Software Features and API Level
The
Android OS periodically rolls out new features, enhancements such as improved
efficiency, and bug
fixes.A main driver in OS improvement is the increased capability of hardware
on new devices. In fact, major releases of the OS are generally coordinated with new
hardware roll-outs (such as Eclair’s release with Droid).
Some
legacy Android devices cannot support the new version requirements and are not
updated with new OS releases.This leads to a user base with a variety of
different possible
experiences.The developer is left with the task of checking for device
capability or at
least warning devices of required features.This can be done through a check of
a
single
number: the API level.
The
following summarizes the different OS releases and main features from a
developer’s perspective:
Cupcake:
Android OS 1.5, API level 3, Released April 30, 2009
- Linux kernel 2.6.27.
- Smart virtual (soft) keyboard, support for third-party keyboards.
- AppWidget framework.
- Live Folders.
- Raw audio recording and playback.
- Interactive MIDI playback engine.
- Video recording APIs.
- Stereo Bluetooth support.
- Removed end-user root access (unless tethered to computer and using SDK).
- Speech recognition via RecognizerIntent (cloud service).
- Faster GPS location gathering (using AGPS).
Donut:
Android OS 1.6, API Level 4, Released September 15, 2009
- Linux kernel 2.6.29.
- Support for multiple screen sizes.
- Gesture APIs.
- Text-to-speech engine.
- Integrate with the Quick Search Box using the SearchManager.
- Virtual Private Network (VPN) support.
Eclair:
Android OS 2.0, API Level 5, Released October 26, 2009
Android
OS 2.0.1, API Level 6, Released December 3, 2009
Android
OS 2.1, API Level 7, Released January 12, 2010
- Sync adapter APIs to connect to any backend.
- Embed Quick Contact accessible in applications.
- Applications can control the Bluetooth connection to devices.
- HTML5 support.
- Microsoft Exchange support.
- Multitouch is accessible through the MotionEvent class.
- Animated wallpaper support.
FroYo:
Android OS 2.2, API Level 8, Released May 20, 2010
- Linux kernel 2.6.32.
- Just-In-Time compilation (JIT) enabled, leading to faster code execution.
- Voice dialing using Bluetooth.
- Car and desk dock themes.
- Better definition of multitouch events.
- Cloud-to-device APIs.
- Applications can request to be installed on the SD memory card.
- Wi-Fi tether support on select devices.
- Thumbnail utility for videos and images.
- Multiple language support on keyboard input.
- Application error reporting for Market apps.
Android
is starting to mature in that releases are less frequent.Although possible, the over-the-air
updates are logistically tricky and carriers prefer to avoid them. Hardware manufacturers
also appreciate a level of stability, which does not mean the first flashed devices
in stores need an immediate update.However, when a release is made, the level of additional features for
developers remains high and worthwhile to utilize.
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