Unsupported since November 14, 2016 Google Play Services support dropped since January 2017[3]
Android 2.3 Gingerbread is the seventh version of Android, a version of theAndroidmobile operating system developed byGoogle and released in December 2010.
Gingerbread's user interface was refined, making it easier to master, faster to use, and more power-efficient. A simplified color scheme with a black background gave vividness and contrast to the notification bar, menus, and other user interface components. Improvements in menus and settings resulted in easier navigation and system control.
TheNexus S smartphone, released in December 2010, was the first phone from theGoogle Nexus line that ran Gingerbread, and also the first one from the line with built-in NFC functionality.[5]
As of October 2022[update], statistics issued by Google indicate that 0.11% of all Android devices accessing Google Play were running on Gingerbread.[6] Google ceased sign-in support for Gingerbread on September 27, 2021.[7]
New features introduced by Gingerbread include the following:
Updated user interface design, providing increased ease of use and efficiency.
Support for extra-large screen sizes and resolutions (WXGA and higher).
Native support for SIP VoIP internet telephones.
Improved text input using the virtual keyboard, with improved accuracy, better text suggestions, and voice input capability.
Enhanced copy/paste functionality, allowing users to select a word by press-holding, copying, and pasting.
Support for Near Field Communication (NFC), allowing the user to read NFC tags embedded in posters, stickers, or advertisements.
New audio effects such as reverb, equalization, headphone virtualization, and bass boost.
New Download Manager, giving users easy access to any file downloaded from the browser,email, or another application.
Support for multiple cameras on the device, including a front-facing camera, if available.
Support for WebM/VP8 video playback, andAAC audio encoding.
Improved power management, including more active management of power-consuming applications.
Enhanced support for native code development.
A switch fromYAFFS toext4 file system on newer devices.
Audio, graphical, and input enhancements for game developers.
Concurrent garbage collection for increased performance.
Native support for more sensors (such as gyroscopes and barometers).
The first Android easter egg, which depicts the Android mascot standing beside a zombified gingerbread man in a field of other zombies talking on cell phones, presumably Android smartphones.
Media related toAndroid Gingerbread at Wikimedia Commons
