The Android platform is much like the Windows OS you use on your PC. Yet, it is mainly designed to handle small, low power devices like smartphones and tablets. It is meant to operate as efficiently as possible while using as little power as it can. Android Inc. received global recognition when in Aug 2005 Google bought the company then immediately announced that they will make the operating system Open Source to make sure anyone can use it without having to pay for it or pay any royalties.
The Android operating system is actually based on a modified version of the Linux Kernel, Linux obviously already a proven open sorce alternative to Microsoft Windows and OSX. At its most basic level, an os supplies the layer between the hardware and the software created to function upon it. With regards to Android it must be able to pass commands to the processor, mic, camera, GPS, antenna, touchscreen and keypad and so on. Different programs can then be built to operate on Android Operating System to make the device operational.
The Android operating system is undoubtedly a sophisticated software program and provides a big punch in a tiny package. It relies on a compact relational database known as SQLite to maintain and retrieve data for the various applications that you install. It also has built in playback capability for dozens of different media types which includes PNG, GIF, BMP, WebM, H.263, H.264, MPEG, MP3, MIDI, WAV and JPEG. Concerning connectivity it can deal with all the latest technologies out of the box like GSM, IDEN, CDMA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and WiMax, SMS and MMS types of messaging turning it into the optimal platform for software designers to produce innovative new software.
At present time, Android has overtaken practically every other smartphone os available, among them Apple’s iOS which powers the iPhones and Blackberry’s own operating system. Towards the end of 2010, 33 million smartphones were bought which ran version of the Android OS and research analyst NPD Group now estimates that half of all smartphone purchases are for an Android phone.
The driving factor powering this rapid uptake is the open source aspect of the OS. Because of this any smartphone, tablet or handheld device designer on the planet may get the source files, alter and customize it to their particular requirements and distribute it on devices created by them. The royalty free aspect of Android has inspired many of the biggest names in the smartphone business like Samsung, LG, HTC and Motorola to develop extremely desirable devices utilizing Android.
One other reason for the high demand of Android devices is that by the end of 2010 there were in excess of 200,000 applications readily available for download including games to utilities, image editing to location services. Unlike Apple’s iTunes store, the vast majority of Android applications cost nothing or have free versions, which in turn motivates users to use Android phones.
Find out more about Android tablets, phones and mobile units online. Prior to deciding on a unit be sure to read through the many Android tablet reviews online.