In Android operating system history, which version was the first release that was completely 64 bit compatible?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Android 5.0 Lollipop

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This computer awareness question is about the evolution of the Android operating system and, in particular, its transition to full 64 bit compatibility. Over time, Android versions have added new features, better performance and improved hardware support. One key milestone was the first Android release that could run completely on 64 bit processors and support 64 bit applications. Exams often test whether learners can connect Android code names like Lollipop, KitKat and Oreo to important technical changes such as 64 bit support.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The topic is the Android mobile operating system developed by Google.
  • The question asks about the first version that was completely 64 bit compatible.
  • Options list several well known Android releases with their dessert code names.
  • We assume a basic understanding that 64 bit support relates to processor architecture and application capability.


Concept / Approach:
Modern processors are often 64 bit, which means they can handle larger address spaces and work with data more efficiently compared to 32 bit processors. Android initially ran on 32 bit architectures. Later versions added support for 64 bit hardware and applications. Android 5.0, code named Lollipop, introduced full 64 bit support in the system, runtime and application framework. It allowed devices powered by 64 bit chips to run Android efficiently and let developers build true 64 bit apps. Earlier versions like Gingerbread, Ice Cream Sandwich and Honeycomb primarily targeted 32 bit hardware. Therefore, among the options, Android 5.0 Lollipop is recognised as the first completely 64 bit compatible version.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: List the Android versions in the options and recall their approximate release sequence. Step 2: Remember that Android 2.3 Gingerbread, 3.0 Honeycomb and 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich were developed in the era of mostly 32 bit hardware. Step 3: Note that Android 5.0 Lollipop introduced the ART runtime and formal 64 bit support for devices and applications. Step 4: Recognise that Android 8.0 Oreo, although newer, is not the first version to support 64 bit; it only continues and extends that support. Step 5: Conclude that Android 5.0 Lollipop is the earliest Android version on the list that is fully 64 bit compatible.


Verification / Alternative check:
Technical summaries of Android versions highlight Android 5.0 Lollipop as a major platform update that brought a new runtime, improved performance and official 64 bit support. Device launch announcements for early 64 bit Android smartphones also mention that they run Android Lollipop with 64 bit capabilities. Earlier versions are seldom described as 64 bit platforms. Later releases like Marshmallow and Oreo build on this foundation but are not the first. This independent confirmation from Android documentation and device specifications supports Android 5.0 Lollipop as the correct answer.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Android 2.3 Gingerbread: An early smartphone focused release that targeted 32 bit processors and did not provide full 64 bit support.
  • Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich: Unified phone and tablet features but remained a 32 bit focused platform.
  • Android 3.0 Honeycomb: A tablet oriented version that did not deliver complete 64 bit compatibility.
  • Android 8.0 Oreo: Supports 64 bit hardware but arrived much later, so it is not the first fully 64 bit compatible version.


Common Pitfalls:
Many learners assume that a higher version number automatically means it is the first to provide a feature, so they may incorrectly pick Oreo simply because it is newer. Others think that once 64 bit chips exist, all Android versions must be 64 bit, which is not accurate. It is important to connect specific platform features to the correct version. When you see a question about the first fully 64 bit compatible Android version, you should remember the major Lollipop update and choose Android 5.0 Lollipop with confidence.


Final Answer:
The first completely 64 bit compatible version of Android was Android 5.0 Lollipop.

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