Just What Is The Android OS?

The Android operating system is similar to the Windows OS you use on your personal computer. But, it is mainly designed to work on small, low power units like smartphones and tablets. It's created to run as efficiently as possible while using as little power as is practical. Android Inc. received worldwide attention when in Aug 2005 Google bought the business after which it promptly announced that they're going to be making the operating system Open Source in order that anyone can use it without paying for it or pay out any royalties.

The Android OS is in fact founded on a customized variant of the Linux Kernel, Linux of course already a proven open source alternative to Windows and OSX. At the most rudimentary level, an operating-system supplies the layer between the hardware and the software designed to run upon it. In the case of Android it must be able to pass instructions to the cpu, microphone, camera, GPS, antenna, touchscreen display as well as keypad and so forth. Various applications can then be designed to run on Android Operating System to make these devices useful.

The Android os is a sophisticated software program and delivers a big punch in a small package. It utilizes a compact relational database called SQLite to save and access data for the numerous apps that you install. It also has built-in play back capability for many different media types which includes PNG, GIF, BMP, WebM, H.263, H.264, MPEG, MP3, MIDI, WAV and JPEG. In terms of connectivity it will handle all the latest technologies out of the box like GSM, IDEN, CDMA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and WiMax, SMS and MMS types of messaging which makes it the ideal platform for software coders to create innovative new software.

Currently, Android has overtaken virtually every other smartphone os around, which includes Apple's iOS which powers the iPhones and Blackberry's own operating system. By the end of 2010, 33 million smartphones were purchased which came with a version of the Android operating system and research analyst NPD Group now predicts that 1 / 2 of all smartphone purchases are for an Android smartphone.

The driving factor supporting this rapid uptake is the open source aspect of the OS. As a result any smartphone, tablet or portable device designer on the planet can get the source files, alter and customize it for their exact needs and distribute it on devices developed by them. The royalty free aspect of Android has inspired most of the biggest names in the smartphone business like HTC, Samsung, LG and Motorola to develop highly desirable devices using the Android operating system.

One more reason for the huge demand of Android smartphones is that towards the end of 2010 there were more than 200,000 applications for download which included games to tools, image editing to location services. Unlike Apple's iTunes store, a lot of Android apps are free or have free versions, which motivates individuals to use Android phones.

Learn more about Android tablets, phones and mobile equipment at Android Tablet Reviews HQ. Before deciding on a device be sure to read the many Android tablet reviews available. This will ensure that you choose a device that is ideal for your intended purpose.

Eight Things An Android Phone Is Able To Do That An iPhone Cannot!

The controversy amongst Android and iPhone is as worn and boring as the eternal debate between Microsoft Windows and Mac OSX. However, as hardcore Android supporters we thought we'd create a comprehensive list on 9 items that an Android phone is capable of that an iPhone just can't.

1. Openness: The Android operating-system is open source and backed by Google. This offers application developers and smartphone providers complete freedom to modify and customize the source as they wish. This allows them to create cutting edge, innovative new apps. There is no limit to what a designer or smartphone producer is able to do with Android.
2. Tight Integration With Google Apps: While we are unable to refute that Google's scatter gun technique of building web apps and services leaves all of us bewildered, there are some invaluable tools at our disposal like Transliteration, Google Books, Google Scribe, Walky Talky and the ever nerdy Sky Map. One application which may almost certainly never reach the iPhone is the Google Maps Navigation. These apps are free of charge and perform flawlessly on any type of Android smartphone.
3. Personalized For You By You: With the iPhone you can have any display setup you choose as long as it's organized in a four column grid. Does not sound truly user friendly. Android will let you pimp out ones experience with widgets and organize the dashboard as you would like. Widgets may include a group of applications and expand when selected.
4. Battery Saving: Android has some of the finest power conservation functions in the smartphone industry built directly in to the operating system. You do not have to acquire extra applications, the unit optimizes the battery life in the background. 
5. Connectivity: In contrast to the iPhone you're not tethered to your iTunes account and may connect and play on any personal computer. This openness and portability makes the Android smartphone or tablet the final word in convenience.
6. Kill Switch: In the click of a button, Google can distribute a signal to all the Android phones and tablets in order to kill and remove any rogue apps. This helps keep your smartphone secure continually and you'll rest assured knowing that Google has your back.
7. Adobe Flash Player: Apple Inc. is anti-Flash, we know that. Nevertheless, how about the millions of men and women who have to be inconvenienced as a result of Apple Inc's whims? Android doesn't put any constraints around the sort of media you can and can't view.
8. Security: Android is an open source platform. This implies that there are tens of thousands of programmers critiquing the code constantly. Whenever you use the effectiveness of the crowd like this, security bugs are unearthed and repaired swiftly. What's more, Android can patch itself automatically and not need to be wired to iTunes.

These are merely Eight things which we believe an Android phone can perform that an iPhone cannot. How many other ways are you aware of that helps to make the Android smartphone or tablet better?

Prior to purchasing an iPhone or Android gadget look into the numerous Android tablet reviews to make sure you are getting the appropriate unit for your needs. Android tablets and smartphones are rising in popularity and the capabilities built into the operating system continues to advance at a furious pace.