Android™ is
a computing platform designed for use in some smart phones and other
devices. This technology, which is owned by Google, Inc., includes an
operating system, software, and applications. The operating system is
based on Linux®, which provides advanced computer processing. Android™
technology is maintained and continually developed by the Android Open Source Project (AOSP).
Beyond the Phone:
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.
Open Handset Alliance:
Google formed a group of hardware, software, and telecommunication companies called the Open Handset Alliance with the goal of contributing to Android development. Most members also have the goal of making money from Android, either by selling phones, phone service, or mobile applications.
Data Plan:
To use Android on a phone, you need a data plan on top of your voice plan. You can't even activate an Android phone without a data plan enabled. Some networks in the US offered tiered data service, and some offer unlimited plans.
Google Services:
Because Google developed Android, it comes with a lot of Google services installed right out of the box. Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Maps, and Google Web search are all pre-installed, and Google is also the default Web page for the Web browser. However, because Android can be modified, carriers can choose to change this. Verizon Wireless, for instance, has modified some Android phones to use Bing as the default search engine.
Touchscreen:
Android supports a touch screen and is difficult to use without one. You can use a trackball for some navigation, but nearly everything is done through touch. Android also supports multi-touch gestures such as pinch-to-zoom in versions 2.1 (Eclair) and above.
Keyboard:
The initial release of Android required a separate keyboard. However, "Cupcake," (Android 1.5) and later editions have all supported an on-screen keyboard. That means you can use models like the Verizon Droid 2 that include a slide-out physical keyboard or the HTC EVO that rely entirely on the touch screen.
Fragmentation:
One frequent criticism of Android is that it's a fragmented platform. Parrot's photo frame, for example, bore absolutely no resemblance to an Android phone. Had the developers not told me they'd used Android, I'd have never known. Phone carriers like Motorola, HTC, LG, Sony, and Samsung have added their own user interfaces to Android and have no intentions to stop. They feel it distinguishes their brand, although developers often express their frustration at having to support so many variations.
The Bottom Line:
Android is an exciting platform for consumers and developers. It is the philosophical opposite of the iPhone in many ways. Where the iPhone tries to create the best user experience by restricting hardware and software standards, Android tries to insure it by opening up as much of the operating system as possible.
This is both good and bad. Fragmented versions of Android may provide a unique user experience, but they also mean fewer users per variation. That means it's harder to support for app developers, accessory makers, and technology writers (ahem). Because each Android upgrade must be modified for the specific hardware and user interface upgrades of each device, that also means it takes longer for modified Android phones to receive updates.
Fragmentation issues aside, Android is a robust platform that boasts some of the fastest and most amazing phones and tablets on the market.
Android™ applications
Although Android™ technology is increasingly being used on a range of devices, the most common hardware to use this platform is mobile phones. A large community of developers regularly write applications (apps), including games, social networking, and business modules, for Android™ smart phones. There are a wide range of free Android™ apps, including games and productivity titles, and paid apps are even more common. Android™ products — which are used by thousands of developers because they are freely available for download — has given software developers the opportunity to sell their creations to a wide group of consumers.Programming for Android™
Android™ technology is
based on Java® software applications. This technology requires the use
of a special software development kit (SDK) to create applications for
an Android™ device. The SDK is freely available for download from the
Internet. For this reason, and because it will work on multiple
operating systems, many software developers prefer Android™ products
over those used in other smart phones.
Smart phones have evolved
into devices that use touch screens for navigation. Android™ technology
provides specific application programming interface (API) modules to developers that take advantage of this. The touch screen enables the user to select and scroll through information with the stroke of a finger.How Android™ Is Different
One of the key differences between Android™ technology and other smart phone systems is that it is open for modification. This gives vendors the opportunity to change and enhance their products based on their own preferences. This has created many versions of Android™ phones, which can vary by vendor, as well as a range of other devices that use this platform. In 2011, Google introduced a new arena for Android™ when it announced plans to launch Android@Home, a network that could allow users to automate and control home appliances.Beyond the Phone:
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.
Open Handset Alliance:
Google formed a group of hardware, software, and telecommunication companies called the Open Handset Alliance with the goal of contributing to Android development. Most members also have the goal of making money from Android, either by selling phones, phone service, or mobile applications.
Data Plan:
To use Android on a phone, you need a data plan on top of your voice plan. You can't even activate an Android phone without a data plan enabled. Some networks in the US offered tiered data service, and some offer unlimited plans.
Google Services:
Because Google developed Android, it comes with a lot of Google services installed right out of the box. Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Maps, and Google Web search are all pre-installed, and Google is also the default Web page for the Web browser. However, because Android can be modified, carriers can choose to change this. Verizon Wireless, for instance, has modified some Android phones to use Bing as the default search engine.
Touchscreen:
Android supports a touch screen and is difficult to use without one. You can use a trackball for some navigation, but nearly everything is done through touch. Android also supports multi-touch gestures such as pinch-to-zoom in versions 2.1 (Eclair) and above.
Keyboard:
The initial release of Android required a separate keyboard. However, "Cupcake," (Android 1.5) and later editions have all supported an on-screen keyboard. That means you can use models like the Verizon Droid 2 that include a slide-out physical keyboard or the HTC EVO that rely entirely on the touch screen.
Fragmentation:
One frequent criticism of Android is that it's a fragmented platform. Parrot's photo frame, for example, bore absolutely no resemblance to an Android phone. Had the developers not told me they'd used Android, I'd have never known. Phone carriers like Motorola, HTC, LG, Sony, and Samsung have added their own user interfaces to Android and have no intentions to stop. They feel it distinguishes their brand, although developers often express their frustration at having to support so many variations.
The Bottom Line:
Android is an exciting platform for consumers and developers. It is the philosophical opposite of the iPhone in many ways. Where the iPhone tries to create the best user experience by restricting hardware and software standards, Android tries to insure it by opening up as much of the operating system as possible.
This is both good and bad. Fragmented versions of Android may provide a unique user experience, but they also mean fewer users per variation. That means it's harder to support for app developers, accessory makers, and technology writers (ahem). Because each Android upgrade must be modified for the specific hardware and user interface upgrades of each device, that also means it takes longer for modified Android phones to receive updates.
Fragmentation issues aside, Android is a robust platform that boasts some of the fastest and most amazing phones and tablets on the market.
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