What is Android? How It works? Who owns it?

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Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google, designed primarily for touchscreen devices such as smartphones and tablets. Based on a modified version of the Linux kernel, Android is open-source, allowing developers to modify and distribute the software freely. Known for its high customization, extensive app ecosystem, and deep integration with Google services, Android is the most widely used mobile OS globally.

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is Android?
3. How Does Android Work?
4. Who Owns Android?
5. Android vs iOS
   1. Market Share and User Base
   2. Customization and Flexibility
   3. App Ecosystem
   4. Security
   5. User Interface and Experience
   6. Updates and Fragmentation
   7. Hardware and Performance
6. Conclusion

Introduction

In the modern digital age, smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, with two major operating systems leading the market: Android and iOS. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Android, how it works, who owns it, and a detailed comparison with iOS. By the end, you’ll have a clear insight into these two dominant platforms and be better equipped to decide which suits your needs best.

What is Android?

Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google, based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software. It was designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Android’s user interface is mainly based on direct manipulation, using touch gestures that loosely correspond to real-world actions, such as swiping, tapping, and pinching, to manipulate on-screen objects.

Android was initially developed by Android Inc., which Google bought in 2005. Since its public release in 2008, Android has undergone numerous updates and improvements, evolving into the most widely used mobile operating system in the world.

Key Features of Android:

• Open Source: Android is an open-source platform, meaning its source code is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute.
• Customization: Users can customize almost every aspect of their Android devices, from the home screen to the system fonts.
• Google Integration: Seamless integration with Google services such as Gmail, Google Drive, Google Maps, and more.
• App Availability: Access to a vast array of applications through the Google Play Store.
• Multi-tasking: Efficient multi-tasking capabilities, allowing users to run multiple apps simultaneously.

How Does Android Work?

Android is based on the Linux kernel, which provides the core system services such as security, memory management, process management, and network stack. Here’s a breakdown of the Android architecture:

1. Linux Kernel:

The foundation of the Android platform. It interacts with the hardware and provides a level of abstraction between the device hardware and the software stack.

2. Libraries:

Above the kernel, there are a set of libraries written in C/C++ used by various components of the Android system. These include the Surface Manager for rendering, the Media Framework for audio and video playback, SQLite for database management, and others.

3. Android Runtime:

Each application runs in its own process and with its own instance of the Android Runtime (ART). ART is an improvement over the older Dalvik runtime and provides better performance and efficiency.

4. Application Framework:

This layer provides higher-level services to applications in the form of Java classes. These services include Activity Manager, Resource Manager, Notification Manager, and more.

5. Applications:

At the top of the stack are the applications. Users interact directly with the apps, which include both native Google apps and third-party applications.

Who Owns Android?

Android was originally developed by Android Inc., a startup founded by Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, and Chris White. Google acquired Android Inc. in 2005. Since then, Android has been developed and maintained by Google.

Google leads the development of Android and manages the release of updates. While Android is open-source, Google adds proprietary features and services, such as the Google Play Store, Google Play Services, and various Google apps, which are integral to the overall Android experience.

Android vs iOS

The debate between Android and iOS has been ongoing since the inception of these two platforms. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, catering to different types of users. Here, we’ll delve into a detailed comparison between Android and iOS across various parameters.

Market Share and User Base

Android holds a significant majority of the global smartphone market share, accounting for over 70% of users worldwide. Its open-source nature and availability across a wide range of devices, from budget to premium, contribute to its widespread adoption.

iOS, developed by Apple Inc., powers the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. While iOS has a smaller market share compared to Android, it dominates in certain regions, such as the United States, and is known for its loyal user base.

Customization and Flexibility

Android is renowned for its customization options. Users can modify the home screen, install custom ROMs, change system fonts, and even alter core system functionalities. This flexibility attracts users who enjoy tinkering with their devices and personalizing them to their preferences.

In contrast, iOS offers a more controlled environment. While customization options have increased over the years, such as widgets and app library in iOS 14, it still doesn’t match the level of flexibility provided by Android. Apple’s closed ecosystem ensures a more uniform and consistent user experience but at the cost of customization.

App Ecosystem

Both Android and iOS boast robust app ecosystems, with millions of apps available on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. However, there are some differences:

• Google Play Store: Offers a wider variety of apps, including many free options. Developers can publish apps more easily, but this sometimes leads to a higher presence of low-quality or malicious apps.
• Apple App Store: Known for its stringent review process, ensuring higher quality and security of apps. However, this can make it more challenging for developers to get their apps approved.

Security

Security is a critical aspect for any operating system. iOS is often praised for its superior security measures, including regular updates, a closed ecosystem, and strict app review processes. Apple’s control over both hardware and software allows for better integration and security features like Face ID and Touch ID.

Android, being open-source, is more susceptible to security vulnerabilities. The diversity of devices and manufacturers can lead to inconsistent security updates. However, Google has made significant strides in improving Android security through regular updates, Google Play Protect, and other measures.

User Interface and Experience

The user interface and overall experience differ significantly between Android and iOS:

• Android: Offers a more customizable and diverse user experience. Different manufacturers add their own skins and features, leading to varied user interfaces across devices.
• iOS: Provides a more consistent and polished experience. Apple’s control over both hardware and software ensures a seamless and intuitive user interface.

Updates and Fragmentation

One of the biggest challenges for Android is fragmentation. With numerous manufacturers and devices, timely updates can be inconsistent. While Google releases Android updates regularly, it’s up to the manufacturers and carriers to distribute them, leading to delays.

iOS, on the other hand, benefits from Apple’s control over the hardware and software. Updates are rolled out simultaneously to all eligible devices, ensuring that users have access to the latest features and security patches promptly.

Hardware and Performance

Android runs on a wide range of devices, from budget smartphones to high-end flagships. This diversity means users have more choices but can also experience varying levels of performance and quality.

Apple’s iOS is designed to run on a limited number of devices, ensuring optimized performance and seamless integration. iPhones are known for their high-quality build, advanced technology, and smooth performance.

Conclusion

The choice between Android and iOS ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities. Android offers unparalleled customization, a broad range of devices, and extensive app availability. It’s ideal for users who value flexibility and choice.

iOS provides a more controlled, secure, and consistent user experience, with regular updates and high-quality hardware. It’s perfect for those who prioritize security, seamless integration, and a polished user interface.

Both operating systems have their strengths and cater to different segments of users. Understanding your needs and preferences will help you choose the platform that best suits your lifestyle.