WHAT IS AN ANDROID OS

Android OS is a Linux-based mobile operating system that primarily runs on smartphones and tablets. The Android platform includes an operating system based upon the Linux kernel, a GUI, a web browser and end-user applications that can be downloaded.

The Android operating system is a mobile operating system that was developed by Google (GOOGL​) to be primarily used for touchscreen devices, cell phones, and tablets. Its design lets users manipulate the mobile devices intuitively, with finger movements that mirror common motions, such as pinching, swiping, and tapping. Google also employs Android software in televisions, cars, and wristwatches—each of which is fitted with a unique user interface.

• The Android operating system was developed by Google (GOOGL​) for use in all of its touchscreen devices, tablets, and cell phones.
• This operating system was first developed by Android Inc., a software company located in Silicon Valley before it was acquired by Google in 2005.
• While the Android source code is released in an open-source format to help advance open standards across mobile devices, it is still packaged with proprietary software when sold on handset devices.

Understanding the Android Operating System

The Android operating system was first developed by Android Inc., a software company located in Silicon Valley before Google acquired it in 2005. Investors and electronics industry analysts have questioned Google’s true intentions for entering the mobile market space since that acquisition. But in any case, soon thereafter, Google announced the impending rollout of its first commercially available Android-powered device in 2007, although that product actually hit the marketplace in 2008.2

Since then, software and application developers have been able to use Android technology to develop mobile apps, which are sold through app stores, such as Google Play. And because it is developed as a Google product, Android users are given the opportunity to link their mobile devices to other Google products, such as cloud storage, email platforms, and video services.

The Android source code is released in an open-source format to help advance open standards across mobile devices. However, despite being released as “open,” Android is still packaged with proprietary software when sold on handset devices.

WHAT IS AN ANDROID PHONE

An Android phone is a powerful, high-tech smartphone that runs on the Android operating system (OS) developed by Google and is used by a variety of mobile phone manufacturers.

Surprisingly, Android phones make up 70% of all phones bought across the world, while Apple’s iOS-powered iPhones only account for 27%. The UK and US has a much larger share of iPhones than most other countries, but Android phones are still roughly as popular over here too.

Pick an Android mobile phone and you can choose from hundreds of great applications and multitask with ease. You’ll also get regular software updates that add great new features to your smartphone.

History of Android

Android was first unveiled to an expectant world back in November 2007.

However, the first commercially available phone to run the Android operating system did not go on sale until late 2008, when the T-Mobile G1 hit the shelves.

Manufactured by HTC on T-Mobile’s behalf, the G1 raced to one million sales, prompting a rush of phone makers to create their own handsets based on the Android platform.

Since then we have seen the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S and HTC Desire smash the G1’s early record several times over with global sales running into millions. Just as popular was the debut Android tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

Also helping to spread the OS’s popularity was the arrival of cheaper Android phones, not least the cute and very compact HTC Magic.

This was also the first to be offered on pay as you deals, thus making Android accessible to younger consumers and teenagers, as well as people on a budget.

Google’s first update for the OS was codenamed Cupcake, but was officially known as Android 1.5 and landed back in April 2009.

This debuted new functions, including the option to upload videos to YouTube, new widgets and also gave users fresh animations between screens.

Since Cupcake was released, Android updates have arrived regularly, with each overhaul of the operating system helping keep Android at the forefront of consumer technology.

The latest version, Android Lollipop, brings a new ‘flatter’ look to the operating system, as well as a redesigned Gmail app, a battery boost and improved security.

Features of Android Operating System

The unique features/characteristics of the android operating system include the following.

• Near Field Communication (NFC)
• Alternate Keyboards
• IR Transmission
• No-Touch Control
• Automation
• Wireless App Downloads
• Storage & Battery Swap
• Custom Home Screen
• Widgets
• Custom ROMs
• Headset layout
• Storage
• Connectivity: GSM/EDGE, IDEN, CDMA, Bluetooth, WI-FI, EDGE,3G,NFC, LTE,GPS.
• Messaging: SMS, MMS, C2DM (could to device messaging), GCM (Google could messaging)
• Multilanguage support
• Multi-touch
• Video calling
• Screen capture
• External storage
• Streaming media support
• Optimized graphics

Android Phone Troubleshooting Tips

Battery drain

Numerous users have reported problems with the battery life of their devices. One of the easiest ways to prolong your smartphone’s battery is to change your locations and brightness settings.

Enter the settings menu, click on Location, and select battery-saving mode. As for brightness, you should avoid using auto-brightness and instead turn your screen down somewhere below halfway, or to a level that is acceptable for your eyes.

Frozen and slow user interface

Phones typically begin to slow down as their internal storage fills up. Try deleting unused apps and photos, or moving them to the cloud or a microSD card. In addition, you should close open apps that you are no longer using, delete app cache, and limit the use of live wallpapers.

An app’s cached data can be deleted by going to Settings > Apps, selecting a certain app, and choosing the Clear Cache option. Programs such as App cache cleaner and Clean master both of which are available for free from the Google Play store, can also be used to automate the process of clearing cache.

Connectivity issues

If you have are having a problem connecting to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or your cellular network, enable Airplane mode for 30 seconds, toggle it off, and try connecting again. Sometimes simply toggling the specific connection can also solve the problem.

Still having issues? Try repairing or setting up your Bluetooth device or Wi-Fi network again.

Stalled text messages

Ensure that you are connected to the internet either through Wi-Fi or cellular, click on the unsent message, and click Resend. If the problem continues, try restarting your device or even installing a third-party messaging app.

Overheating

Certain Androids, like the Droid Turbo, can get really warm. Try not to use your phone while you’re charging it and don’t use high CPU-sucking apps, like Pokemon Go or Facebook, for long periods of time. If it starts getting warm, give your phone a break.

If you don’t do these things, and your phone still gets hot to the touch, then you may want to get it looked at by a professional. The experts I contacted said this could be a sign of a manufacture defect.

Unresponsive screen

You may want to throw your phone against the wall when it begins to malfunction, but there isn’t a need to panic. Most problems are fixed with a simple restart. Although if you physically damaged your phone or dropped it in water, you may have bigger problems on your hands.

Press the power button and let the phone turn off, but wait a minute or two before powering it back on.

App crashes

Apps can crash for all sorts of reasons. Is there an update available for either the app or your phone? If so, install it. If not, force close the app by swiping it away in the multitask menu (pictured above) and then reopen it.

Syncing error

There are numerous steps you can take to address problems with syncing. First, ensure that you are connected to the internet, and that the service you are trying to sync with, such as Google or Dropbox, isn’t down. Double check that your password is correct and try syncing again.

Still having problems? Remove the account from your device and add it again.

Apps won’t download

There may be two causes for your apps not downloading. First, go back to the last page on this list and try clearing Google Play store’s cache. If that doesn’t work, try wiping Google Play’s history. The problem is probably a corrupt cache and all you need to do is clear it. Open the Google Play store and tap on the three lines in the upper left of the screen to open the app’s menu. Choose Settings and tap on Clear local search history.

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