We say “Happy Birthday Android”, as Google’s Android celebrates its fourth birthday today. It was back on September 23, 2008 that the Android Developers Blog announced the Android 1.0 SDK Release 1.
Four years ago today, the Apple iPhone 3G was just two months old and Symbian still dominated the world’s smartphones. Google was rushing to have Android ready for the holiday season and the T-Mobile G1 which would go on to become the first Android smartphone.
Android 1.0 wasn't perfected in time for the launch. It didn't have a virtual QWERTY keyboard or a video player and the camera couldn't capture video. But then again neither could the iPhone 3G. Google went on to release Android 1.5 Cupcake to enhance the operating system functionality, but it wasn't until the Motorola Droid and Android 2.0 did the true Android revolution kick off.
Now we are on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and the little green robot has gone on to control 68% of the global smartphone market. The latest figures predict that there are 480 million Android handsets in use and 1.3 million Android devices being activated daily.
How does the road ahead look for our little green friend ? The iPhone continues to be dominant, Microsoft and Nokia are working hard to win back some of the market share with Windows Phone and BlackBerry is reinventing itself to better compete with its rivals. But with full customizability, amazing hardware and strong backing from the developer community, Android will continue to have great years ahead.
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