Android
Android is an Operating System for mobile devices such as Smartphones and Tablets, developed by a consortium of developers known as the Open Handset Alliance, with the primary contributor being Google. Here's a detailed look at Android:
History
- 2003-2005: Android Inc. was founded in Palo Alto, California by Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, and Chris White. Their initial aim was to develop an advanced operating system for digital cameras, but they later shifted focus to mobile devices.
- 2005: Google acquired Android Inc., which then became part of Google's mobile development efforts.
- 2007: The Open Handset Alliance was formed with the goal of developing open standards for mobile devices. Android was announced to the public later that year.
- 2008: The first commercially available phone running Android, the HTC Dream (also known as T-Mobile G1 in some markets), was released.
- 2010: Android became the world's most widely used smartphone platform, surpassing Symbian.
- 2014: Android One was introduced, aiming at providing affordable devices with a stock Android experience in developing markets.
- 2016: The launch of Google Pixel marked Google's shift towards hardware production alongside its software.
Development
- Open Source: Android is an open-source project, with its source code maintained under the Apache License. This allows developers to freely modify and distribute the software.
- Updates: Android releases follow a dessert-themed naming convention (e.g., Jelly Bean, KitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow, Nougat, Oreo, Pie, and Android 10 onwards dropping the dessert names). Updates are typically released first to Google Pixel devices, then to other manufacturers.
- Customization: Android's open nature has led to numerous custom ROMs and skins like MIUI, One UI, and OxygenOS.
Features
- Google Services: Many Android devices come with Google Mobile Services pre-installed, which includes Google Play, Google Maps, YouTube, and more.
- Multi-tasking: Android supports robust multi-tasking capabilities, including split-screen mode and picture-in-picture for video playback.
- Security: Android has introduced several security enhancements over the years, like Google Play Protect, Android Runtime (ART) for better app isolation, and regular security patches.
- Accessibility: Android provides extensive accessibility options for users with disabilities, including TalkBack, Switch Access, and Live Caption.
Market Impact
- Market Share: Android holds the majority of the global smartphone market share, significantly due to its open-source nature, allowing for widespread adoption by various manufacturers.
- Competition: Android's primary competitor is iOS, leading to an ongoing rivalry that has driven innovation in mobile technology.
References
See Also