Saturday, March 30, 2013

What Is The Android OS?

The Android OS is similar to the Windows OS you have on your PC. But bear in mind, it is mainly designed to work on small, low power devices like smartphones and tablets. It is meant to run as efficiently as possible while using as little electricity as it can. Android Incorporated got worldwide attention when in Aug 2005 Google purchased the company after which it immediately announced that they\’ll be making the operating system Open Source so anyone can use it without having to pay for it or pay out any royalties.


The Android OS is actually based on a customized variant of the Linux Kernel, Linux certainly already being a proven open sorce alternative to Windows and Apple OS X. At a most elementary level, an os provides the layer between the hardware and the software created to function on it. In the case of Android it needs to be capable of passing instructions to the processor, mic, camera, GPS, antenna, touch screen and keypad and so forth. All types of apps can then be developed to operate on Android Operating System to make these devices useful.


The Android operating system is a sophisticated piece of software and provides a big punch in a tiny package. It relies on a lightweight relational database called SQLite to maintain and retrieve data for the numerous applications that you install. It also has built in play back capability for quite a few various media types including PNG, GIF, JPEG, BMP, WebM, H.263, H.264, MPEG, MP3, MIDI and WAV. When it comes to connectivity it can deal with all of the latest technologies out of the box which includes GSM, IDEN, CDMA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and WiMax, SMS and MMS forms of messaging allowing it to be the optimal platform for app coders to create innovative new software.


At present time, Android has overtaken virtually every other smartphone operating system around, as well as Apple\’s iOS that powers the iPhones and Blackberry\’s very own operating system. Towards the end of 2010, Thirty-three million smartphones had been bought which came with a version of the Android OS and research analyst NPD Group now estimates that 50 percent of all smartphone purchases are for an Android phone.


The driving factor powering this speedy uptake is the open source aspect of the OS. Therefore any smartphone, tablet or mobile device manufacturer on the globe may get the source code, alter and customize it for their specific needs then distribute it on devices produced by them. The royalty free nature of Android has inspired most of the biggest names in the smartphone business like HTC, Samsung, LG and Motorola to develop appealing devices utilizing Android.


Another reason for the huge demand of Android smartphones is that towards the end of 2010 there were over 200,000 apps readily available for download which included everything from games to tools, image editing to location services. Unlike Apple\’s application store, most Android apps are free or have free versions, which motivates individuals to use Android devices.


Learn more about Android tablets, phones and mobile devices online. Prior to deciding on a device make it a point to read through the many Android tablet reviews available. This will make certain that you buying a device that is right for your intended purpose.



What Is The Android OS?

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