# Android Cupcake
> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Android_Cupcake
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Android_Cupcake.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_Cupcake
> Source revision: 1352539286
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)
{{Short description|2009 Android mobile operating system}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox OS version
| name = Android Cupcake
| logo = Android Cupcake Logo.svg
| logo size = 150px
| screenshot = Android Cupcake home screen.jpg
| caption = Android Cupcake home screen
| screenshot_size = 237 px
| screenshot_alt = The default Android Cupcake home screen
| version of = [Android](/source/Android_(operating_system))
| developer = [Google](/source/Google)
| family =
| working state =
| source model =
| released = {{Start date and age|2009|4|27}}
| RTM date =
| GA date =
| latest release version =
| latest release date =
| marketing target =
| programmed in =
| language =
| update model = [Software update](/source/Software_update)
| package manager = [Android Market](/source/Google_Play_Store)
| supported platforms =
| kernel type = [Monolithic](/source/Monolithic_kernel) ([Linux](/source/Linux_kernel))
| userland =
| ui =
| license =
| preceded by = [Android 1.1](/source/Android_1.1)
| succeeded by = [Android Donut (1.6)](/source/Android_Donut)
| website =
| tagline =
| support status = {{plainlist|
* Unsupported
* Android Market support dropped since June 30, 2017
* Google Account support dropped on September 27, 2021
}}
}}
'''Android Cupcake''' is the third version of the [Android](/source/Android_(operating_system)) operating system developed by [Google](/source/Google), being the successor to [Android 1.1](/source/Android_1.1). It was released on April 27, 2009, and succeeded by [Android Donut](/source/Android_Donut) on September 15, 2009.
Android Cupcake introduces a new [virtual keyboard](/source/virtual_keyboard), marking a departure from the physical keyboard on the [HTC Dream](/source/HTC_Dream), and adds support for stereo [Bluetooth](/source/Bluetooth). Cupcake improved features in its built-in apps: videos can be uploaded directly to [YouTube](/source/YouTube), photos to [Picasa](/source/Picasa), the [Gmail](/source/Gmail) app supports batch actions, and the web browser was updated to include a new JavaScript engine and copy-and-paste. Android Cupcake was the first major release of Android to use a confectionery-themed naming scheme, a scheme that continued until the release of [Android 10](/source/Android_10) in 2019.[{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/tldr/2020/7/23/21336209/android-11-r-red-velvet-cake-internal-code-name-dessert-google |title=Even Android 11 is cake |date=July 23, 2020 |last=Gartenberg |first=Chaim |work=[The Verge](/source/The_Verge) |access-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217230719/https://www.theverge.com/tldr/2020/7/23/21336209/android-11-r-red-velvet-cake-internal-code-name-dessert-google |url-status=live }}]
By July 2010, Android Cupcake accounted for less than a quarter of active Android devices.[{{Cite web |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2010/07/how-to-have-your-cupcake-and-eat-it-too.html |title=How to have your (Cup)cake and eat it too |date=July 12, 2010 |last=Powell |first=Adam |work=Android Developers Blog |access-date=September 2, 2025 |archive-date=September 2, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250902183821/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2010/07/how-to-have-your-cupcake-and-eat-it-too.html |url-status=live}}] User adoption of Android Cupcake began to decrease in the following months, with 4.7% of devices using Android Cupcake by January 2011.[{{Cite web |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2011/01/05/android-platform-version-chart-updated-froyo-dominates-clair-still-strong-cupcake-and-donut-on-the-way-out/ |title=Android Platform Version Chart Updated: Froyo Dominates, Éclair Still Strong, Cupcake And Donut On The Way Out |date=January 5, 2011 |last=Kimmey |first=Nate |work=Android Police |access-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217230719/https://www.androidpolice.com/2011/01/05/android-platform-version-chart-updated-froyo-dominates-clair-still-strong-cupcake-and-donut-on-the-way-out/ |url-status=live }}] On June 30, 2017, Google ceased support for [Android Market](/source/Google_Play_Store) on Cupcake.[{{Cite web |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2017/06/20/year-google-ending-support-android-market-android-2-1-earlier/ |title=Google is ending support for the Android Market on Android 2.1 and earlier |date=June 20, 2017 |last=Whitwam |first=Ryan |work=Android Police |access-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217230719/https://www.androidpolice.com/2017/06/20/year-google-ending-support-android-market-android-2-1-earlier/ |url-status=live }}]
== History ==
{{Further information|Android version history#Android 1.5 Cupcake}}
In December 2008, the Android source was updated, making the "cupcake" [branch](/source/Branching_(version_control)) public. The branch included support for stereo [Bluetooth](/source/Bluetooth) and fixed various issues with Android's email client. Around this time, reports emerged that the [HTC Dream](/source/HTC_Dream) would receive an update for Android Cupcake.[{{Cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/best-smartwatches-153013118.html |title=Google secretly crafts Android codename "cupcake," fixes and features aplenty |date=December 18, 2008 |last=Ziegler |first=Chris |work=[Engadget](/source/Engadget) |access-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-date=April 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407174240/https://www.engadget.com/best-smartwatches-153013118.html |url-status=live }}] The cupcake branch was continuously updated in the months following its release, with an on-screen keyboard and notepad app being added in January 2009.[{{Cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2009-01-23-android-cupcake-in-all-its-keyboard-having-glory-t-mobile-plays.html |title=Android Cupcake in all its keyboard-having glory, T-Mobile plays dumb |date=January 23, 2009 |last=Ziegler |first=Chris |work=[Engadget](/source/Engadget) |access-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217205530/https://www.engadget.com/2009-01-23-android-cupcake-in-all-its-keyboard-having-glory-t-mobile-plays.html |url-status=live }}] The [HTC Magic](/source/HTC_Magic) was unveiled in February as the first device to launch with Cupcake, notably lacking a physical keyboard.[{{Cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2009/02/android-take-two-htc-magic-to-launch-sans-keyboard/ |title=Android, take two: HTC Magic to launch sans keyboard |date=February 17, 2009 |last=Sadun |first=Erica |work=[Ars Technica](/source/Ars_Technica) |access-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217213337/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2009/02/android-take-two-htc-magic-to-launch-sans-keyboard/ |url-status=live }}]
Android Cupcake was officially released on April 27, 2009.[{{Cite web |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/android-15-cupcake-sdk-and-firmware-now-available-2807/ |title=Android 1.5 "Cupcake" SDK and firmware now available |date=April 27, 2009 |last=Oryl |first=Michael |work=Android Authority |access-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-date=April 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426011325/https://www.androidauthority.com/android-15-cupcake-sdk-and-firmware-now-available-2807/ |url-status=live }}] In the days following Cupcake's release, select HTC Dreams began receiving an [over-the-air](/source/Over-the-air_programming) update for Android Cupcake.[{{Cite web |url=https://gizmodo.com/t-mobile-pushing-android-1-5-cupcake-update-to-select-g-5233881 |title=T-Mobile Pushing Android 1.5 'Cupcake' Update to Select G1s |date=April 30, 2009 |last=Herrman |first=John |work=[Gizmodo](/source/Gizmodo) |access-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217215241/https://gizmodo.com/t-mobile-pushing-android-1-5-cupcake-update-to-select-g-5233881 |url-status=live }}]
== System features ==
=== Bluetooth===
Stereo [Bluetooth](/source/Bluetooth) was added, and Bluetooth support for in-car kits was fixed.[{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/android-1-5-sdk-whats-new-cupcake/ |title=Android 1.5 SDK: What's new, Cupcake? |date=April 28, 2009 |last=Trenholm |first=Richard |work=[CNET](/source/CNET) |access-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217214741/https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/android-1-5-sdk-whats-new-cupcake/ |url-status=live }}] Auto-pairing was added in Android Cupcake.[{{Cite web |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2010/07/29/meet-andy-android%25e2%2580%2599s-history-in-a-nutshell/ |title=Meet Andy: Android's History In A Nutshell |date=July 29, 2010 |last=Hamelin |first=Ron |work=Android Police |access-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217230720/https://www.androidpolice.com/2010/07/29/meet-andy-android%25e2%2580%2599s-history-in-a-nutshell/ |url-status=live }}][{{Cite web |url=https://developer.android.com/about/versions/android-1.5-highlights.html |title=Android 1.5 Platform Highlights |date=April 26, 2009 |work=Android Developers |access-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-date=December 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203111022/https://developer.android.com/about/versions/android-1.5-highlights.html |url-status=live }}]
=== Keyboard ===
A [virtual keyboard](/source/virtual_keyboard) was added, similar to the one on the [iPhone](/source/iPhone). The virtual keyboard feature is necessary for devices lacking a physical keyboard, such as the [HTC Magic](/source/HTC_Magic).[{{Cite web |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/top-5-features-in-android-1-5-cupcake/ |title=Top 5 features in Android 1.5 (Cupcake) |date=April 14, 2009 |last=Burnette |first=Ed |work=[ZDNet](/source/ZDNet) |access-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119005037/http://www.zdnet.com/article/top-5-features-in-android-1-5-cupcake/ |url-status=live }}] The virtual keyboard supports [autocorrect](/source/Autocorrection), [predictive text](/source/predictive_text), custom dictionaries, and third-party keyboard layouts.[{{Cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2009/04/13/android-cupcake-build-nearly-golden-brown-preview-sdk-released-feature-list-finalized/ |title=Android "Cupcake" build nearly golden brown: Preview SDK released, feature list finalized |date=April 13, 2009 |last=Kumparak |first=Greg |work=[TechCrunch](/source/TechCrunch) |access-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-date=September 21, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110921062125/https://techcrunch.com/2009/04/13/android-cupcake-build-nearly-golden-brown-preview-sdk-released-feature-list-finalized/ |url-status=live }}]
=== User interface ===
Slight adjustments to Android Cupcake's user interface were made, including the inclusion of transparency.[{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2011/12/7/2585779/android-10th-anniversary-google-history-pie-oreo-nougat-cupcake |title=Android: a 10-year visual history |date=December 7, 2011 |work=[The Verge](/source/The_Verge) |access-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-date=June 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625204801/https://www.theverge.com/2011/12/7/2585779/android-10th-anniversary-google-history-pie-oreo-nougat-cupcake |url-status=live }}]
=== Widgets ===
Widgets can now be added to the home screen. Built-in widgets include a calendar and a music player, though developers can create their own.[{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/every-google-android-version-from-the-t-mobile-g1-to-android-pie/ |title=Every Android version from the T-Mobile G1 to Android Pie |last1=La |first1=Lynn |last2=Mitroff |first2=Sarah |last3=Dolcourt |first3=Jessica |work=[CNET](/source/CNET) |access-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217232218/https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/every-google-android-version-from-the-t-mobile-g1-to-android-pie/ |url-status=live }}]
=== Camera ===
Users can upload videos from the camera directly to [YouTube](/source/YouTube).[{{Cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2009/04/google-announces-preview-of-android-15/ |title=Google unwraps Cupcake, announces preview of Android 1.5 |date=April 15, 2009 |last=Paul |first=Ryan |work=[Ars Technica](/source/Ars_Technica) |access-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217221941/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2009/04/google-announces-preview-of-android-15/ |url-status=live }}] Photos can also be directly uploaded to [Picasa](/source/Picasa).[{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/google-touts-android-1-5-features-to-coders/ |title=Google touts Android 1.5 features to coders |date=April 14, 2009 |last=Shankland |first=Stephen |work=[CNET](/source/CNET) |access-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217221942/https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/google-touts-android-1-5-features-to-coders/ |url-status=live }}] Startup times for the camera app were improved.[{{Cite web |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/android-through-the-ages-1289518 |title=Android through the ages: from Cupcake to Pie and everything in between |date=August 6, 2018 |last1=Hanson |first1=Matt |last2=McCann |first2=John |work=[TechRadar](/source/TechRadar) |access-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217223835/https://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/android-through-the-ages-1289518 |url-status=live }}] [Google Talk](/source/Google_Talk) integration was added to the contacts app.[{{Cite web |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/528940/android_cupcake.html |title=Android Gets Updated to Version 1.5 |date=May 7, 2009 |last=Ionescu |first=Daniel |work=[PC World](/source/PC_World) |access-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221051837/https://www.pcworld.com/article/528940/android_cupcake.html |url-status=live }}]
== Developer APIs ==
Android Cupcake provides [API](/source/API)s for developers to use. Between Android 1.1 and Cupcake, there were over 1,000 changes to the Android API between Android 1.1 and Cupcake.[{{Cite book |last=Burnette |first=Ed |date=January 7, 2009 |title=Hello, Android: Introducing Google's Mobile Development Platform |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mJRKQQAACAAJ |location=Raleigh |publisher=Pragmatic Bookshelf |page=14 |isbn=9781934356494}}] Developers can:
* Create home screen widgets