Android
Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google, initially developed by Android Inc. and based on the Linux kernel. It is designed primarily for touchscreen devices like smartphones and tablets, although it also powers wearables, televisions, in-car systems, and laptops. Android has evolved into the most widely used mobile OS in the world, with billions of active devices globally.[1]
History
Android Inc. was founded in October 2003 by Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, and Chris White. Originally, it aimed to create an advanced operating system for digital cameras. However, the focus later shifted to smartphones to rival systems like Symbian and Windows Mobile. Google acquired Android Inc. in 2005 for an estimated $50 million, marking a strategic entry into the mobile ecosystem.[2]
In 2007, the Open Handset Alliance was formed, comprising companies like Google, HTC, Sony, Dell, Intel, Motorola, and others. Its aim was to advance open standards for mobile devices. The first Android-powered device, the HTC Dream (T-Mobile G1), was launched in 2008.
Version History
Android versions are named alphabetically after desserts or sweets (until Android 10). Some key versions include:
- Android 1.5 Cupcake – Introduced the on-screen keyboard
- Android 2.2 Froyo – USB tethering, Wi-Fi hotspot
- Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich – Holo UI, facial unlock
- Android 5.0 Lollipop – Material Design
- Android 6.0 Marshmallow – App permissions, Doze mode
- Android 10 – System-wide dark theme, no more dessert names
- Android 14 – Enhanced privacy and security features (latest)[3]
Features
Android offers a wide range of user-centric and developer-friendly features:
User Interface
The system features a customizable home screen with widgets, a notification shade, and support for gestures. Android UI has evolved through Material Design and now Material You, which offers dynamic theming based on wallpapers.
Multitasking
Users can run multiple apps, split screens, use picture-in-picture mode, and quickly switch between recent apps.
App Ecosystem
The Google Play Store hosts over 3 million apps across categories. Users can also sideload APKs or use alternative stores like Amazon Appstore.
Customization
Android allows deep personalization—launchers, themes, icon packs, widgets, and more.
Google Integration
Android is closely integrated with Google services: Gmail, Google Maps, Drive, Chrome, Assistant, and YouTube.
Security
Android provides regular security updates, biometric authentication, sandboxing of apps, and Google Play Protect which scans for malware.
Cross-Platform
Runs across various form factors:
- Smartphones (e.g., Pixel, Galaxy)
- Tablets (e.g., Galaxy Tab)
- Smartwatches (Wear OS)
- Smart TVs (Android TV, Google TV)
- Cars (Android Auto)
- IoT Devices (Android Things)
Architecture
Android’s architecture is layered and modular:
- Linux Kernel: Provides hardware abstraction, memory management, power management, and security.
- Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL): Acts as an interface between hardware and the higher layers.
- Android Runtime (ART): Executes apps using ahead-of-time compilation.
- Native C/C++ Libraries: Include WebKit, SQLite, SSL, etc.
- Application Framework: Offers APIs for app development (location, notifications, activity lifecycle).
- Apps: User-facing applications written in Java/Kotlin using the Android SDK.
Development Tools
- Android Studio: The official IDE
- Languages: Java, Kotlin (official), C++ (via NDK)
- Build System: Gradle
- Emulator: For testing across different devices and versions
- Jetpack Libraries: Architecture components, navigation, lifecycle-aware programming
Ecosystem and OEMs
Android is used by a variety of OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers):
- Samsung
- Xiaomi
- Oppo
- Vivo
- Realme
- Motorola
- Sony
- HMD Global (Nokia)
- Asus
Each OEM may ship Android with a custom UI layer like One UI (Samsung), MIUI (Xiaomi), or ColorOS (Oppo).
As of 2025, Android holds over 70% of the global smartphone OS market share. It dominates emerging markets and is used by a wide demographic across price points, from budget to flagship devices.[4]
Challenges and Criticism
Despite its popularity, Android has faced some issues:
- Fragmentation – Different versions across devices
- Privacy Concerns – Data sharing with Google
- Malware – Due to open APK installs
- Slow Updates – OEMs delay security/OS patches
Future of Android
Google continues to refine Android with each version. With the introduction of Project Treble, modular updates have become faster. The company is also focusing on:
- Foldables and large screen devices
- AI and on-device ML
- Seamless updates and virtualization