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Breaking news for Android. Get the latest on apps, carriers, devices, and more!

Android is Google’s mobile operating system, launched in September 2008, although its history technically began with the release of the Android alpha in November 2007. To this day, Android powers the majority of the world’s smartphones and comes in several different flavors across many phone makers.

What is Android?

Android Inc.

Android, before it was Android, was a company called Android Inc. That company was founded in Palo Alto, California, in 2003 by a crew of four: Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, and Chris White. The company and its project was acquired by Google in 2005 for a sum of more than $50 million, although the exact number is unknown. The company’s founders joined Google as part of the deal.

In its infancy, Android was an operating system built not for touch screen smartphones like the iPhone, but rather BlackBerry-like devices with physical keyboards. It’s well documented that after Apple shocked the world with the iPhone, ahead of its nearest competition by at least a couple years, Google and Android Inc. had to go back to the drawing board to build something competitive.

Adoption by third-party makers

It didn’t take long after the launch of the iPhone for various manufacturers to enter the market with their alternatives — and Google’s Android immediately became the obvious platform of choice for just about everyone except Microsoft. HTC was the first manufacturer on board, and introduced the T-Mobile G1 running Android in September 2008. Soon after, HTC, Motorola, Samsung, and carriers like Sprint and T-Mobile jumped on board to form the Open Handset Alliance.

Android makers across the world

Iconic Android handsets

There have been thousands of Android phones released since Android’s inception, but some have been more important to the platform’s history than others. There was the original T-Mobile G1, as mentioned, but there was also the HTC One Google Play Edition, Moto G, Samsung Galaxy S4, and others. Some of the most iconic Android handsets include:

  • HTC G1
  • HTC Nexus One
  • Samsung Galaxy S, S2, S3, S4, and their successors
  • HTC Incredible S
  • Samsung Nexus S
  • Samsung Galaxy Nexus
  • Samsung Galaxy Note
  • Nokia 8
  • BlackBerry KeyOne
  • Google Pixel and its successors

In more modern times, there are several Android smartphones makers that popped up across various niches and in several international markets. Huawei is a dominant Android maker in China and many European markets, while Samsung is by far the most popular maker in the United States by far — effectively creating a duopoly with Apple. Today, there are dozens of major device makers contributing to the Android ecosystem.

Full list of Android OEMs

History of major Android versions

Android has seen countless software revisions over the course of its life, but in modern times the OS usually sees a major release on an annual cadence. In the earlier days, Google famously gave its major software releases dessert-themed codenames, but retired that practice in 2019 with the release of Android 10.

VersionNameReleaseDevices
2.3GingerbreadFebruary 9, 2011Nexus S
4.0Ice Cream SandwichOctober 19, 2011Galaxy Nexus
4.1Jelly BeanJuly 9, 2012Nexus 7
4.2Jelly BeanNovember 13, 2012Nexus 4, 10
4.3Jelly BeanJuly 24, 2013Nexus 7 (2013)
4.4KitKatOctober 31, 2013Nexus 5
5.0LollipopNovember 3, 2014Nexus 6, 9
5.1LollipopMarch 9, 2015Android One
6.0MarshmallowOctober 5, 2015Nexus 5X, 6P
7.0NougatAugust 22, 2016Nexus 5X, 6P
7.1NougatOctober 4, 2016Pixel, Pixel XL
8.0OreoAugust 21, 2017Pixel, Pixel XL
8.1OreoDecember 5, 2017Pixel, Pixel XL
9PieAugust 6, 2018Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL
1010September 3, 2019Pixel 3, 3a
1111September 8, 2020Pixel 4

List of major Android OS platforms

While Android proper is certainly the most widespread of Google’s Android operating systems, the company has also launched many offshoots of the main OS over the years. There’s Android Auto, Android Wear (now Wear OS), Android TV (now rebranded to Google TV), as well as versions of Android built for tablets and Android Things (now defunct).

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9to5Toys Lunch Break: Sony Xperia XZ $430, Beats Tour2 Earbuds $50, 20000mAh QC 3.0 Power Bank $30, more

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Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:

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Sony Xperia XZ 32GB (unlocked, platinum): $430 (Reg. $650) | B&H

Sony Xperia X Compact 32GB (unlocked, black): $280 (Reg. $450) | B&H

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Daily Deals: Beats by Dr. Dre Tour2 Headphones $50, Logitech MK270 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse $15, more

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Smartphone Accessories: Aukey QC 3.0 20000mAh Power Bank w/ Lightning Input $30 Prime shipped, more

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9TO5TOYS PRODUCT OF THE YEAR 2016: Amazon’s Echo Dot changes your life for $40

Amazon drops its entire Echo lineup back down to Black Friday pricing: Dot $40, Tap $90, Echo $140

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9to5Toys Gift Guide: ideas for Music Makers – pocket synths, headphone accessories, DIY kits and more

9to5Toys Gift Guide: ideas for the Techie Traveler – best messenger bags, Bluetooth gear, accessories and more

MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:

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Bring TiVo’s impressive Bolt+ 4K DVR home this Christmas – 6 tuners, 3TB hard drive, more: $362 shipped (Reg. $500)

MORE DEALS STILL LIVE:

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SanDisk’s iXpand Lightning Flash Drive: $50 shipped (Reg. $60)

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Great stocking stuffer! Caseology cases for iPhone 6/s/7/Plus, Pixel, and more from $4 shipped

Pick up a new Spigen iPad Pro Smart Cover-Style Stand/Case: 9.7-inch $6.50more


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NOOK Tablet 7″ Review: Easily the best $50 tablet you can buy this year

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Tablets are a slowly dying form factor, but for many, a cheap tablet is a fantastic option for getting things done on the go or just consuming media. Not everyone wants to spend hundreds on a tablet, though.

About a year ago, Amazon stepped in to fix that problem by debuting a 7-inch Android tablet that cost just $50, and wasn’t just total crap. However, there were still some big caveats aside from the specs. The tablet ran fine and the software was OK, but its performance degraded over time and the lack of the Google Play Store was a pain.

Then, things all changed when Barnes and Noble, seemingly out of thin air, introduced the NOOK 7, another small Android tablet with Google Play, decent specs, and a price tag of just $50. I’ve spent the past couple of weeks testing it out, and I’ve been pretty impressed.


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Google Drive for iOS can backup your contacts, photos, and calendar events to make it easier to switch to Android

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Switching mobile platforms is a hassle, but Google really wants iOS users to give Android a shot ─ it even designed its flagship phone to attract iPhone fans. However, when someone does switch from an iPhone to an Android device, there’s still a lot of work to be done transferring your data, if you don’t already use Google services that is. Now, Google is making it even easier for iPhone users to switch with an update to Google Drive…


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Nova Launcher is now 5 years old with a major update to version 5.0 to celebrate

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Third-party launchers are a unique perk of the Android platform, making it easy for users to have complete control over their homescreen without much work. There are several popular options, but one of the best, and likely the most popular, has been Nova Launcher. Today, Nova is 5 years old, and there’s a big update available to celebrate.


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9to5Toys Lunch Break: Withings Smart Scale $69, Chromecast $25, VIZIO 60″ Smart UHDTV $700, more

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Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:

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All-time lows on Withings smart home products: Body Composition Wi-Fi Scale $68, Smart Thermometer $60 + free shipping

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Google’s Ebay store offers new Chromecast and Chromecast audio for $25 shipped

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Step up to 4K: VIZIO’s 60-inch Smart UHDTV has five HDMI inputs and 802.11ac Wi-Fi for $700 (Reg. $999), more

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9TO5TOYS PRODUCT OF THE YEAR 2016: Amazon’s Echo Dot changes your life for $40

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Amazon drops its entire Echo lineup back down to Black Friday pricing: Dot $40, Tap $90, Echo $140

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9to5Toys Gift Guide: ideas for the Techie Traveler – best messenger bags, Bluetooth gear, accessories and more

MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:

12-inch-macbook

Apple’s 12-inch MacBook is up to $200 off right now at B&H (Tax NY only) and Amazon, prices start at $1,199 shipped

MORE DEALS STILL LIVE:

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Brother’s Wireless AirPrint Monochrome Laser Printer: $100 (Reg. $130+)

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Don’t trust the i/Cloud yet? Have 3TB of Toshiba USB3 portable storage for $95 shipped

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DODOcase has handmade accessories for iPhone 7/Plus and MacBook this holiday season, exclusive 20% discount

Get 20% off Pad & Quill’s hand-crafted iPad covers and cases just in time for the holidays


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Android Things is Google’s rebranded IoT OS, lets Android devs easily build smart devices

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Launched last year with only a few devices shown off at CES 2016, Brillo (Google’s stripped down version of Android for powering IoT devices) is being rebranded as Android Things. The new platform is launching a preview today, with its key feature being familiarity to existing Android developers.


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Instagram’s live video begins rolling out to everyone in the US today

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Following their original announcement, Instagram has begun rolling out live video to all their US users. To commemorate the occasion Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, Instagram’s CEO and CTO respectively are live streaming the event over at the official Instagram account. Instagram’s live video feature is another way the company is hoping to promote sharing freely and in the moment.


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9to5Toys Lunch Break: Chromecast 2nd gen. $25, Asus ZenWatch 2 smartwatch $95, Amazon Echo Sale, more

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Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:

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Google’s Ebay store offers new Chromecast and Chromecast audio for $25 shipped

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Get this stylish Asus ZenWatch 2 iOS and Android compatible Smartwatch for $95 shipped (Reg. $129)

amazon-echo-and-echo-dot

Amazon drops its entire Echo lineup back down to Black Friday pricing: Dot $40, Tap $90, Echo $140

ducktales-remas

DuckTales Remastered for iOS now matching its all-time low at $1 (Reg. up to $10)

9to5toys-techie-traveler-gift-guide

9to5Toys Gift Guide: ideas for the Techie Traveler – best messenger bags, Bluetooth gear, accessories and more

MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:

sandisk-ixpand-flash-drive

SanDisk’s iXpand Lightning Flash Drive: $50 shipped (Reg. $60)

12-inch-macbook

Apple’s 12-inch MacBook is up to $200 off right now at B&H (Tax NY only) and Amazon, prices start at $1,199 shipped

MORE DEALS STILL LIVE:

toshiba-canvio-deal

Don’t trust the i/Cloud yet? Have 3TB of Toshiba USB3 portable storage for $95 shipped

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These QNAP NAS systems with AirPlay just dropped below Black Friday pricing: 2-Bay $139, 4-Bay $224

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DODOcase has handmade accessories for iPhone 7/Plus and MacBook this holiday season, exclusive 20% discount

Get 20% off Pad & Quill’s hand-crafted iPad covers and cases just in time for the holidays


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Google has started rolling out Android Pay in Canada [Update: Not quite yet]

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Update: Google says “We’re excited to bring Android Pay to Canadians, however it is currently not available in Canada.” Obviously, however, plenty of people are having no problem adding a select few cards using unmodified APKs, as I detailed below.

We tore down an update to the Android Pay app back in October which revealed forthcoming support for Interac, a network for processing debit payments across most major banks in Canada. Now, some Canadian users are reporting that the payments service suddenly started working with some cards this morning…


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Best affordable Android smartphones you can buy [December 2016]

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There are new smartphones hitting the market constantly, but which is the best to pick up when you’re trying to save a buck or two? We’ve seen some great launches this summer and we’re only expecting more over the coming months, but for now, let’s go over the best affordable Android smartphones you can go pick up today…


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Google Home users are starting to see Netflix and Photos integration options

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Update: Google has made these updates official on its blog.

Google is currently trying to sell people on the idea of a world in which everything can be controlled by their voice. To do this, though, they have to convince customers to purchase their $130 Google Home with built-in Assistant. Just three days ago, Google launched Actions which will allow third-party developers to start integrating their services into Google Assistant.

Based on what we’re seeing now, it would appear that Netflix and Google Photos are the first to take full advantage of this opportunity…


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Lenovo Phab2 Pro Review: Tango is impressive and awesome, but this device isn’t for everyone [Video]

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A few years ago when Google announced Project Tango, it was something impressive, allowing our devices to see the world around us with detail they never could before. However, it felt like something so futuristic that we’d never see it. Then, Google released a 7-inch Tango developer kit to show off the tech. It was cool, but expensive and not at all aimed at consumers.

Then, in early 2016, Google and Lenovo announced plans to release the world’s first consumer device running Tango, and needless to say, we were pretty excited.

Now, that device is here ─ the Lenovo Phab2 Pro. I’ve been using this giant, powerful, impressive phone for the past several days, so let’s answer the question, who should actually buy it?


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The Huawei Mate 9 is reportedly coming to the US on Jan. 6

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Huawei, the world’s third largest smartphone manufacturer, has been slowly but swiftly making their way into the US market. Roughly a month ago, the company announced their latest flagship device, the Mate 9, and with it, a plan for a worldwide rollout that would eventually include the US. Although we received a report last week stating that the handset’s launch would be “rocky” due to carrier challenges, we are now getting word from the famed leaker, Evan Blass, that the Mate 9 will be available for purchase stateside on January 6…


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My Pixel has a manufacturing defect, and Google wants me to drive to another state to get it fixed [Update]

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When it comes to my phones, I tend to be a little weird. I don’t like cases because it takes away from the premium build and feel that the manufacturer had in mind when crafting the handset. The same goes with plastic screen protectors. Even without those items, though, I still baby my devices because I want to keep them as pristine as possible. So when I noticed this weird “bubble” like object forming under the glass on my Pixel, I decided to contact Google’s customer support…


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9to5Toys Lunch Break: Toshiba 3TB Portable Hard Drive $95, QNAP NAS from $139, Kmashi 20000mAh Power Bank $29, more

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Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:

toshiba-canvio-deal

Need a backup? Have 3TB of Toshiba USB3 portable storage for $95 shipped

qnap-nas-systems

These QNAP NAS systems with AirPlay just dropped below Black Friday pricing: 2-Bay $139, 4-Bay $224

kmashi-slim-power-bank

Smartphone Accessories: Kmashi 20000mAh QC 3.0 Power Bank $29 (Reg. $43), more

[tweet https://twitter.com/9to5toys/status/807233986762252291 align=’center’]

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Ben’s 9to5Google Gift Guide: The products I’m using that make great gifts too

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9to5Toys Gift Guide: ideas for the Techie Traveler – best messenger bags, Bluetooth gear, accessories and more

MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:

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Save 25% on a 1-yr Kindle Unlimited membership for yourself or as a gift: $89 (Reg. $120)

  • Better than Black Friday pricing on these monitors: Dell 27-inch 1080p w/ HDMI $180more
  • Games/Apps: Titanfall 2 $30, Mario Kart 7 for 3DS $19, Monument Valley $2more
  • Daily Deals: Polk SurroundBar Home Theater System w/ Bluetooth $350more
  • DEWALT Self Leveling 360-Degree Line Laser: $125 shipped (Reg. $170+)
  • Do it all with Dremel’s 77-piece Platinum Edition Corded Rotary Tool for $149
  • Amazon has everything for the camping enthusiast in today’s Gold Box, deals from $20
  • Pick up PORTER-CABLE’s Pancake Air Compressor with 13-accessories for $100
  • Just in time for the holiday visitors, grab a WonderSleep Air Mattress w/ pump for $89
  • Best Buy’s 2-Day Apple Event is packed with deals: up to $200 off MacBook/iMac, more
  • DuckTales Remastered for iOS now matching its all-time low at $1 (Reg. up to $10)
  • App Store Free App of the Week: Linia minimal puzzler goes free for the first time (Reg. $4)
  • Apple Mac App of the Year Affinity Photo is now matching its lowest price: $40 (Reg. $50)
  • The Amazing Spider-Man 1 & 2 for iOS get rare price drops: $1 ea. (Reg. $7)

MORE DEALS STILL LIVE:

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DODOcase has handmade accessories for iPhone 7/Plus and MacBook this holiday season, exclusive 20% discount

Get 20% off Pad & Quill’s hand-crafted iPad covers and cases just in time for the holidays

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Black Friday Price! VIZIO 50-inch 4K Smart Ultra HDTV w/ four HDMI inputs: $398 shipped (Reg. $500+)

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You can’t go wrong gifting any of Amazon’s best-selling books of 2016

Easy gift idea your family will love! Save 60% on all custom cards, calendars and books from Amazon – 12 mos. Wall Calendar $6

Get a free Gund Plush Teddy Bear with the purchase of $150+ Amazon Gift Cards


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