Android Versions and You!

*While there are many of you who know what version of Android you are on and what they are, there are others who have no clue so this post is for them.*

Like any operating system, there are old and new iterations. Let's take Windows for example. Many of us have seen the progression from Windows 95 all the way until Windows 7. Android has grown as well, though not as long, just as fast. Android versions are in alphabetical order and follow dessert names (though the first 2 iterations were named "Astro" and "Bender" respectively) and also follow a number pattern starting from 1 (though this switched up later)

Below are a list of the Android versions and their respective numbering.

1.5 Cupcake

1.6 Donut

2.0-2.1 Ecclair

2.2 Froyo

2.3 Gingerbread

3.0 Honeycomb (Tablets Only)

4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich 

Why does the numbering increase by .1 sometimes and 1.0 others? I'm not sure. Many speculate that the size of the upgrade (amount of features enhanced) dictates how big the number jump is. Almost 70% of Android phones are on the Gingerbread version and may or may not be upgraded to ICS. Often times people are quick to blame Google for their phones not being upgraded to ICS, but really the responsibility falls on the manufacturers to update the UI (User Interface) on phones, and then for carriers to accept and release the updates. So before you get upset at Google, because your phone is still on Froyo, remember there is only so much they can do. This is why many people get Nexus phones (Nexus S, Galaxy Nexus). Nexus phones are Google to the core and because they don't have to deal with the UI's manufacturers throw on phones, they can receive the updates quickly. Take this into consideration if you would like the latest updates on your new phones without having to upgrade yearly.

To check which version of Android you are on:
1. Open your menu
2. Go to settings
3. Scroll until you see "About Phone"
4. Look under Android Version and you'll see your number. 

Often times there will be 3 digits. For example I'm currently on version 4.0.3. The third digit usually depends on the phone and can be anything from a maintenance update to a bug fix. So sometimes you may see someone with Android Version 2.3.7 while you may have 2.3.5. This does not mean their system is more upgraded than yours, you're both still on Gingerbread. Hopefully you find this helpful and be on the lookout for Android Versions! You wouldn't want to knowingly purchase a Windows Vista laptop when there are Windows 8 laptops out there while upgrading would you? Same concepts apply. Make sure to vote on which phone you think will take the crown in 2012! Have a great day and thanks for reading!