Android is a Linux-based operating system designed exclusively for mobile devices and data enabled smart phones. It was developed by the search engine giant Google Inc. in partnership with Open Handset Alliance (OHA).
History of Android Operating System
Launched in September 2008 and from then there is no setback for this magnum opus. Since then Google has been launching various Android versions in alphabetical order: Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo (frozen yogurt), Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, and Jelly Bean.
This mobile-based operating system soon became the world’s leading smartphone platform, conquering 59 percent of the mobile market space.
Reasons for popularity
The following are the few reasons, which made Android the Masterpiece
1. Free and Open source
Despite of the popularity it bagged, Google made the Android OS available for free of cost and open. Thus, the OS wedged the attention of manufacturers and programmers across the globe.
2. Customisable OS
The mobile device makers can amend the Android OS as per their needs. This trait made the OS more flexible and user friendly.
3. Huge number of Apps
Android Market has opened copious opportunities for both mobile device makers and app developers, while helping to reduce the cost of smartphones, thus making them accessible to the common man.
Despite various Android versions available, Android 2.3.3 (Gingerbread) and Android 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich) are the most widely used Android Platform Versions.
So, to know which one of them is best and why, let us review both the Android Platform versions.
Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread
The Gingerbread version of the Android was launched officially in December 2010.
Features
New UI design with new themes
Enhanced gaming
Superfluous Large Screen Size supported
SIP Internet calling
NFS support
Built-in shore-up for WebM / VP8 video playback, AAC and AMR audio encoding
Rich audio effects such as e verb, equalization, headphone virtualization, and bass boost
Enhanced Copy, Paste feature
Redesigned multitouch keyboard
Audio, graphical, as well as input enrichments for game developers
Download management
Improved power management
Control over apps
Shore-up for multiple cameras and new sensors
Pros
UI refinements for simplicity and speed
More intuitive and faster text input
Enhanced power management
New ways of communicating and organising
Enriched multimedia traits
Cons
The blue themed Gingerbread seems little bit unclean, and the keyboard lit up a very light blue instead of red.
The shutter sound of the camera can’t be turned out, which is little bit disgusting.
Rating: Android Gingerbread OS has been rated 5 stars out of 5.
Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich
The Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich mobile platform was officially launched in October 2011.
Features
First Android version optimised for both smartphones and tablets
Navigation buttons like back, home are available as soft keys
Face unlock
Resizable widgets
Killer Camera app
Enhanced image capturing with continuous focus, zero shutter lag exposure and decreased shot-to-shot speed
Improved web browsing
Android ‘Beem’ feature
Ability to sack individual notifications
Respond to calls with a text
Pros
Clean interface
Enhanced internet browser
Slick notifications
NFC support
Clear contacts
Switching between apps is more convenient
Cons
Very few home screens
Very naive video player
Weird choice of buttons
Rating: The Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich OS has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Bottom line
Though, the Android Ice Cream Sandwich is an improved version of Android Gingerbread, but it bags many bugs.
Nevertheless, in terms of market share the Android Gingerbread is considered as the stable Android Mobile OS when compared to Ice Cream Sandwich.
The following pie chart shows the statistics of the figure of total Android-powered gadgets that have accessed Google Play Store in a 14-day period.
Therefore, form the above stats Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread mobile platform version is the most exploited Android platform version.