Tuesday 29 January 2013

What's The Android OS?

By Arthur Madrick


The Android OS is similar to the Windows operating system you use on your personal computer. But bear in mind, it is specifically designed to operate on small, low power units like smartphones and tablets. It is created to run as efficiently as it can be while using as little power as is practical. Android Incorporated received worldwide recognition when in August 2005 Google bought the company after which it promptly announced that they'll make the operating system Open Source to ensure anyone can use it without paying for it or pay out any royalties.

The Android operating system is in fact founded on a customized adaptation of the Linux Kernel, Linux certainly already an established open sorce alternative to Windows and OSX. At its most elementary level, an operating-system provides the layer between the hardware and software developed to function upon it. When it comes to Android it needs to be capable of passing instructions to the processor, mic, camera, GPS, touchscreen display and keypad and so forth. Different apps can then be designed to run on Android Operating System to make the unit functional.

The Android operating system is an advanced software program and provides a big punch in a small package. It relies on a compact relational database called SQLite to store and access data for the assortment of apps that you install. It also provides built in playback capability for quite a few different media types including PNG, GIF, BMP, WebM, H.263, H.264, MPEG, MP3, MIDI, WAV and JPEG. With regards to connectivity it can handle the latest technologies out of the box such as GSM, IDEN, CDMA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and WiMax, SMS and MMS forms of messaging turning it into the most suitable platform for software developers to create innovative new software.

Currently, Android has overtaken practically every other smartphone os available, including Apple's iOS that powers the iPhones and Blackberry's own OS. Towards the end of 2010, some 33 million smartphones were purchased which came with a version of the Android operating system and research analyst NPD Group now predicts that 50 % of all smartphone purchases are for an Android smartphone.

The driving factor supporting this speedy take up is the open source nature of the operating system. Consequently any phone, tablet or mobile device manufacturer in the world may obtain the source code, modify and customize it to their particular requirements and distribute it on devices created by them. The royalty free aspect of Android has persuaded most of the biggest names in the smartphone business like HTC, Samsung, LG and Motorola to develop highly appealing devices using Android.

One more reason for the high demand of Android smartphones is that towards the end of 2010 there were more than 200,000 apps available for download including everything from games to utilities, image editing to location based services. Unlike Apple's iTunes store, lot's of Android apps are free or have free versions, which encourages users to use Android gadgets.




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