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.