What version of Android features voice commands?

Android is an open source mobile operating system developed by Google and made available for developers and device makers to use on their phones or other devices. Since the first release of Android 1.0 in 2008, there have been many major releases adding new features and improving functionality. One area that has seen significant improvements over the years is voice command capabilities.

In the early days of Android, there was little to no native support for voice commands. But over time, features like voice search, Google Assistant, and other hands-free controls were added to make devices easier to use. With version 4.1 Jelly Bean in 2012, Android began including basic native voice typing and commands. This allowed users to dictate messages, search by voice, and access some basic device functions without touching the screen. Support was expanded in subsequent versions, culminating in Android 6.0 Marshmallow introducing the Google Assistant in 2015 to provide a deeper conversational experience and additional control of apps/services.

Android 1.0

Android 1.0 was the first commercial version of the Android mobile operating system, released in September 2008 (source). It did not include any features for voice commands or voice control. At the time, the main focuses were around the basics like phone functionality, messaging, web browsing and media playback.

Voice command capabilities would not come until years later. Android 1.0 was still an important milestone as the first version of Android available to consumers. It established core features and functionality that would continue to expand dramatically in subsequent Android releases.

Android 1.5 Cupcake

Android 1.5 Cupcake was released in May 2009. It added several key features to the Android operating system, including:

Text-to-speech capabilities – This allowed text to be read aloud on Android devices for accessibility purposes. The text-to-speech engine converted written words into spoken words.

Android 2.2 Froyo

Android 2.2 Froyo was released in May 2010. A major new feature in Froyo was the addition of native speech recognition capabilities (1). The voice recognition allowed users to control their phones using spoken commands in English and six other languages. This provided a convenient hands-free way to place calls, write texts or emails, get directions, listen to music, and more (2).

Some examples of voice actions supported in Froyo included “call John Smith,” “send text to Jane Doe,” and “navigate to Starbucks.” Users could also speak their text messages and emails to dictate content hands-free. Overall, the speech recognition capabilities showcased Android’s innovative features and focus on accessibility and convenience in Froyo.

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean was released in 2012 and included improved voice search capabilities. According to this article, Jelly Bean’s Voice Search had the “upper hand” over Apple’s Siri, with faster response times. Another article notes that Jelly Bean’s voice search “performs…in respect to Siri”.

Some key improvements to voice search in Jelly Bean included faster response times and better offline voice typing, as covered in this video. So Android 4.1 Jelly Bean in 2012 brought noticeable advancements to Android’s voice search capabilities.

Android 4.4 KitKat

Android 4.4 KitKat was released in September 2013. A key feature added in KitKat was “Ok Google” hotword detection. This enabled users to activate voice commands by saying “Ok Google” on any screen. This allowed users to get information, open apps and navigation using just their voice.

Android 5.0 Lollipop

Android 5.0 Lollipop was released in November 2014. One of the key new features introduced in this version was always-on voice recognition capabilities (AbilityNet). With the “OK Google” hotword detection enabled, users could speak voice commands to their device at any time, without having to tap an icon or button first.

According to an article on SearchEngineJournal, this always-on voice recognition used low-power processors and allowed users to “bark commands while the screen is off and from across the room” (Hofman). This made using voice capabilities on Android devices far more convenient and user-friendly.

Additional sources note this was an Accessibility Service that recognized the user’s voice and converted speech into text (Accessibility – BAeSystems). This feature formed the basis for even more advanced voice recognition and assistance capabilities introduced later in subsequent Android versions.

Android 6.0 Marshmallow

Android 6.0 Marshmallow was released in 2015. One of the new features added is Now on Tap contextual assistance which translates text on any screen. Now on Tap can translate text from any application – even screenshots without leaving the current app. This provides a seamless translation experience for users.

Android 7.0 Nougat

Android 7.0 Nougat was released in 2016 with a focus on expanded multi-language support. According to the official Android 7.0 website, Nougat allows users to select from over 100 new languages. The operating system can also handle users enabling two or more languages at the same time. This allows for greater accessibility and reaches more users across the globe.

In addition to improved language support, Nougat also introduced other new features like multi-window support, Quick Switch between apps, improved notifications and battery life optimizations.

Conclusion

Android has steadily advanced its voice command capabilities over the years. Android 1.0 in 2008 had no built-in voice features. Voice commands were first introduced in Android 1.5 Cupcake in 2009, allowing users to call contacts. In 2010, Android 2.2 Froyo launched the Voice Actions feature enabling basic voice commands like getting directions, playing music, making notes, and more. Further advancements came with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean in 2012 which added Google Now with conversational voice commands. Android 4.4 KitKat in 2013 brought “OK Google” hotword detection for truly hands-free voice interaction.

With Android 5.0 Lollipop in 2014, the “OK Google” hotword could activate voice control from anywhere on the device instead of just the search app. Android 6.0 Marshmallow in 2015 enhanced voice recognition accuracy and introduced user voice profiling. Android 7.0 Nougat in 2016 brought expanded voice capabilities through Google Assistant. And the evolution continues today with more natural language understanding and contextual awareness in the latest Android releases.

As voice technology and AI advances, Android will likely continue enhancing its voice features. We may see more conversational abilities, personalized recommendations, predictive intelligence, and integration across devices and third-party services. The future looks bright for talking to our Android phones and getting useful hands-free help whenever we need it.