What is Android? | Little Explanation about Android

Android is an Operating System (OS) which designed to mobile phone platform based on linux kernel. Android OS was developed by Google Inc. Android is unique because Google is actively developing the platform but giving it away for free to hardware manufacturers and phone carriers who want to use Android on their devices.

Small Piece History of Android

Android Inc. founded in 2003

Android, Inc. was founded in Palo Alto, California, United States in October, 2003 by Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears and Chris White. They develop smarter mobile devices that are more aware of its owner's location and preferences." Despite the obvious past accomplishments of the founders and early employees, Android Inc. operated secretively, admitting only that it was working on software for mobile phones.

Android Inc. acquired by Google

Google acquired Android Inc. in August, 2005, making Android Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Google Inc. Key employees of Android Inc., including Andy Rubin, Rich Miner and Chris White, stayed at the company after the acquisition.

Not much was known about Android Inc. at the time of the acquisition, but many assumed that Google was planning to enter the mobile phone market with this move.

Development accelerates

At Google, the team led by Rubin developed a mobile device platform powered by the Linux kernel. Google marketed the platform to handset makers and carriers on the premise of providing a flexible, upgradable system. Google had lined up a series of hardware component and software partners and signaled to carriers that it was open to various degrees of cooperation on their part.

Version History

Android has seen a number of updates since its original release. These updates to the base operating system typically fix bugs and add new features. Generally, each new version of the Android operating system is developed under a code name based on a dessert item. Past updates included Cupcake and Donut. The code names are in alphabetical order (Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, and the upcoming Ice Cream Sandwich).

Android version 1.1

Google released the Android version 1.1. On March 9, 2009. This Android version is equipped with an aesthetic update to the application, alarm clock, voice search (search sound), sending messages to Gmail, and email notification.

Android version 1.5 codename Cupcake

In mid-May 2009, Google re-released mobile phone using Android and the SDK (Software Development Kit) with version 1.5 codename Cupcake. There are several updates including the addition of several features in mobile version is the ability to record and watch videos with the camera mode, upload video to Youtube and images to Picasa directly from the phone, A2DP Bluetooth support, the ability to automatically connect to a Bluetooth headset, animated display, and on-screen keyboard that can be adjusted with the system.

Android version 1.6 codename Donut

Donut (version 1.6) was released in September by displaying the search process better than before, the use of battery indicator and control applet VPN. Another feature is the gallery that allows users to select which photos will be deleted; cameras, camcorders and galleries integrated with ; CDMA / EVDO, 802.1x, VPN, Gestures, and Text-to-speech engine; contacts dial capability; technological change text to speech (not available on all phones; procurement VWGA resolution.

Android version 2.0/2.1 Codename Eclair

On December 3, 2009 re-launched Android phones with version 2.0/2.1 (Eclair), changes made was the optimization of hardware, improved Google Maps 3.1.2, change the UI with a new browser and support for HTML5, a new list of contacts, support for camera flash third , 2 MP, digital zoom, and Bluetooth 2.1.

Android version 2.2 Codename Froyo: Frozen Yogurt

On May 20, 2010, the Android version 2.2 (Froyo) was launched. The changes are generally against previous versions include support for Adobe Flash 10.1, speed performance and application of 2 to 5 times faster, integration V8 JavaScript engine that used Google Chrome to accelerate the rendering capabilities of the browser, the installation of an application in the SD Card, WiFi capabilities Hotspot portable, and the ability to auto update in Android Market application.

Android version 2.3 Codename Gingerbread

On December 6, 2010, the Android version 2.3 (Gingerbread) was launched. General changes obtained from the Android version include increased capacity to the game (gaming), an increase in copy and paste function, the display interface (User Interface) redesigned, VP8 video format support and WebM, new audio effects (reverb, equalization, headphone virtualization, and bass boost), support the ability of Near Field Communication (NFC), and the support of more than one camera.

Android version 3.0 Codename Honeycomb

Honeycomb android specially designed for tablets. This Android version supports a larger screen size. User Interface on Honeycomb is also different because it is designed for tablets. Honeycomb also supports multi-processor and hardware acceleration (hardware) for graphics. A modified version of Android is used in the Google TV, the Barnes & Noble Nook eReader, the Samsung Galaxy Tab, and countless other devices. Parrot makes both a digital photo frame and a car stereo system powered by modified versions of Android.