What Is Android? – A Brief Introduction

Most people know about two popular mobile operating systems, namely Android from Google and iOS from Apple. There are a lot more also, but most mobile devices run on one or the other. 

As you are here, it’s well understood that you need to know everything related to Android, its history, features, and a lot more. 

We are here with a post that will surely help you with your queries relevant to Android. 

If you are new to the world of smartphones, you are at the right spot, and your search will end here. In fact, a smartphone pro will also find a lot to learn about Android in this article.

Let’s start!

What Is Android? 

An open-source and Linux-based Operating System for mobile devices like smartphones and tablet computers, Android, was built by the Open Handset Alliance and managed by Google and other brands. 

In other words, it’s a mobile OS based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software. It was created primarily for touchscreen mobile devices, like tablets and smartphones. 

Release Story Of Android 

In 2007, Google released the first and the best beta version of the Android Software Development Kit (SDK). On the other hand,  in Sept 2008, the first commercial version of Android, Android 1.0, was released. 

At the Google I/O conference on June 27, 2012, Google declared the Android version, Jelly Bean 4.1. It’s an incremental update, with the main aim of enhancing the UI, both in terms of performance and functionality. 

For Android, the source code is available under open-source and free software licenses. Google writes most of the code under the Apache License Version 2.0, and the remaining Linux Kernel changes under the GNU General Public License version 2.

What Is An Operating System?

Whenever a question is asked, “What is Android” we get back with just a single answer that it’s an operating system. So, let’s first know what an operating system is?. 

In short, computer software that performs to integrate hardware and software resources is an operating system. It permits various sorts of hardware to work together while offering a platform for many bits of software to perform with that hardware. 

Or we can say an operating system is system software that handles computer hardware, software resources and offers standard services for computer programs. 

What Are The Features Of Android? 

So, after learning what an operating system is and what Android is, we will know the critical features of Android. 

Read on!

Storage

In Android, an open-source database used to store data in the form of a Text file inside the user’s device is known as SQLite Database. We can conduct various operations on this data, like appending new data, reading, updating, deleting it, and more. 

Web Browser

In Android, the web browser is based on the open-source Blink (earlier known as WebKit) layout engine, linked with Chromium’s V8 JavaScript engine supporting HTML5 and CSS3. 

Multi-Tasking

Android is a multi-tasking OS that holds the caliber to run more than one app or program simultaneously. 

Multi-Language

Android has a multi-language feature that permits users from different regions to use their devices in their native language. It supports the single direction and bi-directional text.

Wi-Fi Direct

In Android, Wi-Fi Direct allows devices with no internet connection to connect to other devices having the internet. You can connect Android devices and smartphones quickly and transfer files rapidly with no hassle of cables. 

Beautiful UI

Android operating system’s primary screen offers an intuitive and appealing user interface. 

Media Support

H.263, MPEG-4 SP,  H.264, AMR, AAC, AMR-WB, HE-AAC, MP3, AAC 5.1, MIDI, WAV, Ogg Vorbis, JPEG, GIF, PNG, and BMP.

Connectivity

GSM/EDGE, CDMA, IDEN, EV-DO, Bluetooth, UMTS, Wi-Fi, NFC, LTE, and WiMAX.

Messaging

Android devices allow sending and receiving text messages. You just need to have mobile phone no. or the contact no. of the person you need to send the message to. 

Multi-Touch

Android comes with native support for multi-touch that initially arrived embraced in the handsets only, like the HTC Hero. 

Resizable Widgets

You can rapidly add widgets to your phone’s home page to access specific information from applications with no need to open the app. You can adjust their shape as they are resizable, expand or shrink as per your need. 

For example, the calendar widget offers a fast view of the upcoming events in your app’s calendar without opening the Calendar app. 

Google Cloud Messaging (GCM)

A service that allows developers to send short message data to the users on Android devices with no need for a proprietary sync solution is known as Google Cloud Messaging (GCM). 

Android Beam

The Android beam is a widely-known NFC-based technology that allows users to share only by instantly touching two NFC-enabled phones.

What Devices Uses Android?

We usually think of phones when we think of Android. Most Android devices are smartphones. But, let you know other Android devices are also available in the market, like tablets, smartwatches, tv, etc.

The secondary Android device is tablets that are just the big phones. 

Android also comes in Smartwatches. If you own a watch, including Wear OS, it’s an Android-based OS. Here, an Android-based OS means Android is tweaked to make something unique while being based on the exact core code. 

A TV platform is also there, known as Android TV. If you remember, there is Android Automotive, which is also Android-based software that strengthens vehicles. But don’t confuse it with Android Auto, which is the best way for smartphones to get integrated with the car’s dash systems. 

You would be amazed to know that there are other OS also that are not based on Android. But, let you know that they support running Android apps. For example, Chrome OS assists with this. It’s like every Chromebook in the market support Android apps. Released in late 2021, Windows 11 also emerged as a supporter of Android apps. 

What Is Android’s Google Play Service?

Android’s core is open-source, that’s known as “stock” Android. It arrives like a part of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). This is the most basic, purest form of Android. 

Although the Android that comes in almost every smartphone holds tons of other incorporated software, that is not open-source. 

Many software falls under a system known as Google Play Services. This attracts Google-branded products to Android, embracing Gmail, Google Play Store, YouTube, etc. 

Like Apple holds tight control of iOS; similarly, Google tightly controls Google Play Service. You need a license to use it and permit Google to earn money from your items. 

Conclusion

We hope this article proved to be informative for you and has arrived with exact details and answers to your Android-relevant queries. For more, you can connect with us. Our android app developers and experts will be more than happy to serve you the best.