What Is the Android Operating System?
The Android operating system is a mobile operating system that was developed by Google (GOOGL) to be primarily used for touchscreen devices, cell phones, and tablets. Its design lets users manipulate the mobile devices intuitively, with finger movements that mirror common motions, such as pinching, swiping, and tapping. Google also employs Android software in televisions, cars, and wristwatches—each of which is fitted with a unique user interface.
Key Takeaways
- The Android operating system was developed by Google (GOOGL) for use in all of its touchscreen devices, tablets, and cell phones.
- This operating system was first developed by Android Inc., a software company located in Silicon Valley before it was acquired by Google in 2005.
- While the Android source code is released in an open-source format to help advance open standards across mobile devices, it is still packaged with proprietary software when sold on handset devices.
Understanding the Android Operating System
The Android operating system was first developed by Android Inc., a software company located in Silicon Valley before Google acquired it in 2005. Investors and electronics industry analysts have questioned Google’s true intentions for entering the mobile market space since that acquisition. But in any case, soon thereafter, Google announced the impending rollout of its first commercially available Android-powered device in 2007, although that product actually hit the marketplace in 2008.
Since then, software and application developers have been able to use Android technology to develop mobile apps, which are sold through app stores, such as Google Play. And because it is developed as a Google product, Android users are given the opportunity to link their mobile devices to other Google products, such as cloud storage, email platforms, and video services.
The Android source code is released in an open-source format to help advance open standards across mobile devices. However, despite being released as “open,”Android is still packaged with proprietary software when sold on handset devices.
According to research from Bitdefender, Downloader.DN is the most common type of Android trojan as of February 2022. It involves "repacked applications taken from Google App Store and bunded with aggressive adware."
Android Operating System vs. Apple iOS
The emergence of Android created a new rivalry between smartphone manufacturers, with Apple (AAPL) serving as Google's chief competitor. To some, this competitive dynamic mirrors that of the “cola wars” between Coca-Cola (KO) and Pepsi (PEP)over the past 40 years, where no clear winner or loser has emerged. Android was the most popular operating system on mobile devices as of Q1 2022, with 23.7% of the global market share while Apple's iOS was in second place with 18%, according to International Data Corporation.
The increased popularity of the system has also led to a number of patent-related lawsuits, including a lawsuit brought forth by Oracle (ORCL). In 2010, the company alleged that Google unlawfully used Java APIs to develop its Android software. In April 2021, the case was decided with the Supreme Court ruling 6-2 in Google's favor.
Limitations of the Android Operating System
While Android offers users a viable alternativeto other mobile operating systems, several limitations still remain. On the developer side, coding complex user experiences and interfaces is an often difficult task that demands a greater reliance on Java than Objective-C. For users, the apps on the Android Market tend to have lower standards than comparable app stores.
In other words, the apps have lower security profiles and make users moresusceptible to data breaches. Meanwhile, Android's lack of a voice-controlled assistant and its heavy dependence on advertising can repel some users.
FAQs
Android OS is a Linux-based mobile operating system that primarily runs on smartphones and tablets. The Android platform includes an operating system based upon the Linux kernel, a GUI, a web browser and end-user applications that can be downloaded.
What is an operating system short answer? ›
What is an operating system? An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the computer's memory and processes, as well as all of its software and hardware. It also allows you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's language.
What is the Android operating system known for? ›
Android phones give a real-life experience to the end-user. Faster multitasking, better system performance by optimizing memory, improved touchscreen, fresh design, quick response and ease of use are some of the features that gained Android its popularity.
What is OS and its functions? ›
An operating system is a software package that runs applications and serves as a communication link (interface) between the computer hardware and the user. The allocation of services and resources, like devices, memory, processors, and information, is the primary duty of an operating system.
What is Android operating system in simple words? ›
What Is the Android Operating System? The Android operating system is a mobile operating system that was developed by Google (GOOGL) to be primarily used for touchscreen devices, cell phones, and tablets.
Where is Android OS used? ›
Android is an operating system for mobile devices. It is mostly used for smartphones, like Google's own Google Pixel, as well as by other phone manufacturers like HTC and Samsung. It has also been used for tablets such as the Motorola, Xoom and Amazon Kindle. A modified Linux kernel is used as Android's kernel.
What is the definition of OS with example? ›
An Operating System (OS) is a software that acts as an interface between computer hardware components and the user. Every computer system must have at least one operating system to run other programs. Applications like Browsers, MS Office, Notepad Games, etc., need some environment to run and perform its tasks.
What is the definition of OS and examples? ›
An operating system is a powerful and usually extensive program that controls and manages the hardware and other software on a computer. All computers and computer-like devices require operating systems, including your laptop, tablet, desktop, smartphone, smartwatch, and router.
What are the 5 main functions of an operating system? ›
The main functions of operating systems are Virus Protection, File Systems Management, Device Management, Memory Management, and Process Management. Operating system functions are categorised into Process Management, RAM Management, Device Management, Security and Privacy, and Access Management.
Why is it called Android OS? ›
It came from the nickname of one of the founders — Andy Rubin. At the time when he worked at Apple, Rubin had a strong passion for Android robots. Henceforth, it was no surprise that Andy's co-workers and mates began to call him Android — the name that eventually became official for the company and operating system.
The Android system is open-source. The developers can remove the current OS and develop their versions, which users can download and install in place of the stock OS. Some are packed with articles, while others change the look and texture of a device.
Why Android OS is better? ›
Android is preferred over iOS. It easily works with Windows computers because it can easily communicate with your computer without any problems. You can move photos, videos, and other stuff between them easily. They cooperate smoothly, making your life simpler.
What are the 4 main functions of OS? ›
List four major functions of an OS. It manages hardware, runs applications, provides an interface for users, and stores, retrieves, and manipulates files.
What are the three main functions of an OS? ›
An operating system has three main functions: (1) manage the computer's resources, such as the central processing unit, memory, disk drives, and printers, (2) establish a user interface, and (3) execute and provide services for applications software.
What is the difference between Windows and Android operating system? ›
Android is specifically designed for mobile devices. Windows is designed for PC of all companies. Android has a Graphical (Multi-touch) user interface. Windows OS Graphical (Metro UI).
What is the difference between an Android and a smartphone? ›
An Android phone is a powerful, high-tech smartphone that runs on the Android operating system (OS) developed by Google and is used by a variety of mobile phone manufacturers. Surprisingly, Android phones make up over 70% of all phones bought across the world, while Apple's iOS-powered iPhones only account for 27%.
Is An Android better than an iPhone? ›
While Android isn't objectively better than the iPhone, if you are someone who wants flexibility and a wide variety of phones to choose from, Android is the way to go. And that's because Android, developed by Google, is an open source operating system for mobile devices.
What is the difference between Android and iPhone? ›
Android allows for extensive customization of the user interface, while iOS offers a more uniform and streamlined experience. Choose based on your desire for personalization. App Availability: Check the availability of the apps you regularly use on both platforms.
