Android

Mobile operating system developed by Google

Android

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Native name
Developer	Google
Written in
OS family	Unix-like
Working state	Current
Source model	Open source (with proprietary components)
Initial release	September  23, 2008 (2008-09-23)
Released to manufacturing
General availability
Latest release	Android 12 / October  4, 2021 (2021-10-04)

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

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

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

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

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

Versions

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

• Android Cupcake
• Android Donut
• Android Eclair
• Android Froyo
• Android Gingerbread
• Android Honeycomb
• Android Ice Cream Sandwich
• Android Jelly Bean
• Android KitKat
• Android Lollipop
• Android Marshmallow
• Android Nougat
• Android Oreo
• Android Pie
• Android 10
• Android 11
• Android 12

Market Share

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

• Google Play
• Open Handset Alliance
• Linux kernel
• Mobile operating system
• Smartphone
• Tablet computer