The Android operating system is a lot like the Windows OS you have on your personal computer. But bear in mind, it is mainly designed to handle small, low power devices like smartphones and tablets. It is developed to run as efficiently as is possible while using as little power as is practical. Android Inc. got world wide attention when in August 2005 Google bought the business after which it immediately announced that they'll be making the operating system Open Source in order that anyone can use it without paying for it or pay any royalties. The Android operating system is actually based on a customized variation of a Linux Kernel, Linux of course already a proven open sorce option to Windows and OSX. At a most basic level, an operating-system delivers the layer between the hardware and software designed to function on it. In the case of Android it needs to be capable of passing commands to the cpu, microphone, camera, GPS, touchscreen and keypad and so on. Various software programs can then be created to run on Android Operating System to make these devices operational. The Android os is undoubtedly an advanced piece of software and provides a big punch in a small package. It uses a lightweight relational database known as SQLite to save and retrieve data for the assortment of applications that you install. It also provides built-in play back capability for many various media types which includes PNG, GIF, BMP, WebM, H.263, H.264, MPEG, MP3, MIDI, WAV and JPEG. In terms of connectivity it will deal with all of the latest technologies out of the box including GSM, IDEN, CDMA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and WiMax, SMS and MMS forms of messaging which makes it the perfect platform for application designers to produce innovative new software. Android has overtaken just about every other smartphone os available, this includes Apple's iOS which powers the iPhones and Blackberry's proprietary OS. Towards the end of 2010, Thirty-three million smartphones had been purchased which came with a version of the Android OS and research analyst NPD Group now estimates that 1 / 2 of all smartphone purchases are for an Android smartphone. The driving factor behind this speedy take up is the open source design of the operating system. This means that any phone, tablet or portable device producer in the world can get the source code, modify and customize it for their particular requirements then distribute it on handsets designed by them. The royalty free nature of Android has inspired some of the biggest names in the smartphone market like HTC, Samsung, LG and Motorola to build extremely appealing devices using the Android operating system. One other reason for the big demand of Android phones is that towards the end of 2010 there were more than 200,000 apps for download including everything from games to tools, image editing to location based services. Unlike Apple's app store, lot's of Android apps cost nothing or have free versions, which in turn motivates people to use Android devices. Discover more about Android tablets, phones and mobile products at Android Tablet Reviews HQ. Before picking out a device make certain to examine the many Android tablet reviews available. This will make certain that you choose a unit that is ideal for your intended purpose.
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