Sunday, December 2, 2012

What Is The Android OS?

By Erika Smith-Jones


The Android OS is like the Windows operating system you use on your PC. However, it is mainly developed to work on small, low power handsets like smartphones and tablets. It is developed to run as efficiently as possible while using as little electricity as is practical. Android Incorporated received global attention when in Aug 2005 Google purchased the business then immediately announced that they'll make the operating system Open Source to make sure anyone can use it without paying for it or pay any royalties.

The Android OS is actually founded on a customized variation of the Linux Kernel, Linux of course already an established open sorce alternative to Windows and OSX. At a most basic level, an operating-system provides the layer between the hardware and software designed to run on it. In the case of Android it needs to be able to pass instructions to the processor, mic, camera, GPS, touchscreen as well as keypad etc. All types of software programs can then be designed to run on Android OS to make the unit useful.

The Android operating system is undoubtedly an advanced 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 numerous apps that you install. It has built in playback capability for a wide selection of various media types like PNG, GIF, JPEG, BMP, WebM, H.263, H.264, MPEG, MP3, MIDI and WAV. When it comes to connectivity it can handle all the latest technologies out of the box such as GSM, IDEN, CDMA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and WiMax, SMS and MMS forms of messaging allowing it to be the most suitable platform for app developers to build innovative new software.

Android has overtaken practically every other smartphone os around, among them Apple's iOS which powers the iPhones and Blackberry's own OS. Towards the end of 2010, Thirty three million smartphones ended up being purchased which came with a version of the Android operating system and research analyst NPD Group now estimates that half of all smartphone purchases are for an Android phone.

The driving factor behind this speedy take up is the open source nature of the OS. This means any phone, tablet or portable device maker on earth may get the source files, modify and customize it to their particular needs then distribute it on devices produced by them. The royalty free aspect of Android has persuaded some of the biggest names in the smartphone industry like Samsung, LG, HTC and Motorola to make extremely attractive devices utilizing the Android OS.

Another reason for the high demand of Android phones 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 based services. Unlike Apple's application store, a lot of Android programs cost nothing or have free versions, which motivates users to use Android gadgets.




About the Author:



No comments: