Android

Android. It is a mobile operating system based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software, designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Developed by a consortium of developers known as the Open Handset Alliance and commercially sponsored by Google, it was unveiled in 2007. The system provides a user interface built around direct manipulation, responding to swipes, taps, and pinches, and it is the most widely used mobile operating system globally, powering billions of devices from a vast ecosystem of manufacturers.

History

The initial development was undertaken by Android Inc., a company founded in Palo Alto, California in 2003 by Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, and Chris White. Google acquired the company in 2005, with key figures like Andy Rubin and Hiroshi Lockheimer leading its development under Google. The first commercial version, Android 1.0, was released in September 2008 on the HTC Dream, also known as the T-Mobile G1. Major version milestones include the introduction of the Android Market (later Google Play), the Nexus series of reference devices, and the Material Design language. The project's governance and development model have been subjects of scrutiny, including antitrust investigations by the European Commission and legal battles with Oracle Corporation over the use of Java APIs.

Design

The architecture is built upon the Linux kernel, which handles core system services such as security, memory management, and process control. The runtime environment has evolved from the original Dalvik virtual machine to the current Android Runtime (ART). The system framework provides managers for windows, telephony, and resources, accessible to applications through Java APIs. The user interface is rendered by a graphics system that relies on OpenGL ES and Vulkan for hardware-accelerated rendering. Security features include a permission-based model, Google Play Protect, and regular security updates from partners like Qualcomm and Samsung.

Features

The default user interface is characterized by a home screen with app icons and a widget system, a notification shade, and the Google Assistant for voice commands. It supports extensive multitasking, split-screen views, and picture-in-picture mode. Core applications are provided through Google Mobile Services, including Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, and the Chrome browser. The platform is known for its high degree of customization, allowing manufacturers like Samsung with its One UI and Xiaomi with MIUI to create heavily modified experiences. It also supports a wide array of connectivity standards including 5G, Bluetooth, and NFC.

Development

The primary software development kit (SDK) includes a comprehensive set of tools, with Android Studio being the official integrated development environment. Applications are primarily written in Kotlin, Java, and C++, and are distributed via the Google Play Store. The open-source nature of the project is managed through the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), which provides the core code that manufacturers can modify. Major annual updates are previewed at the Google I/O developer conference, with recent versions focusing on privacy enhancements like the Privacy Sandbox and improvements to machine learning via TensorFlow Lite.

Market share and distribution

It dominates the global mobile OS market, consistently holding over 70% share according to reports from StatCounter and International Data Corporation. This dominance is driven by a wide range of devices from numerous manufacturers, including Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, and Oppo. The ecosystem extends beyond phones and tablets to wearable technology like the Samsung Galaxy Watch, Android TV, and in-car systems via Android Automotive. Its market position has been central to several legal and regulatory challenges, including the ongoing antitrust case brought by the United States Department of Justice and disputes with Epic Games over app store policies.

Category:Mobile operating systems Category:Google software Category:Linux-based operating systems