What Is the Android Operating System?
Let me explain what the Android operating system is. It's a mobile OS developed by Google, mainly for touchscreen devices like cell phones and tablets. You interact with it intuitively using finger gestures that mimic everyday actions—think pinching, swiping, and tapping. Google has extended Android to other areas too, like televisions, cars, and wristwatches, each with its own tailored user interface.
Key Takeaways
- Android was developed by Google for its touchscreen devices, tablets, and cell phones.
- It originated from Android Inc., a Silicon Valley software company acquired by Google in 2005.
- The source code is open-source to promote standards in mobile devices, but it's sold with proprietary software on handsets.
Understanding the Android Operating System
Android started with Android Inc. in Silicon Valley, and Google bought it in 2005. There was some speculation among investors and analysts about Google's motives in the mobile space. Regardless, Google announced its first Android-powered device in 2007, which actually launched in 2008.
From there, developers have used Android to create mobile apps sold through stores like Google Play. As a Google product, it lets you connect your device to other Google services, such as cloud storage, email, and video platforms.
The source code is released open-source to push forward open standards in mobiles. That said, when it's packaged for sale on devices, it comes with proprietary software.
Important Note on Android Security
You should know that, based on Bitdefender's research as of February 2022, Downloader.DN is the most prevalent Android trojan. It involves repackaged apps from the Google App Store bundled with aggressive adware.
Android Operating System vs. Apple iOS
Android's rise sparked a rivalry with smartphone makers, especially Apple as Google's main competitor. It's similar to the long-standing cola wars between Coca-Cola and Pepsi, with no definitive winner. As of Q1 2022, Android held 23.7% of the global mobile OS market share, leading over iOS at 18%, per International Data Corporation.
This popularity has triggered patent lawsuits, including one from Oracle in 2010 claiming Google misused Java APIs for Android. The Supreme Court ruled 6-2 in Google's favor in April 2021.
Limitations of the Android Operating System
Android provides a solid alternative to other mobile OSes, but it has its drawbacks. For developers, building complex interfaces often requires heavy Java use, which can be tougher than Objective-C. On the user side, apps in the Android Market sometimes have lax standards compared to other stores.
This means apps might have weaker security, leaving you more vulnerable to data breaches. Additionally, Android lacks a built-in voice assistant and relies heavily on ads, which can turn off some users.
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