Mobile app developers have a favorite pastime: complaining about fragmentation in the world of Android. “So many screen sizes! So many version numbers! Why can’t Google be more like Apple and make it simple?”

Developers tend to be a whiny lot.

Yet, it can be hard to keep track of the ever-evolving Android platform. Since 2008, there have been 39 updates to Android among nine major system versions. From Cupcake version 1.5 to Jelly bean version 4.2.2, there have been thousands of design changes, feature additions, security updates and general improvements to Android. Only the most dedicated of developers can tell you precisely what is different in each version of Android. Add all of the major and minor tweaks Google has added to Android with devices from the likes of Samsung, HTC, Motorola, LG and others and it becomes a complicated environment in which to build an app.

Boston-based mobile cloud services company Kinvey understands developers’ pain. It has created a handy infographic that maps the major changes to Android from inception to the latest build and even speculates on what might be coming next with the so-called Android 5.0, Key Lime Pie, which Google will likely announce at its I/O developers conference in May. Some highlights:

Android 1.0 – Inception

Google Maps, Search & Talk

Camera Support

Custom notifications and wallpapers

Android 1.5 – Cupcake

Widget support

Copy & paste in the browser

Auto-rotate

Android 1.6 – Donut

Quick search box

New framework APIs

Text-to-speech engine

Android 2.0 – Éclair

Turn-by-turn navigation

Bluetooth 2.1

Live wallpapers

Android 2.2 – Froyo

Wi-Fi hotspot functionality

Adobe Flash support

Dedicated shortcuts on the homescreen

Android 2.3 – Gingerbread

Near Field Communications (NFC)

Video chat in Google Talk

Extra Large screen sizes supported (for Google TV)

Android 3.0 – Honeycomb

Dedicated tablet support

Virtual and holographic user interface

New Action Bar

Android 4.0 – Ice Cream Sandwich

Google Chrome for Android browser

Swipe to dismiss notifications

Resizable Widgets

Android 4.1 – Jelly Bean

Google Now

Project Butter improves user experience

Google Cloud Messaging

Check out the infographic from Kinvey below. What do you think has been the best improvement to Android since Cupcake? Let us know in the comments.