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Android release notes

Notes published the
3 - 4 minutes to read, 774 words
Categories: android
Keywords: android, bloatware, root, security

Similarly to the Windows release notes, I wanted to have an overview of which version of Android introduced some changes compared to previous versions.

The newer version of Android added some features that were previously only available with root access but also removed other features, which means that even with the latest Android version, there are still valid reasons for having full access on the hardware.

Contrary to Windows, Android versions are released much more often, so I did not use most versions, and did not experience first-hand many changes.

Android 13 - Tiramisu

  • applications needs to ask permission before showing notifications

  • new permission for scanning Wi-Fi without accessing also the GPS data

  • user can restrict access to specific images/videos instead of the whole gallery, but it seems that applications need to opt in

  • better compatibility with OpenJDK 11 🗄️ (OpenJDK 11 was released in September 2018, Android 13 in 2022)

  • WebView should apply the color theme automatically 🗄️, but it is not clear how (if possible) to change the settings for single pages

Android 12 - Snow Cone

Android 11 - Red Velvet Cake

Apps targeting Android 11 are only allowed to access files in external storage that they have created themselves ("scoped storage"), preferably contained within an app-specific directory, and audio, image, and video files contained within the Music, Pictures, or Videos directories. Any other file may only be accessed via user intervention through the Storage Access Framework.

Android 10 - Q

  • gesture navigation system (alternative to traditional three-key navigation)

  • system-level dark mode

  • applications can be restricted by users to only having access to location data when they are actively being used in the foreground

  • new restrictions for background applications

  • security updates for the operating system will be delivered via Google Play Store, without requiring a complete system update

  • introduces scoped storage

  • support for foldable smartphones

  • MAC address randomization 🗄️ (but the user has no control over it)

  • Separate permission for accessing metadata of images 🗄️, otherwise the images are copied without it 🗄️

Android 9 - Pie

  • Material Design 2.0

  • algorithms to prioritize background activity by apps based on long-term usage patterns and predictions

Android 8 - Oreo

  • notification grouping

  • Settings app features a new design which has been reduced in size, with a white theme

  • supports the display of battery percentages for connected Bluetooth devices

Android 7.0 - Nougat

  • Multi-window view

  • Quick switch between apps (double-click on the square button)

  • Quick Settings

  • Removed possibility to update CA system certificates 🗄️

Android 6.0 - Marshmallow

Android 5.0 - Lollipop

  • Integrated flashlight

  • changed the back button to a triangle, the stylized home button to a circle, and the app-switch button to a square

  • Material design, removed black theme

  • "OK Google"

Android 4.4 - KitKat

Android 4.2 - Jelly Bean

Android 4.0 - Ice Cream Sandwich

  • Customize lock screen with direct access to applications

  • Introduction of the MTP protocoll 🗄️, and begins dropping out "USB mass storage"

Android 3 - Honeycomb

A tablet-only release

Android 2.3 - Gingerbread

  • Native support for VoIP, even if disabled by many manufacturers. While this is not the case anymore, I personally find it more practicable to still use a third-party application than the integrated functionality (yes, even with Android 13)

Android ???

Some notable changes I would still like to track down

  • introduction of work profiles

  • support for multiple users

  • themes

  • issues with background tasks

  • something else with the network…​

  • being able to disable applications

And possibly other things

If you have questions, comments, or found typos, the notes are not clear, or there are some errors; then just contact me.