Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google and based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software. Designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, Android’s user interface is mainly based on direct manipulation, using touch gestures that correspond to real-world actions, such as swiping, tapping, and pinching, to manipulate on-screen objects. Beyond mobile devices, Android has also been developed for televisions (Android TV), cars (Android Auto), and wrist watches (Wear OS).
The Birth and Evolution of Android
Android was originally developed by Android Inc., a Silicon Valley company that Google acquired in 2005. Its founders, Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, and Chris White, intended Android to be an advanced operating system for digital cameras. However, when they realized the market for such devices was not significant, they repurposed Android for touchscreen mobile devices in competition with Symbian and Windows Mobile, dominant mobile operating systems of that time.
Android was unveiled in 2007 with the founding of the Open Handset Alliance, a consortium of hardware, software, and telecommunication companies devoted to advancing open standards for mobile devices. The first commercially available smartphone running Android was the HTC Dream, also known as T-Mobile G1, announced on September 23, 2008.
Android: An In-Depth Look
Android is open source and Google releases the code under the Apache License. This open-source code and permissive licensing allow the software to be freely modified and distributed by device manufacturers, wireless carriers, and enthusiast developers. Android’s source code is released by Google under an open source license, but most Android devices ship with a substantial amount of proprietary software pre-installed, such as Google Mobile Services (GMS), which includes applications such as Google Chrome, YouTube, and Google Search.
Each major release of Android is named in alphabetical order after a dessert or sugary treat. For example, Android 1.5 Cupcake, 1.6 Donut, 2.0 Eclair, 2.2 Froyo, 2.3 Gingerbread, 3.0 Honeycomb, 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, 4.1 Jelly Bean, 4.4 KitKat, 5.0 Lollipop, 6.0 Marshmallow, 7.0 Nougat, 8.0 Oreo, and 9.0 Pie. However, with Android 10, Google decided to use a numeral system for the name.
The Internal Structure of Android
At the core of Android is the Linux Kernel, which handles core system services such as security, memory management, process management, and the network stack. Above the Linux Kernel is the Android Runtime, which includes the Dalvik Virtual Machine and the core libraries. The Application Framework layer provides high-level services to applications in the form of Java classes. Lastly, at the top layer are the Applications, which are all the apps that run on Android, including system apps such as the dialer, SMS program, and browser, as well as third-party apps.
Android apps are usually developed in the Java language using the Android software development kit (SDK), but other development environments are also available.
Key Features of Android
- Open Source: Android is open source, which means developers can modify the operating system for each phone.
- Customizable User Interface: Android allows users to customize the user interface, unlike other operating systems.
- Multitasking: Android supports multitasking and multi-touch.
- Widgets: Users can place widgets on the home screen for quick access to information.
- Google Play Store: With more than 3 million apps, the Google Play Store is the largest app store.
Variants of Android
| Variant | Description |
|---|---|
| Android Go | A stripped-down version of Android designed for low-end devices. |
| Android One | A version of Android with no manufacturer modifications and a focus on entry-level devices for emerging markets. |
| Android TV | A version of Android designed for televisions. |
| Wear OS | A version of Android designed for smartwatches and other wearables. |
| Android Auto | A version of Android designed for cars. |
Ways to Use Android and Troubleshooting
Android can be used in a multitude of ways, from mobile phones to tablets, televisions, car systems, and wearables. However, as with any system, it may have issues, like slow performance, battery drain, or limited storage space. These problems can usually be addressed by clearing cached data, uninstalling unnecessary apps, updating the system software, or performing a factory reset.
Comparisons to Similar Systems
| System | Android | iOS | Windows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Source | Yes | No | No |
| Customizable Interface | Yes | Limited | Limited |
| Number of Apps in App Store | 3 Million+ | 2 Million+ | 700,000+ |
Future of Android
As Android continues to evolve, it’s expected to integrate more with artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality. Moreover, it’s likely to see advancements in security, privacy, and seamless cross-device experiences. The Internet of Things (IoT) is another sector where Android is expected to make substantial headway.
Proxy Servers and Android
Proxy servers can be used with Android to provide an increased level of security and privacy, especially when accessing the internet over public Wi-Fi. A proxy server can also be used to access content that may be geographically restricted. Android has built-in support for configuring proxy settings in its Wi-Fi network options.
