in Android Market
· Gallery, camera and camcorder more fully integrated, with faster camera access
· Ability for users to select multiple photos for deletion
· Updated technology support for CDMA/EVDO, 802.1x, VPNs, and a text-to-speech engine
· Support for WVGA screen resolutions
· Speed improvements in searching and camera applications
· Expanded Gesture framework and new Gesture Builder development tool
V2.0/2.1 Éclair
v2.0
The Motorola Droid introduced Android 2.0.
On 26 October 2009, the Android 2.0 SDK – codenamed Éclair – was released, based on Linux kernel 2.6.29. Changes included:
· Expanded Account sync, allowing users to add multiple accounts to a device for email- and contact-synchronization
· Exchange email support, with combined inbox to browse email from multiple accounts in one page
· Bluetooth 2.1 support
· Ability to tap a Contacts photo and select to call, SMS, or email the person
· Ability to search all saved SMS and MMS messages, with delete oldest messages in a conversation automatically deleted when a defined limit is reached
· Numerous new camera features, including flash support, digital zoom, scene mode, white balance, color effect and macro focus
· Improved typing speed on virtual keyboard, with smarter dictionary that learns from word usage and includes contact names as suggestions
· Refreshed browser UI with bookmark thumbnails, double-tap zoom and support for HTML5
· Calendar agenda view enhanced, showing attending status for each invitee, and ability to invite new guests to events
· Optimized hardware speed and revamped UI
· Support for more screen sizes and resolutions, with better contrast ratio
· Improved Google Maps 3.1.2
· Motion Event class enhanced to track multi-touch events
· Addition of live wallpapers, allowing the animation of home-screen background images to show movement
v2.0.1
The Android 2.0.1 SDK was released on 3 December 2009. It was a minor platform release deployable to Android-powered handsets, including minor API changes, bug fixes and framework behavioral changes.
v2.1
The 2.1 SDK was released on 12 January 2010.It was a minor platform release deployable to Android-powered handsets, including minor amendments to the API and bug fixes.
V2.2.x Froyo
Google's Nexus One was the first smartphone to receive Android 2.2 Froyo.
v2.2
On 20 May 2010, the Android 2.2 (Froyo) SDK was released, based on Linux kernel 2.6.32. Its features included:
· Speed, memory, and performance optimizations
· Additional application speed improvements, implemented through JIT compilation
· Integration of Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine into the Browser application
· Support for the Android Cloud to Device Messaging (C2DM) service, enabling push notifications
· Improved Microsoft Exchange support, including security policies, auto-discovery, GAL look-up, calendar synchronization and remote wipe
· Improved application launcher with shortcuts to Phone and Browser applications
· USB tethering and Wi-Fi hotspot functionality
· Added an option to disable data access over mobile network
· Updated Market application with batch and automatic update features
· Quick switching between multiple keyboard languages and their dictionaries
· Voice dialing and contact sharing over Bluetooth
· Support for Bluetooth-enabled car and desk docks
· Support for numeric and alphanumeric passwords
· Support for file upload fields in the Browser application
· Support for installing applications to the expandable memory
· Adobe Flash support
· Support for extra-high-PPI screens (320 ppi), such as 4" 720p
Google's Nexus One was the first smartphone to receive Android 2.2 Froyo.
v2.2
On 20 May 2010, the Android 2.2 (Froyo) SDK was released, based on Linux kernel 2.6.32. Its features included:
· Speed, memory, and performance optimizations
· Additional application speed improvements, implemented through JIT compilation
· Integration of Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine into the Browser application
· Support for the Android Cloud to Device Messaging (C2DM) service, enabling push notifications
· Improved Microsoft Exchange support, including security policies, auto-discovery, GAL look-up, calendar synchronization and remote wipe
· Improved application launcher with shortcuts to Phone and Browser applications
· USB tethering and Wi-Fi hotspot functionality
· Added an option to disable data access over mobile network
· Updated Market application with batch and automatic update features
· Quick switching between multiple keyboard languages and their dictionaries
· Voice dialing and contact sharing over Bluetooth
· Support for Bluetooth-enabled car and desk docks
· Support for numeric and alphanumeric passwords
· Support for file upload fields in the Browser application
· Support for installing applications to the expandable memory
· Adobe Flash support
· Support for extra-high-PPI screens (320 ppi), such as 4" 720p
· Gallery allows users to view picture stacks using a zoom gesture
v2.2.1
The Android 2.2.1 update was released on 18 January 2011, and included a number of bug fixes, security updates, and performance improvements.
v2.2.2
The Android 2.2.2 update was released on 22 January 2011, and fixed minor bugs, including SMS routing issues that affected the Nexus One.
v2.2.3
The Android 2.2.3 update was released on 21 November 2011, and consisted of two security patches.
V2.3.x Gingerbread
Google's Nexus S introduced Android 2.3 Gingerbread.
v2.3
On 6 December 2010, the Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) SDK was released, based on Linux kernel 2.6.35. Changes included:
· Updated user interface design with increased simplicity and speed
· Support for extra-large screen sizes and resolutions (WXGA and higher)
· Native support for SIP VoIP internet telephony
· Faster, more intuitive text input in virtual keyboard, with improved accuracy, better suggested text and voice input mode
· Enhanced copy/paste functionality, allowing users to select a word by press-hold, copy, and paste
· Support for Near Field Communication (NFC), allowing the user to read an NFC tag embedded in a poster, sticker, or advertisement
· New audio effects such as reverb, equalization, headphone virtualization, and bass boost
· New Download Manager, giving users easy access to any file downloaded from the browser, email, or another application
· Support for multiple cameras on the device, including a front-facing camera, if available
· Support for WebM/VP8 video playback, and AAC audio encoding
· Improved power management with a more active role in managing apps that are keeping the device awake for too long
· Enhanced support for native code development
· Switched from YAFFS to ext4 on newer devices
· Audio, graphical, and input enhancements for game developers
· Concurrent garbage collection for increased performance
· Native support for more sensors (such as gyroscopes and barometers)
v2.3.3
Released on 9 February 2011, Android 2.3.3 included several improvements and API fixes.
v2.3.4
Version 2.3.4 introduced support for voice or video chat using Google Talk.
v2.3.5
Released on 25 July 2011, Android 2.3.5 included a number of system enhancements:
· Improved network performance for the Nexus S 4G, among other fixes and improvements
· Fixed Bluetooth bug on Samsung Galaxy S
· Improved Gmail application
· Shadow animations for list scrolling
· Camera software enhancements
· Improved battery efficiency
v2.3.6
Released on 2 September 2011, this version fixed a voice search bug. The 2.3.6 update had the side-effect of impairing the Wi-Fi hotspot functionality of many Canadian Nexus S phones. Google acknowledged this problem and fixed it in late September.
v2.3.7
Android 2.3.7 introduced Google Wallet support for the Nexus S 4G.
V3.x Honeycomb
v3.0
On 22 February 2011, the Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) SDK – the first tablet-only Android update – was released, based on Linux kernel 2.6.36. The first device featuring this version, the Motorola Xoom tablet, was released on 24 February 2011.Changes included:
· Optimized tablet support with a new virtual and “holographic” user interface
· Added System Bar, featuring quick access to notifications, status, and soft navigation buttons, available at the bottom of the screen
· Added Action Bar, giving access to contextual options, navigation, widgets, or other types of content at the top of the screen
· Simplified multitasking – tapping Recent Apps in the System Bar allows users to see snapshots of the tasks underway and quickly jump from one app to another
· Redesigned keyboard, making typing fast, efficient and accurate on larger screen sizes
· Simplified, more intuitive copy/paste interface
· Multiple browser tabs replacing browser windows, plus form auto-fill and a new “incognito” mode allowing anonymous browsing
· Quick access to camera exposure, focus, flash, zoom, front-facing camera, time-lapse, and more
· Ability to view albums and other collections in full-screen mode in Gallery, with easy access to thumbnails for other photos
· New two-pane Contacts UI and Fast Scroll to let users easily organize and locate contacts
· New two-pane Email UI to make viewing and organizing messages more efficient, allowing users to select one or more messages
· Support for video chat using Google Talk
· Hardware acceleration
· Support for multi-core processors
· Ability to encrypt all user data
v3.1
The 3.1 SDK was released on 10 May 2011, and the update was introduced on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 soon after. Changes included:
· UI refinements
· Connectivity for USB accessories
· Expanded Recent Apps list
· Resizable Home screen widgets
· Support for external keyboards and pointing devices
· Support for joysticks and gamepads
· Support for FLAC audio playback
· High-performance Wi-Fi lock, maintaining high-performance Wi-Fi connections when device screen is off
· Support for HTTP proxy for each connected Wi-Fi access point
v3.2
The 3.2 SDK was released on 15 July 2011, first appearing on Huawei's Media Pad tablet changes include:
· Improved hardware support, including optimizations for a wider range of tablets
· Increased ability of apps to access files on the SD card, e.g. for synchronization
· Compatibility display mode for apps that have not been optimized for tablet screen resolutions
· New display support functions, giving developers more control over display appearance on different Android devices
v3.2.1
The Android 3.2.1 update was released on 20 September 2011, and included a number of amendments:
Bug fixes and minor security, stability and Wi-Fi improvements
Update to Android Market with automatic updates and easier-to-read Terms and Condition text
Update to Google Books
Improved Adobe Flash support in browser
Improved Chinese handwriting prediction
v3.2.2
The 3.2.2 update was released on 30 August 2011, and included bug fixes and other minor improvements for the Motorola Xoom 4G.
v3.2.4
The Android 3.2.4 update was released in December 2011, and added "Pay as You Go" support for 3G and 4G tablets.
v3.2.6
The Android 3.2.6 update was released in February 2012, and fixed data connectivity issues when coming out of airplane mode on the US 4G Motorola Xoom.
V4.x Ice Cream Sandwich
Android 4.0 – codenamed Ice Cream Sandwich, and based on Linux kernel 3.0.1– was previewed at the May 2011 Google I/O event, and officially launched at the Galaxy Nexus and Ice Cream Sandwich release event on 19 October 2011.
v4.0.1
The Galaxy Nexus introduced Android 4.0.1 Ice Cream Sandwich.
The SDK for Android 4.0.1 was publicly released on 19 October 2011.Google's Gabe Cohen stated that Android 4.0 was "theoretically compatible" with any Android 2.3.x device in production at that time. The source code for Android 4.0 became available on 14 November 2011, three days before the Galaxy Nexus was released. New features included:
· Enhanced speed and performance
· Virtual buttons in the UI, in place of capacitive or physical buttons
· Separation of widgets in a new tab, listed in a similar manner to apps
· Easier-to-create folders, with a drag-and-drop style
· A customizable launcher
· Improved visual voicemail with the ability to speed up or slow down voicemail messages
· Pinch-to-zoom functionality in the calendar
· Offline search, a two-line preview, and new action bar at the bottom of the Gmail app
· Ability to swipe left or right to switch between Gmail conversations
· Integrated screenshot capture (accomplished by holding down the Power and Volume-Down buttons)
· Improved error correction on the keyboard
· Ability to access apps directly from lock screen (similar to HTC Sense 3.x)
· Improved copy and paste functionality
· Better voice integration and continuous, real-time speech to text dictation
· Face Unlock, a feature that allows users to unlock handsets using facial recognition software
· New tabbed web browser, allowing up to 16 tabs
· Automatic syncing of browser with users' Chrome bookmarks
· A new typeface family for the UI, Roboto
· Data Usage section in settings that lets users set warnings when they approach a certain usage limit, and disable data use when the limit is exceeded
· Ability to shut down apps that are using data in the background
· Improved camera app with zero shutter lag, time lapse settings, panorama mode, and the ability to zoom while recording
· Built-in photo editor
· New gallery layout, organized by location and person
· Refreshed "People" app with social network integration, status updates and hi-res images
· Android Beam, a near-field communication feature allowing the rapid short-range exchange of web bookmarks, contact info, dir
