What is android. What is Android and why is it the best. What are the advantages of the Android operating system in the phone

Panel houses 14.07.2020
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Android Is one of the most popular and most promising operating systems for various mobile devices. The system offers very convenient tools and maximum flexibility of settings, which allows each user of a smartphone or tablet on Android to customize it completely to suit his needs. Development of this operating system started back in 2003, but it became truly famous only 2 years later - after being acquired by Google. The turning point in the history of Android occurred in the fall of 2008. Then Google showed off the T-Mobile G1, which became the first smartphone running Android. It was at that moment that many world manufacturers drew attention to a promising operating system.

(very first version)

Key features of the Android operating system

The OS in question has always been positioned by its developers as an open source system. This allows anyone to create their own applications, games and other add-ons to expand the capabilities of Android gadgets. The developers initially thought of everything so that the operating system would work as quickly as possible even on the most "budgetary" hardware. This is an undoubted advantage, since now even people with the most modest financial means can enjoy all the main advantages of modern smartphones.


(Android 5.0)

Manufacturers of mobile electronics are also willingly using the openness of the system, releasing their own user interfaces, for example, Sense from HTC. This makes Android gadgets from different manufacturers different from each other. Fans of classic and "pure" Android should turn their attention to Nexus devices. They are traditionally the first to receive updates.

The timing of updating other devices is usually delayed due to the need to refine the proprietary shells in accordance with the features of new OS versions.

The main source of games and applications is the Play Store. In the catalogs of this store, a huge selection of free and paid content is available, the range of which is actively expanding. The quality of "android" games and applications is constantly growing. From time to time, various applications are released by Google itself.

In general, Android devices have all the functions that modern smartphones and tablets should have, according to unspoken requirements. In addition, the functionality can be easily expanded using applications, widgets or third-party firmware.

Those wishing to purchase an Android smartphone should remember that many functions and programs are focused on working with the Internet. If you do not have access to Wi-Fi, it is recommended to connect favorable tariff for Internet users or disable some functions that require access to the network.

Also, one cannot fail to note the limited autonomy of devices on Android, especially representatives of previous generations. With active use, the smartphone or tablet will have to be charged daily, and in some cases, 2 times a day. Manufacturers are actively working on correcting this shortcoming, and recently interesting devices with noticeably increased autonomy have begun to appear on the market. Developers also do not stand aside. With each new version the operating system "eats" less and less charge.

Based on the information provided, we can highlight the key advantages and disadvantages of the operating system in question. So, the undoubted advantages of Android are:
1. Openness of the program code, which makes it possible to develop almost any application and game.
2. Undemandingness to the "hardware" of the device.
3. A huge range of applications and exciting games for every taste.
4. Full compliance with modern ideas about the functionality of a smartphone.
5. Freedom of action for the user. If desired, the system and its interface can be easily customized to the needs of the owner.
6. The popularity of the operating system among the vast majority of modern manufacturers. This allows a user with almost any budget to buy a functional and modern smartphone.

There are also disadvantages. The key ones are:

1. Openness of the program code. Yes, it can be simultaneously attributed to both advantages and disadvantages. This is disadvantageous because mobile device manufacturers generally prefer to create their own skins. Because of this, there are significant time delays between the official release of the OS update and its receipt on various devices.
2. Relatively low autonomy. Recently, a huge step forward has been made in this direction, so very soon there will be jokes that “Smartphones on Android are the most athletic, because they have 2 exercises a day ”will become nothing more than a funny story.

The platform is constantly being improved and developed. Already today, it feels confidently in the top three leaders in the operating system market. Numerous experts have repeatedly noted that the future belongs to Android and they were not mistaken.

Many people wonder what is Android in a phone? This is a special program that provides device management, all other applications work under its control. It is used not only in smarts, but also in tablets, e-readers and even in game consoles. The giant of the information technology world is engaged in the development and promotion of this operating system - the Google company, version 1.0 of Android was released back in 2008.

What are the advantages of the Android operating system in the phone?

Google allows you to use Android absolutely free of charge, so it is being installed now even on the simplest and cheapest phones with a touch screen. The resulting gadget is called a smartphone, a "smart" phone, the main difference of which from a conventional push-button is the ability to install additional applications. Due to its wide distribution (more than three-quarters of mobile devices work under its control), this "operating system" has received a set of programs for every taste.

With Android on your phone, you can:

And all this is not done using the built-in functions of the Android system - for any purpose there are dozens and hundreds of programs, the vast majority of which are free for you. This is the power of this operating system: each person can completely customize the phone to their needs, making it the perfect fit for them. Unlike iOS (a completely closed system in Apple products), android gadgets allow you to change almost everything in them: the view of the home screen, the virtual keyboard used for input, and even the application launch system.

How do I use Android phones?

To start using your phone fully, you either need to use a SIM card with Internet access. When starting for the first time, you need to enter your Google account data (you may have already started it on your computer) or create a new one.

This account is very user-friendly, all of his data is stored there: from phone numbers to the history of the Chrome browser and its bookmarks. All this is located on servers on the Internet, you can relax - in the event of a breakdown or loss of your smartphone, all the necessary numbers will not be lost, as is the case with ordinary push-button telephones. There is one account for all devices - you can, without having finished reading the article on the site from your computer, add a bookmark to it, and then finish reading it in the subway by opening it from your phone.

After the account is ready, you can click on. This is an app store that contains everything you might need on your phone. Here is a list of regularly used programs:

  • applications for communication are clients of social networks (Vkontakte, Odnoklassniki, Facebook), Skype, instant messengers such as WhatsApp;
  • reading rooms, dictionaries, translators; video and audio players;
  • various maps and navigation applications with additional services (viewing traffic jams, calling a taxi);
  • any games - from the most unpretentious, created in order to while away the extra minute, to "sophisticated" shooters with modern three-dimensional graphics;
  • planners, programs for storing notes;
  • customers of payment systems, allowing at any time to pay the rent from the phone, pay a receipt to the traffic police or send a money order;
  • many other utilities for all cases.

Dozens and hundreds of applications are registered on Google Play every day. How do you, for example, have a program that will give you the artist and the name of the song by a tune sung into your phone? What about an app for photographers that (depending on the date and your location) will tell you what periods in the morning and in the evening the sunlight will create the most enchanting atmosphere for a photo shoot?

As you can see, the possibilities of Android phones are endless, which is why they have almost supplanted regular phones with buttons.

What is Android and why is it needed? Many beginners, buying a modern gadget, be it a tablet or a smartphone, ask a similar question. It is worth clarifying the situation and highlighting some of the advantages of this platform.

History of appearance

Today there are many devices that run on the Android platform. This operating system is designed for smartphones and tablets, wristwatches and e-books, game consoles and even Google glasses. Perhaps, TVs and cars with Android support will appear soon.

The history of the creation of the OS began back in 2003. At that time, a small organization called Android inc was founded. Its founders were Rich Miner, Chris White, Andy Rubin and Nick Sears. Even then, there were some developments that were planned to be implemented in the new operating system. The company operated in the strictest secrecy.

Soon, the organization ran out of money, and there were no significant achievements in OS development. It was not possible to attract investors due to lack of results. After a while, Google became interested in the development. In 2005, the company became the property of the search giant.

Following this, the Open Handset Alliance Corporation was founded. It includes the leading manufacturers of mobile devices. In 2007, the Android platform was first introduced. As you know, it is based on the Linux kernel. The first version of this operating system was released in 2008.

What it is

Android is the operating system that smartphones, tablets, and many other devices run on. Thanks to this OS, even the most inexpensive phone can acquire new features. The system will allow you to install various useful programs on the device that will help you to fully use all the functions of the device.

All necessary software can be downloaded from the Play Market. This site contains more than 700 thousand programs. A wide range will allow you to find any application you need. Using the operating system, you can easily access the Internet, watch video files, chat on social networks, listen to music, take photos and immediately post them to your account or read e-books.

It should be noted that the OS is completely free. Moreover, it is very easy to use. It doesn't take long to understand the interface. Thanks to all its advantages, it has become the most widespread in the world. In 2014, more than 86% of devices operating on this platform were sold.

Video: Android phone

OS Application

Since the advent of the Android operating system to our time, developers have not been sitting idly by. The platform is constantly being improved. At the same time, its functionality is expanding by introducing new features.

The platform has become so popular and comfortable to use that many companies that develop modern gadgets have decided to release their devices based on this OS.

Using Android is not as difficult as it seems. With its help, you can perform almost the same actions on the device as on a computer.

The system provides several standard applications. Among them are:

  • browser;
  • email;
  • the calendar;
  • voice search;
  • social network;
  • navigator;
  • weather;
  • news.

All apps from Google.

Another nice plus is the ability to customize your desktop yourself. You can add an additional screen to your device where you can place shortcuts or widgets. You can also set any theme or wallpaper you like, thereby modifying the interface.

What is good

This OS has several advantages. The main ones are:


Android development stages

After the presentation of the first version of the platform over the next year, it was being finalized, as a result of which some system errors were fixed.

In 2009, five updated versions were presented:

2010 was marked by the release of two more versions. They are:


The next development of the manufacturers was the 3.0 platform, which was presented in 2011. The new OS was specifically designed for tablets.
This system differs from the previous ones:

  • improved interface;
  • the ability to synchronize links with Google Chrome;
  • support for an external keyboard;
  • it is now possible to resize widgets on the screen;
  • work on a multi-core processor.
  • The developers did not stop there and created Android 4.0, which was called "Ice Cream Sandwich". This platform has become more versatile. It can be used in both a phone and a tablet.

    The OS has a lot of new features and improvements:

    • the notification panel has been changed;
    • added a way to control Internet traffic;
    • there was a function of voice dictating text;
    • spell checking system;
    • the application for the camera has been improved - there is a panoramic shooting mode, various effects and an image stabilizer;
    • the browser has been updated;
    • support for screenshots;
    • updated security and protection system of the gadget.

    During 2012 and 2013, manufacturers worked on the development of the "Jelly Bean" OS.

    The next versions were 4.1, 4.2, 4.3. The new changes mainly concerned the speed of the interface. Thanks to new developments, productivity has been increased. Now the GPU and the central one are running in parallel.

    The updated version of the platform includes:

    At the end of 2013, another version of Android 4.4 "Kitkat" was announced. The new platform has been optimized to run on cheaper devices that have rAM 512 MB.

    There are also some changes here:

    • now in smartphones the contacts with which the user communicates more often are located at the top of the list;
    • the voice assistant is constantly active;
    • automatic caller ID;
    • subtitles are now displayed in the video player;
    • the file loader has an updated design;
    • support for pedometer applications;
    • numerous bugs and shortcomings were fixed.

    The latest development of the company was version 5. The new OS is called "Lollipop". The main highlight was the Material design, which is distinguished by its versatility.

    Competitors

    The main competitors with which the Android platform has to fight for the palm are:

This article will help you understand the term Android. We will reveal all the advantages of gadgets running on this operating system.

In fact, from our article you will learn about what Android is, explanations for dummies will be presented below. With our help, you will deal with the main aspects and questions that a beginner who first encountered a phone or tablet on this system may have.

What is Android?

Many people ask Android when they say, "What is it?" This is a device that is an operating system or "firmware" created for mobile devices by Google based Linux... Translated from English "Android" means "humanoid robot".

  • The first version of the Android system appeared in 2008 and immediately won the attention and interest of users of smartphones, tablets, etc. True, the iPhone and its iOS, as well as Nokia with Windows Mobile and Symbian decided not to succumb to the Android system and left their own, unpopular operating systems.
  • According to statistics, by 2015, more than 80% of tablets and smartphones worked on Android. To date, this operating system has not yet appeared real competitors. Even a kettle can deal with Android, because the system is quite simple.
The emergence of the Android operating system has excited fans of newfangled gadgets and very quickly gained popularity among users. At the same time, Android ousted competitors who could not cope with the onslaught of new technological trends.

Advantages

  1. One of the main advantages of the Android operating system is that it performed much better than its main competitor, Apple iOS, in a number of ways. Plus, unlike iOS, Android is an open platform.... Thanks to this, more useful functions can be implemented on Android.
  2. Tablet or smartphone settings allow you to install programs on the device from unverified sources, for example, from a memory card. Thus, the Internet may not be needed to install a particular program.
  3. Android is available for all kinds of hardware platforms like MIPS. ARM, x86.

Who makes Android smartphones and tablets?

In fact, there are quite a few manufacturers of Android smartphones and tablets. The most popular at the moment are Samsung, Huawei, HTC, Sony Ericsson, Dell, Motorola, LG, Acer other. All of them, accordingly, develop smartphones running the Android operating system. However, as mentioned earlier, we will probably not be able to see Android smartphones from Nokia and BlackBerry.


Currently, manufacturers of Android devices offer consumers a huge selection of various models of tablets and smartphones for every taste. Everyone will be able to choose a gadget based on their individual preferences, which will emphasize your individuality

The appearance of an Android smartphone

Each Android device comes in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Everything is done in order to attract potential buyers. Some gadgets have a great camera, others have a super-fast processor, and still others have a slide-out QWERTY keyboard.

A distinctive feature of Android smartphones is the large touchscreen display. Screen sizes may vary, however, most are at least 3 inches in size.


The 5-inch capacitive touchscreen on Android 6.0 is the undoubted advantage that makes the device so popular.

What can an Android device do?

An Android device is easy to set up, even for a teapot. You can easily change certain settings of your tablet or smartphone, in accordance with your needs and preferences.


For dummies, this operating system may be simpler than meets the eye.

What apps can I install on my Android device?

Android Market allows you to download many useful applications and interesting games.


  • There are special camera apps that allow you to take pictures using various filters and effects.

Photo processing apps will turn every photo of yours into a real masterpiece. Now it has become much easier to take pictures and you can create real works of art on your Android device

So, your photos will be no worse, or maybe even better, than those of a real professional photographer.

  • The huge touch screen allows you to set as wallpaper any image from the Internet or your own picture.
  • Android supports screen widgets. They allow you to access various functions and settings of your smartphone. For more convenience, you can create your own menu and shortcut system.

Widgets make it easier for users to use a smartphone or tablet. Thus, even a child can handle the gadget.

How much do Android updates cost?

Updates for the Android platform are absolutely free. New versions of the operating system provide gadgets with new functionality and changes, as a rule, only in better side... Top Android models receive updates first.


conclusions

So what is Android? It is the operating system that is by far the most popular platform, and is extremely popular among phone and tablet owners.

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When people hear this word, they have many questions: "Why a green robot?", "How difficult is it to handle?", "How to install programs or make a backup copy?" new mobile phone? " other.

But what is Android in general? Let's try to figure it out.

Description

Android (eng. "Android") Is the name of a software platform for devices (most of which: mobile devices) based on the Linux kernel. It was originally created by Android Inc., which was acquired by Google. Android provides the ability to develop Java applications that control the device using libraries developed by Google. Distributed under the Apache 2.0 license.

Used in a wide range of devices:

  • Smartphones
  • TV sets
  • Google glasses
  • Media players
  • EBooks
  • Photo frames
  • Laptops / Netbooks / Smartbooks
  • etc

It is planned to install the Android system on the automotive computerized part and robotic vehicles (military and household). Now it is the most common operating system for mobile devices (for example, in 2014, more than 80% of smartphones sold had the Android operating system).

In the fall of 2012, L. Page (executive director of Google) published statistics on the activation of over 500 million mobile devices based on Android. To compare the speed of distribution of this OS - in the fall of 2013 it became known that more than 1 billion Android devices were activated on our planet.

The main competitor in the mobile segment at the moment is Apple with an expensive proprietary operating system called iOS. Like Apple, Google has its own Internet market, but it has not only paid, but also many free products, unlike its competitor, which sells its full-fledged programs most often for more than $ 0.

Store of programs (applications) "Google Play"

In the fall of 2008, Google presented an online store of programs (applications) for its OS - Andrоid Market. In terms of payment, the developers receive about 70% of the profits, and the remaining 30% are received by the operators providing access to the cellular network. As of January 2012, more than 10 billion applications have been downloaded since the launch of Android Market.

In the spring of 2012, the company combined its multimedia services, such as "Books", "Android Market", "Music" and others. "Google Play" appeared. The Google Play online store is used in more than 180 countries and has over half a million applications downloaded over 25 billion times.

Adroid advantages

Unlike iOS, Android is a free platform, which gives it the opportunity to implement more different functions and make itself more versatile, with the help of firmware and patches from third-party programmers.

  • by default, it has a restriction on installing programs from "unverified sources", but this restriction is easily deactivated in the device settings, which allows installation without an Internet connection, and also provides the ability to test personally written applications;
  • available for MIPS, ARM, x86;
  • multiplayer mode starting from Android 4.3

Criticism from the outside

  • some devices have Google services that allow you to transfer confidential information to the company;
  • the platform has excessive fragmentation, preventing programmers from creating applications without any problems;
  • due to the use of Java code, there is often a decrease in overall performance and increased power consumption of devices on Android
  • According to Lоkоut Security Mobile, in 2011, over 1 million US dollars were stolen from the owners of Android smartphones (common methods: sending instant messages without the participation of the owner of the phone or calling a paid number).

It is interesting

  • the name of each version of Android 1.5+, represents a dessert, or rather its name. In this case, the first letters of the names are relative to the letters of the Latin alphabet, following in order:
  • individual font sets were created for Android Drоid and Roboto;
  • In versions Android 4.2+ initially developer tools are disabled, to activate, you must press the release number seven times.
  • on the official sites from the moment of their launch to the present moment minimum specifications are not specifiedrequired to start the OS;
  • versions 2.3+ have easter eggto start it, go to "Settings - About device - Android version" and quickly click on this function 4 times, after which the animation will be displayed, and then the "Flаppy Bird" mini-game will open.

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