How to update the software on your Android smartphone Chances are you're aware of the various sugar-coated alphabetical names given to each new version of Android; Google's mobile operating system. Each year the company release a major update for Android bringing new features to the platform; the most recent being Android 4.1 Jelly Bean . Significant updates are designed to offer additional features, but also to fix existing bugs found on an operating system and to generally improve the user experience. Why are Android updates so important? If there's an update available for your Android device, it's worth downloading because it may include new functionality only available once your device is running the latest update. Android updates are more convoluted than Apple's, because there are dozens of phones and tablets which run on Google's mobile OS. In contrast Apple has just a pair of tablets and three phones running iOS to keep updated; Android devices are manufactured by companies all over the globe such as: HTC, Samsung, LG and Motorola. Not every device can run every version of Android, it depends on factors like price, network, time of release and device type. What does Android's name and number system mean? Each significant iteration of Android released is endowed with a sugary treat-based codename progressing along the alphabet; Android Ice Cream Sandwich was launched in 2011, representing 'I' and 2012's Android Jelly Bean represents 'J'. These updates also make use of a numerical change. Eclair = 2.1 Froyo = 2.2 Gingerbread