Android

From WikiMD's Medical Encyclopedia

Mobile operating system developed by Google



Android is a mobile operating system based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open source software, designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers. Android is developed by a consortium of developers known as the Open Handset Alliance, with the main contributor and commercial marketer being Google.

History[edit]

Android was unveiled in 2007, with the first commercial Android device, the HTC Dream, being launched in September 2008. The operating system has since gone through multiple major releases, with the latest version being Android 12, released in October 2021.

Features[edit]

Android's user interface is mainly based on direct manipulation, using touch gestures that loosely correspond to real-world actions, such as swiping, tapping, pinching, and reverse pinching to manipulate on-screen objects. Internal hardware such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and proximity sensors are used by some applications to respond to additional user actions, for example adjusting the screen from portrait to landscape depending on how the device is oriented.

Applications[edit]

Android has a large community of developers writing applications ("apps") that extend the functionality of the devices. Developers write primarily in a customized version of the Java language. There are over three million apps available for Android in the Google Play store.

Security[edit]

Android's security features include a robust sandboxing model, application permissions, and encryption. Google also provides regular security updates to the operating system.

Versions[edit]

Android versions are released under a code name and are in alphabetical order. Some of the notable versions include:

Market Share[edit]

Android is the most widely used mobile operating system in the world, with a significant market share in many countries. It is particularly dominant in regions such as Asia, South America, and Africa.

See Also[edit]

References[edit]

External Links[edit]



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