Android (operating system)

Android (operating system)
Name	Android
Developer	Google, Open Handset Alliance
Source model	Open source (most devices include proprietary software)
Released	23 September 2008
Latest release version	14
Latest release date	04 October 2023
Marketing target	Smartphones, tablet computers, smart TVs (Android TV), smartwatches (Wear OS), cars (Android Automotive)
License	Apache License 2.0, GPLv2 for modifications to the Linux kernel
Website	https://www.android.com/

Android (operating system). Android 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 tablet computers. It is developed by a consortium of developers known as the Open Handset Alliance and commercially sponsored by Google. The core operating system is free and open-source software licensed under the Apache License 2.0, though most devices ship with a combination of open-source and proprietary software, including Google Mobile Services.

History

The initial development of Android was started in 2003 by Android Inc., a company founded in Palo Alto, California by Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, and Chris White. Google acquired the company in 2005, and key employees, including Rubin, stayed on to develop the platform under the new owner. The Open Handset Alliance, a consortium of technology companies including Google, HTC, Samsung, and Motorola Mobility, was unveiled in 2007 to advance open standards for mobile devices. The first commercial Android device was the HTC Dream, released in September 2008. Major version releases have been named after desserts or sweets in alphabetical order, such as Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, and more recently Pie and Android 10, after which Google discontinued the public use of dessert names.

Features

The user interface of Android is based on direct manipulation, using touch gestures that correspond to real-world actions. The home screen is highly customizable, typically consisting of app icons and widgets, with a notification shade that can be pulled down from the top of the screen. The system provides a built-in WebKit-based web browser and supports connectivity technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and LTE. Core applications are developed in Java using the Android SDK, and the operating system supports a vast ecosystem of apps available through digital distribution platforms like the Google Play Store, operated by Google. Other features include multi-tasking, voice commands via the Google Assistant, and split-screen view.

Architecture

Android's architecture is a software stack comprising several key layers. At its foundation is the Linux kernel, which provides core system services such as security, memory management, and process management. Above the kernel are libraries and the Android Runtime (ART), which executes application code. The Application Framework layer provides the high-level building blocks for apps, including the Activity Manager and Content Providers. The top layer consists of the system and third-party applications themselves. Since version 5.0 "Lollipop", ART has replaced the earlier Dalvik virtual machine as the platform's primary runtime environment.

Development

Android applications ("apps") are primarily written in Java, Kotlin, and C++. The primary integrated development environment (IDE) is Android Studio, which is based on JetBrains' IntelliJ IDEA software. Developers use the Android SDK (Software Development Kit) to build, test, and debug applications. The source code for Android is maintained by Google in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), which allows device manufacturers and the open-source community to modify and distribute the software. Major updates to the platform are announced annually at the Google I/O developer conference.

Market share and distribution

Android holds a dominant position in the global smartphone operating system market, consistently holding over 70% market share according to reports from firms like IDC and Statista. It powers a vast array of devices from numerous manufacturers, including Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, and OnePlus. Its distribution is facilitated by its open-source nature, allowing manufacturers to customize the user experience, as seen with Samsung's One UI, Xiaomi's MIUI, and OxygenOS from OnePlus. The Google Play Store is the primary app store for most Android devices, competing with alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy Store and regional stores like the Huawei AppGallery.

Security and privacy

Google employs multiple strategies to secure the Android ecosystem, including regular security patches and the Google Play Protect malware scanner. The platform uses a permission system where users must grant apps access to sensitive data or hardware features like the camera or GPS. Since Android 10, users have gained more control over location permissions. Project Treble, introduced with Android Oreo, modularized the operating system's architecture to help manufacturers deliver faster security updates. Despite these measures, the platform's fragmentation and open distribution model present ongoing challenges, with security researchers at firms like Kaspersky Lab and Lookout frequently identifying vulnerabilities in older or modified versions of the software.

Category:Android (operating system) Category:Mobile operating systems Category:Google software