Free android version update

What is the Latest Android Version? And How to Update to the Current Android OS?

Over the last few years, Android OS has come to dominate the mobile OS landscape with over 86% market share as of 2019. The system provides high-performing and secure usage and comes with regular version updates with new features.

Because of this, many Android users want to know how to check their current Android version and update it to the latest one.

So in this article, we will learn how to figure out which version your smartphone is running and how to install an Android OS update. But before that let’s get a quick overview of the history of Android versions.

A Brief History of the Android Operating System

Google first introduced the revolutionary Android operating system as an alternative to Apple’s iOS in late 2008.

Since it’s existed, Android has had 12 versions since its humble beginning with sometimes even more than one release in a year.

The constant support from Google developers made the system the top OS with almost 3 million apps in the Play Store. This helped switch Android app development from Java to Kotlin and ensured that Android developers were highly paid and quite in demand on the market.

Here I’ve gathered an abridged listing to demonstrate how the operating system has been changing and evolving to provide users with advanced functionality. For much of its lifetime, the OS version was designated by a number and a codename.

• Android 1.0 to 1.1 — Google’s original mobile OS offered basic capability with integrated apps like Gmail, Maps, Calendar, and YouTube.
• Android 1.5 or Cupcake — Released in early 2009, this was the first-named version of the OS. It included an on-screen keyboard and introduced the framework for third-party apps to be run on mobile devices.
• Android 2.0-2.1 or Eclair — Version 2.0 added real-time traffic information, voice-guided navigation, and pinch-to-zoom capability to the OS.
• Android 2.3 or Gingerbread — The 2010 release of this OS focused on the black and green interface as Android began to develop a distinctive look.
• Android 3.0-3.2 or Honeycomb — Released in 2011, this version of the operating system was specifically for tablet devices and introduced on-screen buttons.
• Android 4.0 or Ice Cream Sandwich — This was a unified OS for phones and tablets all released in 2011 which featured a holographic appearance and made extensive use of swiping when using the system.
• Android 4.4 or Kit-Kat — Late 2013 saw this update which lightened the interface’s color scheme and introduced the world to “OK, Google” support.
• Android 5.0-5.1 or Lollipop — Major changes were made with 2014’s upgrade. Google introduced the card-based Material Design standard employed to unify the appearance of items displayed by the OS.
• Android 6.0 or Marshmallow — This relatively minor update in 2015 was the beginning of Google’s patterns of relaying a new, numbered version every year.
• Android 7.0-7.1 or Nougat — 2016’s entry in the Android OS lexicon added native split-screen mode and launched Google Assistant.
• Android 9 or Pie — Google released this last-named version of Android in August of 2018. The most visible updates of this version for users were the large Home and small Back buttons to the user interface and new security features.
• Android 10 — is the last live version of OS and we will cover it in more detail below.

Main Features of Android 10

Android 10 was released on September 3, 2019. It has many new and improved features that are good reason to upgrade your Android OS if you are still using version 9.

Here are some of the highlights of the current Android version.

• Live Caption gives users the ability to automatically caption media playing on your device.
• Smart Reply helps streamline communication by suggesting responses and recommending actions.
• Sound Amplifier lets you fine-tune the audio settings of your phone to allow you to hear more clearly.
• Gesture Navigation introduces more intuitive ways to swipe and pull and provides added flexibility to the Android interface.
• Dark Theme uses true black to save battery power and give your eyes a rest. Some users may prefer it to Android’s normal look.
• Enhanced security settings let you exert more control over the privacy of your data. You can control how data and location information is shared from the same settings area.
• Digital Well-being is a tool that strives to help users find the right balance between work and the rest of their lives. It has features that can help you be more productive or unplug for some much-needed relaxation.
• Focus mode is designed to help users stay focused on specific tasks by minimizing distractions. It lets you temporarily pause apps that may distract you by simply tapping on them.
• Family Link enables digital ground rules to be set and can help parents guide their children’s online activities. Set limits on screen time, restrict content and manage apps for your family.

If you have recently purchased a new Android comparable device, it probably came with Android 10 installed. If that is not the case, these features might persuade you that you need to update the Android OS on your phone or tablet.

Checking Your Current Android OS and updating to Version 10

When you are preparing to upgrade your mobile device, you need to know what is the latest Android OS version that can run on your machine. Some older devices may be restricted as to the version that they can handle.

Depending on the type of device and its age, the method of obtaining an Android OS download may vary. Newer devices will receive updates more quickly and users of Google devices will get notifications when they are available.

Here’s how to update your Android OS. Some preliminary steps should be taken before performing the actual update.

Check Your Android Version

The exact steps needed to perform a version check will be determined by your type of device. You want to get to the About phone information which is found in the device’s Settings. The model number can also be found here and should be noted before you begin your update.

1. Go to the Settings and scroll down to find out the System category.

2. In the System Settings section click on About device

3. Here scroll down to the end of list until you see Android version which means the version your mobile is running now.

If you decide to update your OS manually, here are a few tips to keep in mind before that:

Back up your data — You should be backing up your data regularly. Before an operating system upgrade is always a good time for a backup. You never know what might happen, so don’t take chances with your important data. Many backup apps are available. Get one and use it.

Verify your available space — The upgrade will detail how much space is necessary for your upgrade. Make sure you have enough space or move some things off of the device to free up enough for the update.

Updating the OS — If you have received an over-the-air (OTA) notification, you can simply open it up and tap the update button. You can also go to Check for Updates in Settings to initiate the upgrade.

Note: Some users may prefer to root their device to obtain updates as soon as they are available as well as being able to have more control over the device and what apps run on it.

What to Expect in Android 11

Even though there are considerable technical advances in version 10, Google plans to release the newest Android OS according to plan sometime in 2020. As you may have noticed, the company does not like to stand still.

Android 11 will focus on changes to privacy and security, application behavior, and new features including APIs. The operating system will provide support for 5G and foldable devices, positioning it to capitalize on the move to faster networks. Some specific features are:

• Biometric authentication capabilities to more securely protect your device;
• Restricts repeatable permission requests to make apps more user-friendly;
• Allows temporary permission to be given to the camera, microphone, and location services;
• Apps can automatically run authentication and connect to an available secure WiFi hotspot;
• Expanded camera support;
• Chat bubbles can be turned on and off for individual apps.

These are just a few of the new Android 11 features that the users will expect. App designers will also enjoy the extended functionality they can bring to their creations.

Wrapping Up

Except in very rare cases, you should upgrade your Android device when new versions are released. Google consistently provided many useful improvements to the functionality and performance of new Android OS versions. If your device can handle it, you just might want to check it out.

Co-Founder and CEO at Softermii. Slava has over 9-years of experience in the web and mobile development industry with focus on MVP, mobile development and design.

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Manually Update Android Version — 4 Options Here

The Android operating system continues to be more impressed with the release of every new update and the new Android 9.0 pie is no different. Available for download on most Android devices at the moment and comes with over 25 new features that are meant to improve your device’s performance.

The upgrade process is quite easy and can be accomplished in numerous ways. In this article, we are going to look at the various ways to easily update the Android version on your phones or tablets manually.

Make a Backup of Your Android Device

Before we begin with the different ways to manually update your Android device, it is important to create a backup of all the data on your Android device. There are a lot of things that could go wrong during the update process that could result in data loss. If you have a backup of all the data, you can easily restore all the data back to the device. Follow these simple steps to back up the data on your Android device:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Backup and reset and then choose «Back up my Data» and «Automatic restore» to enable the feature.

Step 2: Now go to Settings > Accounts and choose your Google account.

Step 3: Check all the boxes to select the data you want to be synced to your Google account.

Note: This process may vary slightly across different Android devices, but the steps are basically similar.

Like we mentioned before, there are several ways you can update your Android device, you can have a brief view of them first.

Option 1. Manually Update Android Version via the Most Professional Tool

One of the easiest ways to update your Android device is to use the best Android system repair tools in the business. This tool is known as iMyFone Fixppo for Android and it is designed to help you not just fix all system issues in your Android device, but also for updating your device as you want.

It is the best and most advanced Android repair tool and has a 100% success rate of repairing/updating.

It is very easy to use and all you need to do is just a few clicks.

The program supports thousands of Android devices including and all versions of the Android OS.

Here’s how to perform an update on a Samsung Galaxy Device using Fixppo for Android:

Step 1: Download and install iMyFone Fixppo for Android on to your computer. Launch the program and then click «Start» to begin the process. In order to download the latest firmware on your device, you will need to provide your device’s details. Enter all the details that identify your device and then click on «Download Firmware».

Step 2: Now, connect the device to your computer and double-check that the details you entered are correct and then click «Start». Follow the instructions on the screen to put the device in Download Mode.

Step 3: Once the device is in download mode, the program will begin fixing any issues the device may have. When the repair process is complete, the device will restart with the corresponding version of Android installed on it.

Many professional media sites have already trusted this advanced tool, so do not hesitate to have a try.

Option 2. Manually Update Android Version Over the Air

Under normal circumstances, your device will let you know when there is an update for your Android device. Most devices will either download the update automatically if you are connected to Wi-Fi or notify you that the update is available if you are using Cellular data. If you don’t see the update notification, here’s how you can update the Android device manually:

Step 1: Connect the device to a reliable and strong Wi-Fi network.

Step 2: Now go to Settings -> About Device and then select «System Updates -> Check for Updates -> Update. The download and the installation process will begin.

Step 3: Your device may reboot automatically when the installation is complete.

Disadvantages of Using this Method

Your device needs to be connected to Wi-Fi to update or you will incur cellular data charges if you choose to update via Cellular data.

Sometimes the update can stall or fail to complete due to various reasons.

Option 3. Manually Update Android Version with Upgrade Package

Your device’s manufacturer may also have update files for users to download. In this way, you can download the update package from the device manufacturer’s website and store it on your device’s SD card. You can then use this upgrade package to update the device to the latest version of Android.

The process to update the device using this upgrade package is relatively simple. Follow these simple steps to do it:

Step 1: Settings > About Phone > System Update. The device should display this update package.

Step 2: Tap «Continue» to allow the device to download and install the package.

Step 3: Reboot the device to complete the process.

Disadvantages of Using this Method

You need to find and download the upgrade package before you can update the device.

You need to have adequate storage on your device or SD card for the update.

Option 4. Manually Update Android Version via Rooted ROM

Rooting your device allows you superuser access, giving you the ability to not just easily update the device to the latest version, but also install unapproved apps. The following simple instructions will help you root your device:

Step 1: Download one of the many root apps on to your computer.

Step 2: Run the rooting app and then connect the Android device to the computer using USB cables.

Step 3: Follow the on-screen prompts to root the device.

Step 4: Once the rooting process is complete, reboot the device and you’ll have instant access to the latest version of Android.

Disadvantages of Using this Method

It can result in total data loss when done incorrectly.

The process will also invalidate the warranty on the device.

When done incorrectly, the process could also result in significant damage to the software.

Tip. How to Install Android Beta Q on Your Android

Even with the latest Android 9.0 already in the market, Android developers continue to experiment with more features to improve later updates. One of these updates is known as Android Q and although there is no official release date for it yet, Google has already rolled out Android Q to beta testers.

To have access to the Android Q beta, you must have a pixel smartphone. The following are some of the devices that can run Android Q Beta: Google Pixel XL, Google Pixel 2, Google Pixel 2 XL, Google Pixel 3, Google Pixel 3 XL. By mid this year, Google had also rolled out a version of Android Q Beta that can be used on other non-Google devices.

To download Android Q, follow the guidelines laid out on this page . You will need to read and agree to the terms of service before you can be accepted into the Beta program. Once accepted, you will receive regular over the air update notifications for the various Android Beta builds.

This method allows you to reap all the benefits and enjoy the features of the latest version of Android before anyone else can, but we must warn you that beta updates can be dangerous. They can cause issues that may interfere with your device’s ability to function correctly and may even cause data loss.

Conclusion

With more than one way to manually update your Android device, you can choose the method that best suits your particular situation according to your needs. Just remember to back up your data before updating the device.

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