What is Android operating system? Many of you may already know the answer, and it may sound funny to some of you. But the fact is that there is still a few percentage of people who don’t know what does Android means and what is the specialty of Android smartphones. So, we’ve decided to write a beginners guide on this to help you understand the very basics of the Android operating system.
What is Android?
Android is a mobile operating system developed based on the Linux kernel. The Google Inc currently holds Android OS as one of their most successful products. The operating system was specially made by targeting the touch screen devices like Smartphones and Tablets. But today, the Android operating system is expanded to the devices like Android TV’s, Smartwatches, Notebooks, Game Consoles, Digital Cameras and even on Cars.
It was originally built for providing ease and productivity in the human efforts by allowing them to send texts, browse the web, watch videos, search for directions, write emails, etc. by using a simple device on hand. But now, it is grown to a great level where we are even able to forecast the weather, read our own retina, and even control the whole smart home.
The Android was unveiled in 2007 after Google bought it from the original developers in 2005. Now, it has over 1 billion users worldwide, making it the best mobile operating system which holds about 80% of the total smartphone users on the globe. Till the date, there are 1 million+ Android applications are there on the play store. So, it is undoubtedly the most impacted mobile operating system ever. For further information about the Android, you can refer to this Wikipedia article on what is android.
Why Android OS so Special?
Have you ever thought what is the use of Android? And what makes it special from other mobile operating systems, especially from the iOS made by Apple. If so, we have the answer for you.
Android technology is completely different from other mobile operating platforms with its flexibility and a wide range of features. Android smartphones are completely customizable including the features like wallpapers, themes, and launchers. You could download applications from the play store to get access to specific functions or features of the OS. Thousands of Games, Apps, Themes, Launchers, Widgets are all making it so special that those limited mobile operating systems.
Another important factor is the security of the users. You will work on the high secure environment if you’ve any Android versions installed on your smartphone (Nowadays, hackers are being strong. So the security is not 100% in any of the operating systems in the world.) Every information like your bank account password and the mail credentials will all be safe of the OS.
Who Manufactures Android Products?
Android smartphones are very popular these days. So, most of the smartphone companies like Motorola, HTC, Samsung, Sony, Acer, Alcatel, Asus, Huawei, LG, ZTE, are all manufacturing Android smartphones for the users. But the companies like Nokia (Once the best) and Blackberry were refused to introduce Android products. They tasted the popularity drop because of this. So, Blackberry introduced their first ever Android smartphone, the Blackberry Priv in this year. The news states that Nokia is preparing a mighty come back with Android products.
Android Versions History
In the long success journey of the Android OS, they’ve chosen some sweet names for each version. Not only the names but also the products referring by the names was also some sweets like Cupcakes, Eclairs, Ice cream, etc. Check them out for a quick understanding of the Android Versions History.
- Android 1.5 Cupcake
- Android 1.6 Donut
- Android 2.1 Eclair
- Android 2.2 Froyo
- Android 2.3 Gingerbread
- Android 3.2 Honeycomb
- Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
- Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
- Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
- Android 4.3 Jelly Bean
- Android 4.4 KitKat
- Android 5.0 Lollipop
- Android 6.0 Marshmallow
- Android N What to expect?
Wrapping Up
Wrapping up all the features and functions of the Android mobile operating system, Now we think you’ve got an answer for your question what is android. If you have any further queries, let us know that through your comments. We will be always happy to see your words there.