

It doesn’t matter whether you are a computer geek or someone who doesnt understand computer. You might have definitely heard the term “Android”.You might have heard of people buying android mobiles, updating their phones to latest Android Version, downloading an Android app.So What the heck is this ANDROID. And for those who don’t really understand Computer Science this might be a million dollar question. Fortunately it has a very simple answer. Android is just an Open Source Linux-based Mobile Operating System.(WOW! This is a heavy term )Don’t worry Let me explain what exactly is an operating system.



Operating system acts as the interface between user(you) and the computer hardware(mobile in this case). It is the thing which basically manages operations on your device,hence the name “Operating System”. Suppose you want to make a call using your mobile.You would need microphone,speaker,network and most importantly you don’t want any other device operation interfering with this one .Operating system takes care of all these. Once you have dialled the number it is the operating system which activates the microphone and speaker, schedules your task(call) and executes it.Operating system is the backbone of any device. So it is very important to have a good operating system. And believe me Android is one of the best.

Mobiles before Android

Remember the classic Nokia 1100? Or any other black and white mobile phone. Those were the first mobile phones and yes they didnt have any actual operating system.Those phones had minimal features and most of which could be achieved by communication of software and hardware directly. Then came Java powered phone.This was a big step.Mobiles started coming up with a lot of features and designs.Era of smart phones was just around the corner. The era began with the launch of Blackberry smart phones. These devices changed the definition of mobile phones. Nokia too came up with the successful N series. These came with Symbian operating system .But a revolution was still to come. Steve Jobs was quietly building the next big thing,the iPhone

Apple products create a lot of buzz even before launching. This was no different case. iPhone was launched as an exclusive to AT&T customers in 2007. By 2009 iPhone was the clear winner when it comes to smartphones. There was non match available to IOS powered mobiles. But the problem was it was only exclusive to AT&T so other carriers especially Verizon started panicking.People were switching to AT&T just use an iPhone. Meanwhile a consortium of multiple software and hardware companies was formed to develop something which could rival the iPhone. Known as the Open Handset Alliance they were working on an open source mobile OS to compete iOS. Google was leading this consortium .They came up with Android in 2007. HTC launched the first Android phone, HTC Dream, in 2008. But this was no match to iPhone and the product failed Motorola didnt lose hope and came up with Droid Smartphone in 2009.Verizon spent $100m in marketing this in order to get back in market.Though it didnt start a revolution as iPhone did but was successful enough to create a mark. Android was a open source platform meaning every other handset company could come up with an Android Phone and this was the only chance they had against iPhone. Hence handset manufacturers did all they could in order develop Android into the best OS. Google was leading this Alliance. With over seven versions over sever years Android today powers 66% of the world’s smart phones. Open Handset Alliance is now a group of 84 companies. Nokia is not a part of this alliance and that is why Nokia is no more a player in Mobile Phones

Lets Conclude:

Having said all that lets conclude. So basically Android is open source Mobile operating system. Open source means any company and come up with an Android device. Though initially launched for Mobiles and Tablets android is now available for smartwatches, wearables and even automobiles. Every Android device comes with a playstore which basically is a store(shop) where you can buy android apps. By the end of June 2016 playstore had about 2.2 million apps.As of 2016 Android is the most popular mobile operating system and has been giving Apple some sleepless nights over these years. With Google and a group of other 83 companies backing it Android will definitely be around for a lot more years

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