NASA the space agency is sending Android-powered mini-satellites into space sometime in 2013. Its easy-to-use and tweak-able operating system is likely the reason why NASA chose to send these mini-computers into space to help ‘capture digital imagery of the Earth’.

Nonetheless, commercial products are the ones that come from military prototypes, not the way around, which begs the question, how did Android made the climb to stellar proportions, literally, in less than a decade? We take a look at the mobile operating system powering today’s Android devices.

The acquisition of Android Inc by Google in 2005 marked Google’s entry into the smartphone market. Today, Android is on over 331 million smartphones with close to a million joining every day. Its popularity was encouraged by monthly billion-app downloads from Google Play. The Android app store features 600,000 apps so far.

Android runs on more than 250 devices, inclusive of tablets and smartphones that are produced by 23 different manufacturers, and has gone through more than ten OS updates from Android 1.0 (presumably named Astro) until the much-anticipated Android 4.1, Jelly Bean, released in June this year.

Android 1.0 Astro

Android 1.0 was launched in Sept 2008, with features that were mainly oriented for business and work purposes.

This version was packed with great apps and support for using the Internet and Internet-based services such as: full HTML support in the browser, video playback with a YouTube app, and Google services like GTalk, Gmail, Google Maps and Google Sync.

It was also the first mobile operating system to pull off the pull-down notification window, and users first learn of the uses of Widgets and apps that can be downloaded and updated via the Android Market even though the market wasn’t as heavily populated then as it is now.

HTC Dream (a.k.a T-Mobile G1) running Android 1.0

Thus, this version was mainly focused on lifting the business side of smartphones, with a lack of focus on entertainment features – Android users have minimal control over the Camera, and there’s no support for video playback in its media player. Android 1.1 (presumably Bender) featured mostly bug fixes and updates, and was the first ever software update for Android.

(Image Source: freeoniphone.com)

Android 1.5 (Cupcake)

Cupcake was Android’s second major release, but the first commercially available version, which featured a good amount of bug fixes, and plenty of good features. It was introduced together with Android’s first touchscreen-only phone: the HTC Magic.

Widgets were introduced; Google started allowing third parties to produce widgets for Android use. Cupcake also enabled the copy-and-paste feature – which we so take for granted now – from plain text on a page to internal apps.

Samsung i7500 running Android 1.5

Users can easily swap between Still Camera and Video Camera modes with a single touch and without leaving the camera app. Video recording was made available in MP4 and 3GP formats and the auto screen rotate that we see in our devices was added in this version.

Users are also treated to uploading capabilities for videos and photos to Youtube and Picasa, respectively.

(Image Source: unwiredview.com)

Android 1.6 (Donut)

Android 1.6 launched in Sept 2009, was also known as Donut, and contains several new updates including text-to-speech technology.

Searches can be done by text and Voice, and this is not restricted to just the Web; you can also search your bookmark history, Contacts, Music, Dictionary and the Web with this method and from the same search box.

(Image Source: phoneblog.com)

App screenshots are now available in the Android Market. The new update also allow for WVGA Screen Resolutions and better performance. The Gallery was fully integrated with the Camera apps for better and faster viewing of photos taken from the camera.

Android 2.0/2.1 (Eclair)

Eclair, Android 2.0 and its update 2.1, was released in Oct 2009, bringing in a revamped user interface (UI) and the introduction of Live Wallpapers (animated wallpapers at the homescreen).

Android users were also treated to the virtual keyboard for a faster typing experience and if typing takes too long, then the speech-to-text technology is the best alternative. There’s also Bluetooth 2.1 support for faster file transfers.

A still of a Live Wallpaper running on Google Nexus, carrying Android 2.1

Users who have multiple emails could browse their multiple accounts at the same time and the Account sync enables synchronization of email and contacts easily. Calling or texting friends has become a lot easier by using a long press over the wanted Contact Name, then selecting to Call or Text them. The Camera app on Android 2.0 has flash support, Scene Modes, white balance, and digital zoom among others. That double-tap that allows you to zoom into text on a browser?

It was introduced in this version as well, along with support for HTML5 and an improved navigational experience with Google Maps.

(Image Source: zdnet.co.uk)

Android 2.2 (Froyo)

Come May 2010, Android 2.2 or "Froyo" – Frozen Yogurt – blew the competition away in terms of OS speed thanks to the Java V8 engine and JIT compiler which launched apps faster than ever.

Features like USB Tethering and Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot were added to this version and users can disable data access.

Android 2.2 on the Google Nexus One

Android users can also now run Flash on their Android device and are treated to picture preview stacks in the 3D photo shots gallery without selecting to see the full photo first. Also worth mentioning is the remote wipe features that allow you to wipe out your data in the event of a lost or stolen phone for better data protection.

(Image Source: zdnet.co.uk)

Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)

Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) came to light at the end of the year, a mere six months later after Froyo made headlines. Users are able to quickly switch between front and back camera in the modified camera app. Copy-paste can now be done word by word (press-hold to select) rather than by blocks of text.

Nexus S introduced Gingerbread

This version also has better battery management tools allowing users to see which app is zapping battery juice the most. Its last update v2.3.7 introduced Google Wallet which utilizes near field communication to store cards, redeem promotions and even make secure payments from your phone.

(Image Source: Android Community)

Android 3 (Honeycomb)

Taking a break from smartphones is the Android 3.0, Honeycomb update which was designed with tablets in mind. Everything is on the UI now with no need for physical buttons. The Back and Home keys get perpetual spots at the bottom of the screen. Widgets become more prominent as developers get more room to play with due to the larger screen size.

In the main view, one can see two bars: at the top the Action bar, which gives access to individual apps and widgets, at the bottom, the System bar showing notifications and soft navigation buttons.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Running on Honeycomb

The additional space also allows for a better, redesigned keyboard for more accurate presses and efficient typing. Browsers carry multple tabs and is available in ‘incognito’ mode, while the Contacts and Email UI carry two panes now for better organization and access of data. This version also has better hardware acceleration and 3D graphics support. Later updates (still under Honeycomb) added connectivity of USB accessories such as external keyboards or gamepads as well as improved handwriting prediction for Chinese characters.

(Image Source: mobileburn.com)

Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)

Android 4, first released on Oct 2011 and updated in March 2012, is also known as Ice Cream Sandwich, continuing the dessert-naming convention. It had then unmatched performance and speed, carrying many of the features that Honeycomb installed in tablets over to smartphones including being rid of physical buttons for navigation.

The launcher is now customizable and users can add both apps and widgets (which has since been separated) into their homescreens or panels via drag-and-drop. Default keys docked at the bottom of the homescreen can also be customized and carry multiple folders (or apps) which appear stacked together. Select icon once to see options; select again to launch the app.

(Image Source: theverge.com)

Users can now use video chat in GTalk in this version, which also carries Face Lock. The Task Manager now carries screenshots of recently open or currently in use apps which can be dismissed (and closed) individually by swipping them off the screen. This Swipe to wipe feature also works with notifications and browser tabs.

Also making an appearance is Chrome for Android, the fastest version of Chrome for any mobile device which has recently shed the ‘beta’ from their app.

Usage can be broken down by time spent on any and all apps, for better battery management and users can also receive warnings when breaching data limit, or disable data usage once it surpasses a preset limit. It also has an integrated snapshot capture feature which is initiated by pressing both the power button and the volume-down button together. A shutter sound indicates that a shot has been taken. Screenshots take up a separate folder in the gallery.

Other improvements include better text predictions, copy-and-paste, voice input, social-network-integrated profiles, camera features such as panorama view and options to share to social profile.

Android 4.1 (Jellybean)

June 2012, Jellybean is here. Smeared with butter – project butter that is. Project Butter made this latest update, faster, smoother and more responsive. How fast? Try zero lag when opening apps or switching home panels.

Animations and transitions are also visibly enhanced with vsync timing. Received a notification? Expand it with finger gestures to get the full info without launching the app, or return calls straight from the notification tray. Alternatively, users can opt for canned text replies in response to missed calls.

Despite this being a 0.1 update, the deal-breaker is Google Now. Initiate it by holding down the Home button and swiping up to get predicted suggestions and updates on Cards, based on your past searches and latest locations. At least, Google is putting all that gathered intelligence to good use – you get your own personal assistant, who knows you inside out and brings updates to your attention even before you ask for it.

Voice search is part of the implementation in Google Now (so ask away), as Voice dictation is now an offline, integrated feature. Jellybean is already running on Google Nexus smartphones and the tablet.

Wrap-Up

This evolution rapsheet is by no means exhaustive – we are trying to cover 4 years of tech development, that’s a lot of history to cover in one article – so if we missed anything, set us straight in the comments. Also share with us your wishlist for the next update in line – (presumably) key lime pie anyone?

Related posts:

1. 20 Essential Apps For Your Android Phone
2. 15 Android Apps Every Blogger Should Have
3. Top 20 Android Photography Apps
4. How to Send / Receive SMS in Chrome Without A Phone [Android]

Online storage solutions provide users with a backup facility for their digital data. Every day, many electronic devices get stolen and despite advancements like tracers or theft protectors, only few lost gadgets are eventually found while the rest lie in the hands of strangers. The data you keep in these devices is important and sensitive and should be kept secure in even at the event of your gadget being stolen.

Encryption is probably the best method by far to secure your files (and especially those which you don’t want others to know of). These services provide end-to-end encryption for your data that is stored online. They use military-grade encryption algorithms to protect your data on their servers and while you upload or download them. Let’s take a look at ten of these encryption-enabled online storage solutions you can put to good use.

1. IDrive

IDrive transfers and stores your data using 256-bit AES encryption, which makes your data highly secured. The IDrive client is available for Windows, Mac OS, Android and iOS. It’s easy to store and backup your files and folders.

You can backup files from multiple devices in one account and manage multiple accounts through its client. They offer 5GB free storage.

Features | Pricing | Signup

2. Comodo Online Storage

Comodo is an online security provider, selling products like antiviruses and Internet Security software. They’re experts when it comes to security. Comodo Online Storage transfers your data on a 256-bit SSL secure connection and stores it in encrypted form in Comodo’s highly secure storage infrastructure.

They have an easy-to-use client software for Windows and Android and they also offer 5GB free storage.

Features | Pricing | Signup

3. Wuala

Wuala uses the 256-bit AES, 2048-bit RSA and SHA-256 algorithms for encryption, signatures and integrity checks for your data. This ensures maximum protection of your data. Wuala clients are available for Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android and iOS. 5GB of storage is available for free.

Features | Pricing | Signup

4. CloudSafe

CloudSafe transfers your data using the highest SSL standard (EV SSL with AES-256) encryption. It stores data at their own servers, which are monitored by their own, multi-level security concept and their computer center fulfills the highest security requirements according to ISO 27001 and PCI.

CloudSafe can be accessed via WebDAV clients on Windows, Mac OS, Android, iPhone and BlackBerry. They offer only 2GB free storage.

Features | Pricing | Signup

5. SpiderOak

SpiderOak uses a layered approach to encryption to store your data, using a combination of 2048-bit RSA and 256-bit AES. You can backup or store files from multiple devices in one single SpiderOak account.

SpiderOak client is available for Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and Windows 7, Mac OS X and 32- & 64-bit Linux packages for Ubuntu and Debian. You can also access your files through their online access platform. They offer 2GB free storage.

Features | Pricing | Signup

6. TeamDrive

TeamDrive uses 256-bit AES encryption algorithm to secure your data while transferring or storing it. TeamDrive client is available for Windows, Mac OS and Linux operating systems. Their client is also available for iOS. They offer 2GB free storage.

Features | Pricing | Signup

7. JustCloud

JustCloud uses 256-bit SSL encryption to secure your data. You can backup multiple computers in single JustCloud account. JustCloud client is available for Windows. You can access or store files from other operating systems using their web interface. You can access your files from your mobile device by opening their mobile site.

Features | Signup

8. SafeSync

SafeSync is provided by TrendMicro, a well-known security services provider. They started SafeSync after taking over Humyo (encrypted online storage which used to provide 10GB free storage). SafeSync 256-bit AES encryption to ensure your files are protected from others. SafeSync’s client is available for Windows, MacOS, Android and iOS. They offer 30-day free trial.

Features | Pricing | Signup

9. SwissDisk

SwissDisk uses 256-bit AES encryption to transfer/store your data securely. SwissDisk client (sDrive) is available for Windows and Mac OS. You can access your files from Linux and mobile devices using any WebDAV software. They offer 50MB free storage.

Features | Pricing | Signup

10. CryptoHeaven

CryptoHeaven uses end-to-end encryption, up to 4096-bit RSA and AES-256 algorithms. CryptoHeaven provides its clients for Windows, Mac OS, Linux and Solaris platforms. Although this is a rare online storage product which provides Solaris client, I didn’t find any information about client for mobile devices.

Features | Pricing | Signup

No related posts.

[Mac only] The folder icons on your Mac have been in use for ages, and it doesn’t help with searches if you have many folders in your Finder, especially when you have forgotten the folder name. There are a number of ways to view folders in Finder: you can sort and show item by icons, list, column and cover folder, but we have another idea.

There is a simple action you can do on your Mac to change the image of your Folder icon. Instead of looking at the same boring blue folder icons, you can select any of your favorite images to turn it into your folder icon. This way, it will be way easier to tell your folders apart. Lets find out how to start customizing your folder icons.

Recommended Reading: 6 Simple & Effective Ways To Speed Up Your Mac

Replace Folder Icon with image

There are only three simple steps to changing your folder icon to any of your favorite images.

1. Select any folder of choice and press Cmd + I to open the folder info panel. You can also open the info panel by option-clicking on the selected folder and selecting Get Info.

   

2. Now open any images you want to use; you can open it with Preview, then press Cmd + A to select and Cmd + C to copy the image.

   

3. Point your cursor and click on the folder image at the top left corner of the folder info panel you open earlier, then press Cmd + V to paste the image.

   

   Once you have, your folder icon will now change to the image you pasted earlier.

   

Now you already have a new look for your folder icon. To remove this image, simply click on the image at the top left corner of the info panel and press Delete

Conclusion

With this simple trick, you can start reorganizing your folders on your Mac so it’s easier for you to spot which folder to look into when you are looking for something.

Related posts:

1. Create Folders of Different Colors in Windows [Quicktip]
2. How to Create New Folders in Windows by Drag & Drop [Quicktip]
3. How to Customize and Beautify Facebook Chat [Quicktip]
4. How to Customize Google Plus URL [Quicktip]