The Android operating system is much like the Windows operating system you have on your PC. However, it is specifically developed to handle small, low power gadgets like smartphones and tablets. It is designed to operate as efficiently as it can be while using as little electricity as is practical. Android Inc. received global recognition when in August 2005 Google purchased the business after which it promptly announced that they'll make the operating system Open Source so anyone can use it without paying for it or pay any royalties.
The Android operating system is in fact founded on a customized variant of a Linux Kernel, Linux of course already being a proven open sorce option to Microsoft Windows and OSX. At the most basic level, an operating-system supplies the layer between the hardware and software created to operate on it. With regards to Android it needs to be capable of passing instructions to the processor, mic, camera, GPS, antenna, touchscreen display as well as keypad and so on. All types of software programs can then be built to operate on Android Operating System to make the device functional.
The Android os is undoubtedly an advanced software program and provides a big punch in a small package. It uses a lightweight relational database called SQLite to save and retrieve data for the various applications that you install. It also provides built-in playback capability for numerous various media types like PNG, GIF, JPEG, BMP, WebM, H.263, H.264, MPEG, MP3, MIDI and WAV. With regards to connectivity it can tackle all the latest technologies out of the box which includes GSM, IDEN, CDMA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and WiMax, SMS and MMS types of messaging which makes it the most suitable platform for app coders to build innovative new software.
Android has overtaken nearly all other smartphone operating system around, as well as Apple's iOS that powers the iPhones and Blackberry's proprietary operating system. Towards the end of 2010, some 33 million smartphones were bought which ran version of the Android operating system and research analyst NPD Group now estimates that 50 % of all smartphone purchases are for an Android smartphone.
The driving factor powering this rapid uptake is the open source nature of the operating system. Consequently any smartphone, tablet or portable device producer in the world can get the source code, modify and customize it for their specific requirements then distribute it on handsets developed by them. The royalty free nature of Android has inspired some of the biggest names in the smartphone business like HTC, Samsung, LG and Motorola to develop appealing devices using the Android operating system.
One other reason for the huge demand of Android smartphones is that by the end of 2010 there were in excess of 200,000 applications for download including games to utilities, image editing to location based services. Unlike Apple's application store, a lot of Android programs cost nothing or have free versions, which motivates people to use Android phones.
The Android operating system is in fact founded on a customized variant of a Linux Kernel, Linux of course already being a proven open sorce option to Microsoft Windows and OSX. At the most basic level, an operating-system supplies the layer between the hardware and software created to operate on it. With regards to Android it needs to be capable of passing instructions to the processor, mic, camera, GPS, antenna, touchscreen display as well as keypad and so on. All types of software programs can then be built to operate on Android Operating System to make the device functional.
The Android os is undoubtedly an advanced software program and provides a big punch in a small package. It uses a lightweight relational database called SQLite to save and retrieve data for the various applications that you install. It also provides built-in playback capability for numerous various media types like PNG, GIF, JPEG, BMP, WebM, H.263, H.264, MPEG, MP3, MIDI and WAV. With regards to connectivity it can tackle all the latest technologies out of the box which includes GSM, IDEN, CDMA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and WiMax, SMS and MMS types of messaging which makes it the most suitable platform for app coders to build innovative new software.
Android has overtaken nearly all other smartphone operating system around, as well as Apple's iOS that powers the iPhones and Blackberry's proprietary operating system. Towards the end of 2010, some 33 million smartphones were bought which ran version of the Android operating system and research analyst NPD Group now estimates that 50 % of all smartphone purchases are for an Android smartphone.
The driving factor powering this rapid uptake is the open source nature of the operating system. Consequently any smartphone, tablet or portable device producer in the world can get the source code, modify and customize it for their specific requirements then distribute it on handsets developed by them. The royalty free nature of Android has inspired some of the biggest names in the smartphone business like HTC, Samsung, LG and Motorola to develop appealing devices using the Android operating system.
One other reason for the huge demand of Android smartphones is that by the end of 2010 there were in excess of 200,000 applications for download including games to utilities, image editing to location based services. Unlike Apple's application store, a lot of Android programs cost nothing or have free versions, which motivates people to use Android phones.
About the Author:
Discover more about Android tablets, phones and mobile devices online. Before selecting a device be sure to read through the many Android tablet reviews online.
