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.

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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.

Android Phone Customizations You Can't Live Without

The wonderful selling point of the Android tablet and phone is its nearly unlimited customization options in comparison to the likes of the iPhone, iPad and Blackberries. Should there be anything that you don't like about an application, a characteristic or function then be assured that you will find a variety of alternatives accessible to you.

Starting with the standard customization options the initial thing you may want to do is change the normal wallpaper to something that resonates better with your personality. To change the wallpaper you have to touch the 'menu' button and then select 'Wallpaper' from your list of options. You may then pick any image on your smartphone and choose it as the wallpaper. You can also touch and drag to focus on a distinct part of a graphic for the wallpaper. Do not forget using the connectivity options you can even send a photo from your computer to your smartphone. If you still cannot find the right wallpaper there is a free application out there called Backgrounds will supply you with access to a huge number of wallpaper images.

The next basic customization option is to modify your ringtone to something a tad more eccentric as opposed to the standard ringtone. To alter the ringtone hit the 'menu' button, go to 'Settings' and then navigate to the 'Sound and display' option. If you have not already done so, you can actually transfer an MP3 to your phone and set it as your ringtone. To accomplish this you need to create a folder on your memory card named 'ringtones'. Copy the tune you would like to use and Android does the rest. If you want even more control of the ringtone you can download a free app called RingDroid. This application will enable you to modify an MP3 and save just the awesome chorus as your ringtone.

If the Android phone comes with a color LED you have probably observed that it flashes when you have a missed call or message. You can control the color of the LED to show a particular color for specific events. For instance you can set it to flash red if you missed a call from your manager and blue if you missed a call from your friend. To personalize the LED color, download a free app named Missed Call.

After the basic customization is finished, you can begin digging a little bit deeper and personalize your Android phone to your specific requirements. One gripe some individuals have is that the default messaging program. It is a bit cumbersome and clunky. Nevertheless, several developers have created alternative messaging applications which are more user-friendly and possess more features. Handcent has established itself as the number 1 alternative to the default messaging app. Those who use it, swear they would never go back.

Yet another bit of customization you may want to check out is changing the default virtual keyboard. While it's fairly functional it's missing some finesse, which is where the BetterKeyboard app enters in. You can include and remove custom buttons, change the look and utilize a number pad if you would like. For anyone who is sending loads of emails or texts then BetterKeyboard is a highly recommended customization for your Android phone.

Last but not least you may customize the home screen to display the info you truly want. The LauncherPro application does a fantastic job of this letting you to have up to seven screens. This is very useful should you use your phone to manage business and personal work.

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