Just What Is The Android OS?

By Erika Smith-Jones


The Android platform is like the Windows operating system you have on your PC. But, it is mainly designed to work on small, low power units like smartphones and tablets. It's created to run as efficiently as possible while using as little power as possible. Android Incorporated received global recognition when in August 2005 Google purchased the business then promptly announced that they'll make the operating system Open Source in order that anyone can use it without paying for it or pay any royalties.

The Android OS is really founded on a modified variation of the Linux Kernel, Linux of course already a proven open sorce alternative to Windows and Apple OS X. At the most rudimentry level, an operating system delivers the layer between the hardware and the software built to operate on it. When it comes to Android it needs to be able to pass instructions to the cpu, mic, camera, GPS, antenna, touchscreen and keypad and so forth. All types of apps can then be created to operate on Android OS to make these devices operational.

The Android operating system is undoubtedly a sophisticated software program and delivers a big punch in a tiny package. It utilizes a lightweight relational database known as SQLite to maintain and access data for the variety of apps that you install. It has built-in play back capability for a wide selection of various media types like WebM, H.263, H.264, PNG, GIF, BMP, MPEG, MP3, MIDI, WAV and JPEG.. With regards to connectivity it can deal with all the latest technologies out of the box including GSM, IDEN, CDMA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and WiMax, SMS and MMS forms of messaging allowing it to be the optimal platform for software coders to develop innovative new software.

Currently, Android has overtaken virtually every other smartphone operating system around, as well as Apple's iOS which powers the iPhones and Blackberry's own operating system. Towards the end of 2010, approximately Thirty-three million smartphones were purchased which ran version of the Android OS and research analyst NPD Group now estimates that 50 % of all smartphone purchases are for an Android phone.

The driving factor supporting this rapid take up is the open source nature of the operating system. Therefore any phone, tablet or mobile device producer on the planet may get a hold of the source code, alter and customize it to their unique needs then distribute it on units developed by them. The royalty free aspect of Android has inspired many of the biggest names in the smartphone business like LG, Samsung, HTC and Motorola to make incredibly attractive devices using Android.

One more reason for the high demand of Android mobile phones is that towards the end of 2010 there were more than 200,000 applications readily available for download including games to tools, image editing to location services. Unlike Apple's app store, lot's of Android applications are free or have free versions, which in turn motivates individuals to use Android smartphones.




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