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Android

From Knowlepedia
Android
Developer Google
Initial release September 23, 2008
Operating system Android OS
Website Visit

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

The history of Android is a fascinating journey that spans several decades, characterized by innovation, collaboration, and evolution. From its humble beginnings, when it was competing with Nokia’s mobile OS Symbian, the Windows Phone OS, and Blackberry OS, to its dominant position in the mobile operating system market, Android has significantly influenced how we interact with technology.

Here’s an in-depth look at the history of Android:

Early origins and development (2003-2007)

The story of Android began in 2003 when Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, and Chris White founded Android Inc. in Palo Alto, California. Their initial goal was to develop an advanced operating system for digital cameras. However, recognizing the potential of their project, they shifted their focus to creating an operating system for mobile devices.

Acquisition by Google (2005)

In 2005, Google, led by then-CEO Eric Schmidt, acquired Android Inc., laying the groundwork for what would become one of the most significant developments in the mobile industry. Google’s acquisition of Android signaled its entry into the rapidly growing smartphone market and set the stage for developing a new mobile operating system.

Open Handset Alliance and the launch of Android (2007)

On November 5, 2007, the Open Handset Alliance (OHA) was unveiled. It comprised several prominent technology companies, including Google, HTC, Samsung, Motorola, and others. The OHA aimed to develop open standards for mobile devices and promote innovation in the mobile industry. Shortly after, on November 5, 2007, Google announced the first beta version of the Android operating system.

Android 1.0 and the first Android device (2008)

The first commercial version of Android, Android 1.0, was released on September 23, 2008. The HTC Dream, also known as T-Mobile G1, was the first smartphone to run on the Android operating system. The HTC Dream featured a touchscreen interface, a physical keyboard, and access to Google services such as Gmail, Maps, and YouTube.

Since its initial release, Android has undergone significant evolution with regular updates and new versions introduced to the market, as we will discuss later. The developer preview of Android 15 has been launched in 2024.

Growth and dominance in the mobile market

Over the years, Android has experienced tremendous growth, rapidly becoming the world’s most popular mobile operating system. According to Statcounter, as of January 2022, Android holds over 72% of the global mobile operating system market share, far surpassing its competitors.

Version History

Android has evolved through various versions since its inception. Each version brings new features, enhancements, and optimizations to the platform. Here is a list of the major Android versions released to date:

  • Android 1.0 (Astro): The initial version of Android was released on September 23, 2008. It introduced basic functionalities such as web browsing, camera support, and access to Google services like Gmail and Google Maps.
  • Android 1.1 (Bender): Released on February 9, 2009, Android 1.1 included minor updates and bug fixes to improve system stability and performance.
  • Android 1.5 (Cupcake): Introduced on April 27, 2009, Android 1.5 brought significant improvements, such as an on-screen keyboard, support for third-party widgets, and video recording capabilities.
  • Android 1.6 (Donut): Released on September 15, 2009, Android 1.6 featured updates to the user interface, improved search functionality, and support for CDMA networks.
  • Android 2.0/2.1 (Eclair): Android 2.0 and 2.1, known collectively as Eclair, were released on October 26, 2009. Eclair introduced features such as multiple account support, Bluetooth 2.1, and an updated web browser.
  • Android 2.2 (Froyo): Released on May 20, 2010, Android 2.2 (Froyo) introduced significant performance improvements, support for Adobe Flash Player, and the ability to install apps on external storage.
  • Android 2.3 (Gingerbread): Introduced on December 6, 2010, Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) focused on refining the user interface, improving gaming performance, and adding support for near field communication (NFC).
  • Android 3.0/3.1/3.2 (Honeycomb): Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) was released on February 22, 2011, and was specifically designed for tablets. It featured a redesigned user interface, support for multicore processors, and improved multitasking capabilities.
  • Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich): Released on October 18, 2011, Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) merged the tablet and smartphone versions of Android. It introduced features such as a new user interface, enhanced multitasking, and support for facial recognition.
  • Android 4.1/4.2/4.3 (Jelly Bean): Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) was released on July 9, 2012, followed by subsequent updates 4.2 and 4.3. Jelly Bean introduced features such as improved performance, enhanced notifications, and support for multiple user accounts on tablets.
  • Android 4.4 (KitKat): Released on October 31, 2013, Android 4.4 (KitKat) focused on optimizing the operating system for low-end devices. It introduced features such as improved memory management, a new dialer app, and support for cloud printing.
  • Android 5.0/5.1 (Lollipop): Android 5.0 (Lollipop) was released on November 12, 2014, followed by updates to 5.1. Lollipop introduced the Material Design language, improved performance, enhanced security features, and support for 64-bit processors.
  • Android 6.0 (Marshmallow): Released on October 5, 2015, Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) introduced features such as app permissions, Google Now on Tap, and a new battery-saving feature called Doze.
  • Android 7.0/7.1 (Nougat): Android 7.0 (Nougat) was released on August 22, 2016, followed by updates to 7.1. Nougat introduced features such as split-screen multitasking, enhanced notifications, and support for Daydream VR.
  • Android 8.0/8.1 (Oreo): Android 8.0 (Oreo) was released on August 21, 2017, followed by updates to 8.1. Oreo introduced features, such as picture-in-picture mode, notification dots, and improved battery life, through background app limitations.
  • Android 9 (Pie): Released on August 6, 2018, Android 9 (Pie) introduced features such as gesture-based navigation, adaptive battery, and digital wellbeing tools to help users monitor their smartphone usage.
  • Android 10: Released on September 3, 2019, Android 10 introduced features such as a system-wide dark mode, improved privacy controls, and support for foldable smartphones.
  • Android 11: Released on September 8, 2020, Android 11 focused on enhancing communication, privacy, and control with features like chat bubbles, one-time permissions, and improved media controls.
  • Android 12: Released on October 4, 2021, Android 12 introduced a major visual overhaul with Material You design language, enhanced privacy features, and performance improvements.
  • Android 13: Android 13 focused on user privacy with features like a photo picker and notification permission settings. Building on Android 12’s tablet optimizations, Android 13 enhances system UI, multitasking, and compatibility modes.
  • Android 14: Released on October 4, 2023, Android 14 enhances accessibility with features like 200% font scaling and customizable lock screens. Additionally, it introduces support for lossless audio formats and an improved magnifier for low-vision users.
  • Android 15: It is the upcoming iteration of the Android operating system, slated for release in early 2025. It introduces advanced encryption features for secure data storage and transmission, among other features.

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).

Usage and Market Share

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.

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

See Also

• iOS

• Google Play

• Wear OS

• Fuchsia (operating system)

References

  1. ↑ https://www.android.com/
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