Android is a mobile and tablet operating system. The American technology company Android Inc. began developing Android in 2003 as a project to develop a digital camera operating system. In 2004, the undertaking transformed to become a mobile operating system.
In 2005, American search engine company Google Inc. purchased Android Inc. The Google development team chose the open-source desktop environment Linux as the base for the Android project.
Android Architecture:
There are four main layers and five portions to the Android operating system, which is a collection of software components.
The Linux Kernel
The kernel of the operating system is its brain, managing input and output requests from the apps. The kernel controls all of the fundamental system functions, such as process management, memory management, and device management for the display, keyboard, camera, and other devices.
Libraries
A collection of libraries, including an open-source web browser like WebKit. Audio and video can be played and recorded using these libraries.
Google’s Runtime
A vital component, the Dalvik Virtual Machine, a type of Java Virtual Machine, is offered by the Android Runtime. It is software that allows Android smartphones to run apps.
Different Types of Andriod Versions:
Android 1.0 and 1.1
HTC created Android 1.0 and 1.1, which were announced in 2008.
Features:
- The Apple App Store’s strict entrance requirements were not present in the Android Market, which resulted in a broad assortment of programs that ranged from the esoteric to the extraordinary.
- The Android browser’s ability to distribute pages quickly and precisely made browsing the Web on your phone easy rather than difficult.
- Google Maps analyses your whereabouts on an immeasurable map using the phone’s GPS and Wi-Fi, so you’ll never have to worry about disappearing again.
Cupcake Android 1.5
In May 2009, Android 1.5 Cupcake was unveiled.
Feature:
- We were able to realize our aspirations of eternal life thanks to the addition of video recording to cameras and the ability to post videos repeatedly to YouTube.
- The stereo Bluetooth feature enables wireless music listening.
- The Web browser now has a copy-and-paste feature and is faster.
Android Donut 1.6
In October 2009, Android 1.6 Donut was announced.
Features:
- The ability to move the screen further opens the door to Android phones in various sizes.
- Free turn-by-turn navigation has been enabled for Google Maps exploration.
Android 2.1 Eclair and 2.0
Android 2.0 was formed in November 2009, and Android 2.1 Éclair became official in January 2010.
Features:
- You can save a large amount of Gmail thanks to the support for numerous Google accounts.
- The ability to search within the text and MMS communications.
- A flash platform, digital zoom, white balance, and color effects are among the camera settings.
Froyo Android 2.2
In May 2010, Froyo 2.2 was announced.
Features:
- You can share your phone’s 3G Internet connection with your other devices via the portable Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Videos can be brightened if your phone has a flash as well.
- Your settings combined email backup to Google’s servers with contacts backup.
- Voice dialing over Bluetooth has also been added, along with improved Bluetooth compatibility with docks and in-car speakers.
Gingerbread 2.3 Android
December 2010 saw the release of Gingerbread 2.3. In April 2011, smartphones would start running Android 2.3.3. It included a new functionality, allowing apps created for dual-core processors to run on single-core phones.
Features:
- Use a download manager to keep track of everything you download.
- In the background, apps are switched around more precisely, conserving battery life and computing power.
- Front-facing cameras are used for emojis and video calling.
- The on-screen keyboard receives a handful of top shortcuts and text selection and copying assistance from the pointer.
Honeycomb for Android 3.0 and 3.1
The release of Honeycomb 3.1 in May 2011. Android 3.1 includes a base for inserting USB flash drives into your tablet to transfer files without connecting to a computer.
Features:
- Swiping through the home screens makes them seem to be rotating in a 3D circle.
- The larger and bolder widgets are appropriate for the tablet-sized screen.
- Holding down numerous keys on a bigger, multi-touch keyboard enables you to quickly flip between letters and numbers.
Ice Cream Sandwich on Android 4.0
In May 2011, the Android Ice Cream Sandwich was established.
Features include:
- More room for app storage.
- It increases browser speed and smothers browsers.
- A new action bar has taken the place of the menu button.
- Your phone can be unlocked using face recognition technology.
- Utilizing new video effects, change your appearance.
Jelly Bean Android 4.1
Announcing Jelly Bean in June 2012. Although there may not have been much of a change in Android version numbers, it introduces some significant Android updates.
Features:
- Swiping from the camera to filmstrip view allows you to quickly browse through the pictures you’ve taken.
- Google Search results now allow users to see answers to queries rather than just a list of Google weblinks.
- Spare information, including pictures or email subject lines, is now included in notifications.
- When you install new apps or widgets, the existing ones move out of the way nicely.
- A new motion option to enhance accessibility for individuals who are blind. It uses touch and swipe movements to move around the user interface in addition to speech output.
Android KitKat 4.4
Announcing Android 4.4 Kitkat on September 3, 2013.
Features:
- The user’s contacts are now automatically compiled by the new phone app based on whom they speak to the most.
- The ability to explore and skip to a specific portion is now included in the lock-screen widgets for music and movie apps.
- Apps that deliver video can access the user’s highlight preferences and modify the caption display to suit the user’s preferences.
Lollipop Android 5.1
In November 2014, Android 5.1 Lollipop was introduced.
Features:
- It is synchronized with other Android systems and smartphones.
- To verify your identity, Android Smart Lock integrates your appliance with other reliable gadgets (such as an approved smartwatch).
- Amplified audio support enables connections to other types of audio equipment, including speakers, USB microphones, mixers, and more.
- Android 5.1 has a few additional device security features because phone theft is still a major problem.
Android 6.0 Marshmallow
The most recent release is as of March. The Marshmallow version of Android 6.0 was first unveiled in May 2015 but was given that moniker in August. And on September 29, 2015, Google officially unveiled Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
Features:
- Fingerprint scanners on phones will be supported natively by Android Marshmallow.
- When you click on an app link, also known as an intent, in an email or text message, a prompt appears asking you which app you want to use to access the link.
- You may configure automatic backups with Android 6.0, which will save your apps and app environment to your Google Drive storage.
Nougat for Android 7 (2016)
On June 30, 2016, the most recent lawn status was unveiled with hoopla, and Android 7 was formally dubbed Nougat.
Features:
- It has support for Unicode 9.0 Emoji and a new Just-In-Time compiler built on the ART engine.
- The new 3D rendering API for Vulkan.
Android 8 Oreo (2017)
In 2017, Google unveiled Android 8, sometimes known as Oreo after the well-known cookie.
Features:
- The “Project Treble” initiative, which made the OS more modular so that manufacturers could provide OS upgrades more quickly, was the main change.
- With a better notifications framework, multiple display support, and other features, Unicode 10’s emoji support has been updated.
Android 9: Pie (2018)
In August 2018, Android 9 gave the sweet-baked dish a pie name.
Features:
- Android’s system navigation has been redesigned to make it easier to search for and switch between apps.
- In Overview mode, long-press to pick text or an image to see the actions associated with your selection.
- All toggles in Quick Settings have a more consistent user experience, the visual design has been modified and useful subtext has been added.
Android 10
The official name of Android Q is “Android 10.” Google has decided to abandon the use of dessert names in favor of a more straightforward numerical naming system.
Features:
- Android 10 will feature a Dark Theme-branded system-wide dark mode.
- “Live Caption” is a feature that comes with Android 10.
- Almost all items on your phone can have real-time captioning provided by Live Caption. Any form of internet connection is not necessary.
Key Features of the Android Operating System
· Interface for users:
The Android operating system has a very simple user interface and is very user-friendly thanks to these qualities.
· Support for several languages
Android’s operating system supports international languages including German, English, Chinese, Japanese, French, Korean, Dutch, and many more; it also supports some Indian languages like Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, and Punjabi. One can change the language of an Android device very easily based on one’s preferences.
· Multi-tasking:
Android makes it simple to run apps and services in the background, enabling users to run numerous programs at once.
· Connectivity:
Android has a wide range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, WiFi, Hotspot, GSM, CDMA, VPN, VOLTE, NFC, UBB, and 3G and 4G network bands.
· Significant Application Support
The primary method for downloading and updating applications on Android is the Play Store. You can manually install third-party software by downloading the installer (commonly referred to as an APK file), but experts advise against it because it could expose mobile devices to security risks.
Advantages of the Android Operating System
Reduced Development Fees
Users don’t have to pay the highest costs for its creation because they can release their software on the Android market. The application environment, on the other hand, is free, allowing you to save even more money, and there are no restrictions, so if a user wants to create multiple apps, they can do so without any problems.
An Open-Source Platform
According to Apache licensing, the Android operating system is an open-source platform. As a result, it enables anyone to create applications and help improve what they have to offer in the Android universe. For this platform, developers can create apps and have access to the fundamental codes, as well as the freedom to modify them to get specific results. While developing apps for a specific platform, iOS places limitations on the basic code specifications.
Reasonable Cost
The cost of the Android operating system is going to be low, thus most people always prefer to get Android phones because of this. Windows and iOS phones are more expensive than Android phones.
Cloud Storage Enabling Device Synchronization
Given that Android is a Google product and the majority of users have Gmail accounts, they can utilize Google’s cloud storage services. As a result, it enables users to sync devices using their Google accounts. Additionally, Google offers each user 15 GB of free cloud storage, which is sufficient for the average user’s personal goals.
Distribution of APPs
Android apps don’t require any of that, unlike iOS apps, which require you to utilize the App Store. Simply publish it wherever you wish. There is no “Empire” keeping watch over you online, thus you can easily launch your app there. There are several third-party marketplaces available.
The Freedom Being Offered
Since the Android operating system doesn’t rely on other operators or manufacturers for system improvement, it gives Android developers considerable freedom to create whatever kind of app they want, without any limitations or requests for permission.
Regular Improvement & Removal of The Previous Features
The Android OS user and development communities are expanding, and they are giving direct feedback on the features, as well as on their benefits and drawbacks. Android will aim to continuously introduce new features while also getting rid of the more dated ones that customers don’t like.
Versatility & Diversity
Android is the most usable system because it has the most manufacturers, is available in the majority of commercial brands, and has the most users. As a result, we should also include a variety of modern devices that can search this operating system, such as smartphones, tablets, GPS units, smart watches, PCs, and other gadgets of the current generation.
Individualized User Interface
Google will put forth a lot of effort to make the Android user interface as fluid and adaptable as feasible. These widgets also offer shortcuts and updates to numerous services, including messaging, email, calendar, and others.
Disadvantages of Android Operating System
The Android operating system has numerous benefits, but it also undoubtedly has many problems. As a result, we have finished our investigation and identified a few factors that demonstrate numerous drawbacks and disadvantages of the Android operating system.
Experiencing Battery Loss
Android apps spend the majority of their processing time in the background, which uses up more battery power. Since the majority of these apps are systems, stopping them can be more challenging. You must download some external apps and optimize your device’s standard functionality if you want to maintain your battery life high. Otherwise, excessive data usage may result.
I Require my Gmail ID
You can’t access an Android smartphone if you can’t remember your email address or password. You are aware that Android is a Google product. As a result, you must have a Gmail ID to access Android; also, a Google ID is more useful for unlocking Android device locks.
Using Low-Quality Devices Will Slow You Down
The Android operating system is enormous and takes up a lot of room. This results in low hardware specifications and slow speed for Android smartphones. In addition, numerous more pre-installed apps slow down the performance of smartphone activities. There is also no opportunity to download external programs and add to the heat.
Virus Protection is Not Provided
Users must download an antivirus program to protect their Android device from any significant viruses since the Android operating system does not come with built-in virus protection like an Apple device does. The Google Play Store has thousands of apps available, and some of those apps may have viruses that seriously harm both the devices and how they function.
Greater Complexity
Users typically have the perception that this operating system is more difficult to configure and less intuitive in general terms than the others since it is more intricate than the others. This means that, in some cases, novice users may lose a few system components when attempting to make modifications.
Pop-Up Advertisements
The majority of apps are available for free on the Google Play Store, thus these apps will soon begin to show numerous adverts both inside the program and in the notification area. This advertisement is becoming increasingly annoying and could cause significant issues when using an Android smartphone.
Small Memory Storage
Android will enable external storage, but because there is less internal system capacity, downloading particularly large applications or using online services while using games as apps will be more difficult for Android users.
Less Support for Updates
The Android OS lacks update support. This stops us from purchasing the newest equipment for our use and delight, in contrast to other operating systems.
Displaying the Software’s Worst Content
The majority of apps on the app store are of lower quality, and some apps specifically strive to earn money by showing advertisements and creating minimal user demand. If a program hasn’t been updated in a while, it will have an impact on users who are trying to update their software.
