News – Branex Official Blog https://www.branex.ae/blog Wed, 08 May 2024 06:53:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://www.branex.ae/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/favicon.png News – Branex Official Blog https://www.branex.ae/blog 32 32 A Quick Guide for the History of Android Versions with Emphasis on New Features and Technologies https://www.branex.ae/blog/a-quick-guide-for-the-history-of-android-versions-with-emphasis-on-new-features-and-technologies/ Tue, 16 Feb 2021 13:11:54 +0000 https://www.branex.ae/blog/?p=6272 Mobile operations systems are used to run a hand-held device like a smartphone or tablet. iOS, Windows, and Android are the most popular ones, but Android...

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]]> Mobile operations systems are used to run a hand-held device like a smartphone or tablet. iOS, Windows, and Android are the most popular ones, but Android has the market’s biggest share. As per the latest stats from Statista, Android enjoys just about 72% share of the global mobile OS market.

Android is a powerful OS with many features in the latest versions to make it secure, too. The industry pundits have always criticized this aspect as they prefer iOS in this regard. Android has come a long way, right from launching the first Android 1 with HTC Dream in September 2008 to Android 11 in September 2020. 

Let me guide you through mobile app development for all the Android versions over the years, how they have evolved, and the major changes in them. 

1. Android 1 (2008) 

Apple started the smartphone race by launching iPhone in 2007, and Google launched its own mobile OS named Android. The company Android Inc was acquired by Google in 2005 and oversaw the work being done by the developers at the company. With the launch of Android 1 in 2008, Google started a new revolution that changed the fate of smartphones and then the handheld devices forever! 

Look at the screens of Android 1, which started to give iPhones a run for their money with new and affordable models in the subsequent years. The pull-down notification function was a game-changer as far as iOS was concerned. Google PlayStore, named Market, was also launched in direct competition to the App Store. 

2. Android 1.5 Cupcake (2009) 

Android’s tradition of naming the OS on desserts started with Cupcake that was version no. 1.5. It was not a major overhaul, as you will notice in some of the versions that will be discussed later, it offered some refinements. The on-screen keyboard was one aspect that provided ease of use for anyone looking to type long messages or even emails.

Framework for third-party app widgets and an option for video-recording was also introduced with Cupcake. Take a look at the home screen below. 

3. Android 1.6 Donut (2009) 

Donut filled in the void left by the previous version, most importantly the ability to operate on various screen sizes and resolutions. CDMA networks like Verizon got a boost as the support was provided for it in this version. 

4. Android 2.0 – 2.1 Eclair (2010)

This version came out just six months after the previous version, and thanks to Motorola, it received widespread fame and recognition. Motorola Droid used this version to market its phone, and the name Eclair went mainstream within a few weeks of the campaign. The addition of turn-by-turn navigation and real-time traffic info features made this a hit with commuters and people mostly on the go. And the pinch-to-zoom capability, once exclusive to iOS, also became a fan-favorite feature.

See the image below for turn-by-turn navigation and Speech-to-text features. 

5. Android 2.2 Froyo (2010)

Launched exclusively with Nexus One, it was the first phone to get the Froyo update. Froyo 2.2 offered Android users five home screen panels instead of three and a redesigned Gallery App. Hot-spot support was another jewel in its crown. PIN lock was introduced alongside pattern lock to give options for the end-users. 

6. Android 2.3 Gingerbread (2010)

Google chose Samsung for the latest Nexus device, and Gingerbread was released exclusively on this. The redesign of Android’s stock widgets and the home screen was a welcome change. An improved keyboard with the coloration of keys and newer multi-touch support made it a great addition. With the support forefront-facing camera, the selfie-taking hip crowd never felt happier. 

7.  Android 3.0 Honeycomb (2011)

This is perhaps the only Android version that was targeted for tablets, or more specifically, for large screen devices. A Motorola device, which later on became Zoom, was the first one to display Honeycomb. Some design cues were shown in Honeycomb that was later and became integral features of Android. Google started to switch to blue instead of its classic green. Previews were offered for individual widgets that were not available to the end-users. 

Another important aspect was removing the need for a physical button as buttons like Home, Back, and Menu was now included virtually within the software. This made way for larger screens in the future as the screen-to-body ratio now easily increased.

 

8. Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (2011)

After Nexus S, Google paired up with Samsung once again for the release of Google Nexus, where Ice Cream Sandwich was unveiled with it. The OS brought the aforementioned virtual buttons with blue highlights also quite visible now. Face unlock, data usage analysis, and new apps for mail and calendar also got a boost in this version. 

9. Android 4.1 Jelly Bean (2012) 

Some significant changes were offered by Google with this update so that many things changed for the better. Google Now was a major change through which users could launch it, with a single swipe, calendar events, email, weather reports in a single display. It was a major step forward towards a digital assistant. Touch performance was also enhanced with expandable notifications, and refreshed fonts also significantly improved. 

10. Android 4.4 Kit Kat (2012) 

Nexus 5 was the first phone on which Kit Kat was officially launched, and several new features were unleashed by Google. The look of Android was drastically changed, with the Blue color taking precedence now. And several Android stock apps were redesigned with lighter color schemes. The immensely popular “Ok, Google” search command was introduced to use Google Now any time. 

A new phone-dialer, full-screen apps, and new hangout apps offered SMS support to the Hangouts messaging platform. 

11. Android 5.0 Lollipop (2014) 

Keeping up with the tradition, it was launched with a new Google phone, the Nexus 6. It features Google’s “Material Design” philosophy. Several technical aspects were taken care of, like the introduction of Android runtime, the addition of RAW image support, etc. Android 5.0 also saw the addition of Android TV, which brought Android to the big screen. 

12. Android 6.0 Marshmallow (2015) 

The app menu virtually changed as it looked like a complete overhaul in the design. A white background was used instead of black, and a search bar for finding apps was introduced. Memory manager was another great addition that let you know the app used within a specific time period. Volume controls were also enhanced and changed volume controls for different devices, media, and alarms. 

Fingerprint sensors were given a significant boost with Marshmallow. Also, permission for the app requesting downloading and updating also changed on an as-needed basis. 

13. Android 7.0 Nougat (2016)

Perhaps the most significant upgrade happened with Nougat as it marked a sharp shift in the way the operating system was offering facilities and features to the end-users. Google Now was replaced with Google Assistant, and an improved notification system was also introduced. Multitasking also got a boost so that users could split screens, even if they were using a smartphone or a tablet, without signing out of the apps. 

14.  Android 8.0 Oreo (2017)

Numerous multitasking features were introduced with Android Oreo, like picture-in-picture and native split-screen. Turning notifications channels off was finally a reality so that users could sort notifications based on their importance. The ability to snooze notifications was also introduced. 

New emojis were offered to the users, making them more user-friendly. Auto-enable Wi-Fi and smart text selector were some other notable additions to this version. 

15.  Android 9.0 Pie (2018)

This marked the end of a decade of smartphone launch, and the OS also got a marked improvement for the tenth anniversary. 3-button setup was discarded in favor of a single, pill-shaped button and gestures to control things like multitasking. Marked improvement with notifications was also introduced. Digital Well-being was introduced to make sure users can think about what apps take their most time and how to avoid addiction to them. 

Other features include an adaptive battery, limiting how much battery background apps can use, which was another important update in Android Pie. 

Know about Android Oreo Vs Android Pie

16. Android 10 Pie (2019)

With a total rebranding of the operating system, Google ditched the pretty naming of the Android versions with a simple 10. A new logo was also announced, coupled with a refreshing color scheme. The back button got eliminated with another navigation button and gestures. Dark-mode made the viewing easy and also acted as a potential reason for extending battery life. 

17. Android 11 (2020)

The public beta for Android 11 was released in June 2020. It is available on several flagship devices now, with Google Pixel Phones, Xiaomi, and One Plus, the first ones to receive the update. Smart-home control toggles and within the device control hub, thus making it easier to control any linked smart-home devices. A separate conversation section for notification is available now to let users screen app alerts and other device messages conveniently. 

The permission from each app can also be restricted each time they are opened. The full version was released on September 8, 2020, and now all the users who have got the update are using all the features without any hassle. 

Over to you 

This blog will help businesses look for an app development company as to what features they can rely on and what more they can ask in getting an app for themselves. 

If you think that you can add something valuable to this blog or ask a question, you are welcome. For any feedback or suggestions to make this blog better, please use the comments section below.  

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]]> UAE Announces a More Agile & Nimble Government to Progress into the Future https://www.branex.ae/blog/sheikh-mohammed-announces-new-ministries/ Thu, 09 Jul 2020 13:42:53 +0000 https://www.branex.ae/blog/?p=6168 With the rapid development and incredible technological advancements, the UAE government is taking drastic measures in transforming its respective cabinets and introducing a more robust and...

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]]> With the rapid development and incredible technological advancements, the UAE government is taking drastic measures in transforming its respective cabinets and introducing a more robust and agile government that will work towards the progress of the country into the post-information age of the future.

Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and in collaboration with the His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the new government structure has been approved.

The new government structure is more inclined towards the digital aspects of running the state.

In one of the statements, Sheikh Mohammad has expressed how this new digital structure is going to enable the UAE government to respond quickly to new-age challenges and employ technology to remain agile for faster decision making. He said:

“The goal of structural changes today is a government that is faster in decision-making, and is more up to date with changes, in dealing with the new stage in our history”. The new structure reflects “a flexible and fast government whose goal is to consolidate the achievements and gains of the country,”

He further added,

“The new government has one year ahead of it to achieve the new priorities, and constant changes will remain the motto of the next stage, reaching the best government model that accompanies the new era … and achieves the aspirations of the people of the Emirates during the next stage,”

What Major Changes Does the Government Observe?

The first thing that Sheikh Mohammed has planned to do is overhaul the new Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. The new ministry will be tasked with polishing up the industrial sector of the country. To make this become a reality, he has also announced merging the Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology (ESMA) with the new ministry so they can collaborate.

He also announced a new ministry, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. The new ministry will be a merger of two separate ministries. Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure will supervise the Zayed Housing Program and the Federal Authority for Land & Maritime Transport. The former Oil Minister Suhail Al Mazroui is appointed as the leader of this newly formed Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure. Under his supervision, the following projects will more likely go forward and become the hallmarks of success in the coming days.

The Ministry of Economy will be headed by three ministers namely;

  • Abdullah bin Touq Al-Marri
  • Ahmed Belhoul
  • Thani Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi

Abdullah bin Touq Al-Marri is going to be responsible for handling the economy of the state. Whereas, Ahmed Belhoul will be tasked with governing the entrepreneurship aspect of all kinds of small and medium-sized businesses in the UAE. And as far as the role of Thani Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi is concerned, he will be observing the foreign trade. He will take up the title of the Foreign Trade Minister of UAE.

The Ministry of Culture is going to merge itself with the two separate departments, the National Media Council and the Federal Youth Authority, to transform itself into the Ministry of Culture & Youth. It will be supervised under two ministers, namely Shamma Al Mazrouei and Noura Al Kaabi. Both will perform their respective duties under the same flag as ministers. It is also confirmed that the state news agency WAM is also going to come under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs.

Just like other ministries are merging to form new ones to provide added authority & control, so is the Federal Authority for Electricity and Water. The Federal Authority of Electricity and Water, the Institution of Transportation and Emirates Real Estate Institution will merge to form the Emirates Investment Authority.

Moreover, pensions and social security will now be handled under the governance of the Ministry of Community Development. Obaid Al Tayer will oversee the Social Security Fund.

Also, the National Qualification Authority will now become a part of the Ministry of Education.

Whereas, the Insurance Authority will become a part of the Securities & Commodities Authority.

The Federal Authority of the Government Human Resource will now become a part of the Prime Minister’s Cabinet. Also, the Minister of State’s Happiness and Wellbeing has now been transferred to the Ministry of Government Development and Future. Hammad Al Mansouri has been appointed as the head of the digital government in the UAE sector. Hammad comes forth with the plan of creating a single digital window which will enable the UAE to quickly undergo a complete digital transformation.

Omar Sultan Al Olama has been appointed as the new Minister of State for Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence.

His ministry will be responsible for governing new technological implementations surrounding the application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies as well as remote working applications in the UAE.

To govern the government strategy & innovation, Sheikh Mohammed has appointed Huda Al Hashemi.

Huda is one of the Sheikh Mohammed’s trusted individuals and has invested a decade alongside him. Also, Mohammad Bin Taleya has been appointed as the head of government services.

With the cybersecurity debacles on the rise around the world, the Sheikh has appointed Mohammed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti to govern the cybersecurity infrastructure of Dubai, which will ensure maximum protection for the information digitally regulated within the government sectors. As the Sheikh says:

“The security of our digital government is an essential part of our comprehensive national security, and protecting our digital national borders is an integral part of protecting our entire national soil.”

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan will continue being the Minister of Tolerance.

Other Ministerial Roles

Other minister roles which have been appointed to different individuals include,

  • Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, will head the UAE Space Agency.
  • Mohammed bin Taleeah is now the Head of Governmental Services.
  • Ahmed Majid Al Bedwaawi will be the Deputy General Secretary for Legal Affairs.
  • Maryam Al Hammadi will be the General Secretary of the UAE Cabinet.
  • Mohammed Sultan Al Abaidli will be the President of Legal Affairs for the UAE Government.
  • The Media Office of the UAE Government will be under the Cabinet. Saeed Mohammad Al Eter Al Dhanhani will head it.
  • Huda Al Hashemi will be Head of Strategy and Innovation for the UAE government.

As Sheikh Mohammed finalizes a 33 member cabinet of ministers, he explains how he plans to digitally transform the UAE government in the next couple of years. He has merged almost 50 percent of his federal authorities with other ministries to build a lean and highly responsive government structure that will be able to tackle any challenges proactively.

By realizing the eGovernment dream, UAE shall be able to build upon the great achievements it has secured and continue to work towards the development of the nation. By appointing young ministers to take the lead, he is now aiming to transform UAE into a massive digitized business hub for the world to marvel at.

Whether you’re planning to start your business or wish to enhance your online presence in the UAE, Branex can provide will get you going in no time.

Get in touch with the UAE’s finest web design agency to secure a lucrative future for your brand.

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]]> Mark Your Calendars: December 7th is the day booking a Taxi in Dubai is going to change forever https://www.branex.ae/blog/booking-a-taxi-in-dubai-is-going-to-change/ Wed, 20 Nov 2019 10:34:20 +0000 https://www.branex.ae/blog/?p=5946 When Careem launched in Dubai, the average wait time was around 10-12 minutes. In 2000, when Hala, an e-hailing service, was launched and the wait time...

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]]> When Careem launched in Dubai, the average wait time was around 10-12 minutes. In 2000, when Hala, an e-hailing service, was launched and the wait time was decreased to about 3 minutes. Still, 3 minutes was a lot for people who wanted to avail Careem without waiting too much.

If you live in Dubai or willing to travel for a vacation on December 7, there is good news for you. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in an agreement with Careem, announced the launch of their taxi e-hailing service in Dubai.

Related Read: How to use Google Maps Dubai to avoid traffic congestion?

According to the agreement, Halaalong with RTA will provide customers the ability to get a taxi that is closest to them. With an improved customer service experience, people will now be able to find details about the driver even before they sit in the cab. And the best part is that the average rating of each taxi will from 4.8 to 5 stars.

booking a Taxi in Dubai

Customers will be able to find the closest taxi to them on demand, see a fare estimator and time of arrival and connect their credit card for easy, hassle-free payment. It also means less downtime for the Captains (drivers) who can optimize their time on the road through customer proximity matching and real-time alerts of geographical areas experiencing high demand.

Do you want an e-hailing app that can make you millions?

The aim of RTA is to improve and simplify the mobility of people in the region. With this wonderful partnership, people will be able to avail of the benefits of an e-hailing taxi service just by using the Careem app.

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]]> Google Plans to Focus on Web App After Killing its AdSense Apps for iOS & Android https://www.branex.ae/blog/google-killing-adsense-apps/ Tue, 16 Jul 2019 13:19:22 +0000 https://www.branex.ae/blog/?p=5731 Goodbyes are heartbreaking. Whether it is people or a product that you’ve worked so hard for so many years. It is soul-shattering to pull the plug....

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]]> Goodbyes are heartbreaking. Whether it is people or a product that you’ve worked so hard for so many years. It is soul-shattering to pull the plug. However, at times, it is the right thing to do.

Google abandoned more than 251 products that were not performing well. Can you imagine Google saying goodbye to AdSense iOS app and Android app?

Google AdSense is the largest ad platform that powers every website to showcase their ads. Both Android and iOS apps have given users ease to check earnings and other data on the go. However, now, Google is a little bit shaky about continuing the mobile app.

Related: How to Search Effectively on Google Search?

Google plans to focus on its progressive web app, which is why killing AdSense app for Android and iOS is a reasonable decision at the moment.

According to Google:

“We will be focusing our investment on the AdSense mobile web interface and sunsetting the current iOS and Android apps. By investing in a common web application that supports all platforms, we will be able to deliver AdSense features optimized for mobile much faster than we can today.”

Furthermore, the Google AdSense team hints for a more interactive – and possibly proactive – experience for the service going forward::

“Our vision is an AdSense that does more to keep your account healthy, letting you focus on creating great content, and comes to you when issues or opportunities need your attention.”

Google has a history of killing useful services without giving any replacement for it.

With the apps said to be removed from the Play Store by the end of the year, the apps will likely stop working around that time anyway.

A little disappointing move from Google, and one that many bloggers, website owners, and freelancers will be pretty sad about when it happens. However, since big daddy has already made the decision, we have to make peace with the consequences.

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