Android(OS)

By: Fahim HossainID: C143080

•Android is a mobile operating system (OS) based on the Linux kernel and currently developed by Google. With a user interface based on direct manipulation, Android is designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers.

What is Android??

Android is the most widely used mobile OS and, as of 2013, the highest selling OS overall. Android devices sell more than Windows, iOS, and Mac OS X devices combined, with sales in 2012, 2013 and 2014 close to the installed base of all PCs. As of July 2013 the Google Play store has had over 1 million Android apps published, and over 50 billion apps downloaded. A developer survey conducted in April–May 2013 found that 71% of mobile developers develop for Android. At Google I/O 2014, the company revealed that there were over 1 billion active monthly Android users, up from 538 million in June 2013.

Android has an active community of developers and enthusiasts who use the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) source code to develop and distribute their own modified versions of the operating system. These community-developed releases often bring new features and updates to devices faster than through the official manufacturer/carrier channels, albeit without as extensive testing or quality assurance; provide continued support for older devices that no longer receive official updates; or bring Android to devices that were officially released running other operating systems, such as the HP TouchPad. Community releases often come pre-rooted and contain modifications unsuitable for non-technical users, such as the ability to overclock or over/undervolt the device's processor.

A Customized User Interface of Android

As It is an Os for mobile, it is not only for touch screen devices(Mobile, Tab) but also for many devices like microwave, TV, Car Radio, Camera, smartwatches, Smartband etc.

An android based mobile phone, One plus One (Flagship Mobile Of 2014)

Android Os based Tablet PC, Samsung Galaxy Tab

An Android-Powered watch & Band (Smart watch & Smartband)

Sony Smartband swr10Sony Smartwatch 3 swr50

Android Powered DSLR Camera

Samsung Galaxy NX

Android powered TV, VU 32k160M 32-Inch Android Kitkat 4.4.2 based Smart TV

Android-Powered Car Radio

Washing Mechine Powered by Android

Android Based PC, Tab & Mobile (PDA)

There are 12 versions of Android OS. There are,

Android Versions Name Versions Release Dates

Alpha 1.0 September 23,2008

Beta 1.1 February 9,2009

Cupcake 1.5 April 30,2009

Donut 1.6 September 15,2009

Éclair 2.0-2.1 October 26,2009

Froyo 2.2-2.2.3 May 20,2010

Gingerbread 2.3-2.3.7 December 6,2010

Honeycomb 3.0-3.2.6 February 22,2011

Ice Cream Sandwich(ICS) 4.0-4.0.4 October 19,2011

Jelly Bean(JB) 4.1-4.3.1 July 9,2012

Kitkat(kk) 4.4-4.4.4 September 3,2013

Lollipop( Android L) 5.0-5.0.1 November 3,2014

Android Versions and their Icons.

All versions are in Alphabetical serial.

Android Os Versions And Their UI(User Interface) Of Home screens.

Android LKitkat Ice Cream Sandwich

GingerbreadFroyoEclairDonut

Jelly BeanHoneyComb

Cupcake

Developers of the smartphone companies makes change, Customize the Whole UI according to the user and smartphone companies. Example, the UI of Samsung and the UI of Sony Xperia is not same. This UI is called ROM.

That was just home screens of every android versions. Every version bear own graphical interface which is different from others.

Sony Xperia Z3 Home screen Samsung Galaxy S5 Home screen

A developer or user can change the interface by using Custom ROM.

What is Custom ROM?

Ans.: A ROM which is Customized or ported(i.e. edited) by developer is custom ROM.

Any device can use Custom ROM. That means, A non brand phone(Not Sony, Samsung, HTC) can use the UI of Sony/Samsung/HTC.For this, the phone should be rooted.

Now Question is, What is Rooting in Android?

Ans.: Rooting is the process of allowing users of smartphnoes, tablets and other devices running the android mobile operating system to attain privileged control(which is known as “root access”) within android sub system.

In short, Rooting gives the access of administrative permissions and full control on the android device.

Another Question Comes here, Why mobile companies market their android device Unrooted?Ans.: They do it for their won security and for avoiding the virus attack of the device. And it can be harmful for the device somehow. That’s why rooted phones don’t have warranty and rooted bricked device don’t get the service from the shop or any customer care.

In this Picture, The device is Walton primo X1.And it is using Xperia UI/ROM.

Advantages Of Rooting:

Install apps and customize your won device in your style.Can overclock CPU and increase RAM(virtual RAM) for more smooth performance of device.Remove unwanted system apps which is no use to user.Move apps from Phone memory to SD cards.Save more battery life and hibernate apps when user is not using background apps.Can use Custom ROM.

Disadvantages of Rooting:

Warranty will be void. Risk of bricking device.Virus attack.

Overall, Rooting is the way to use the device independently.

You can modify your droid as you want.

But do it at your won risk because when a device not rooted properly it can be bricked. And fix a bricked device is not an easy work..

So, Think before You root.

For More details visit, www.google.com