In 2007, a major revolution was about to be unleashed globally in the IT industry. It was the launching of Android, which is a mobile Operating System (OS) that is currently developed by global search engine major Google. Android is based on the Linux kernel and is designed primarily for mobiles, tablets, and other touch-screen mobile gadgets and devices.
Initially, Google was developed by Android, Inc., which Google bought in 2005. Next, Android was unveiled in 2007, at the same time when the Open Handset Alliance was founded. This is an association of hardware, software, as well as telecommunication companies, that are devoted to advancing open standards for mobile devices.
What is Android?
Android is an operating system that is installed in smartphones and is based on Linux programming language. Android is developed by Open Handset Alliance; that is a consortium of over 80 leading hardware companies such as Sony, Samsung and various other such software firms that are tied up with Google. Android’s Open Handset Alliance enables high standards to efficiently function on numerous of mobile devices that run Android operating systems.
With Android working framework KitKat performance 4.4 taking off to your cell phones over the globe, Google is one stage in front of something—Android is currently more well known than any other iOS systems or any other Windows devices.
- Near Field Communication
- Alternate Keyboard
- Infrared Transmission
- No Touch Control
- Automation Process
- Easy Wireless Apps Download
- Storage And Battery Swap
- Customized Home Screens
- Widgets
- Custom’s ROMs
Why Android Is Popular?
The Concept of the Android User Interface
The Android User Interface (UI) is based on the concept of direct manipulation – which means that it utilizes various touch gestures such as swiping, pinching, and tapping to manipulate on screen objects. Also provided is a virtual keyboard for text input. Today, in addition to touch screen devices, Google is further developing Android TV for televisions, Android Auto for cars, and Android Wear for wrist watches. Android is the largest installed of all mobile operating systems as of 2015.
Since Android is released by Google under open source licenses, it has become extremely popular with tech companies that require a ready-made as well as low-cost cum customizable OS for high-tech devices which can be popularized rapidly. Today, a large community of developers as well as technology enthusiasts use the open source code to drive community led projects, while simultaneously adding the latest and professional features for advanced users. Frankly speaking, Google Android has caught the attention as well as the imagination of users as well as developers through out the world!
Android Caters to a Wider Audience
To put it frankly, the Android OS caters to a wider audience that other smartphone Operating Systems. This wider audience includes enthusiastic bookworms, hardcore game enthusiasts, avid video and movie watchers. The Android Operating system operates with user-friendliness in mind. Android packs in a lot of punch for everyone!
Why Android and not Apple!
When we write about Android, we cannot miss Apple out out of the equation. Apple may be a big seller across the world, but that does not close the room to competition. For this purpose, let us study some statistics. In the smartphones business, Apple owns more than 90% of all the profits. This industry is one a kind, wherein no other company makes it big in this segment. Especially after the recent launch of the iPhone 6 and the 6 Plus, this phone has been selling like crazy.
It is often said that Apple is the czar of the smartphones industry. However, statistics also point out the globally, Android does much more in terms of volume than the iPhone. According to IDC, Android shipments were expected to top 1.15 billion last year, giving it a market share of around 79.4%. In other words, Android sales are five times more than iPhone sales in the international market.
According to some analysts, many iPhone users wanted larger screen iPhones, but Apple stuck to the 4.0 inch smartphones for too long. Whereas, the popularity of Android continued to rise because of the larger 5.0” screens that it had introduced.
This is yet another reason why Android is popular against other products such as the iPhone. Today, Android powers millions of mobile devices around the world. Android truly offers a foremost platform for developing and creating apps and games for users all across the globe.
Android’s Openness
Thus, Android has become the fastest growing mobile OS with the support of more than 300 hardware, software, as well as carrier partners. Additionally, because of Android’s openness, it is driving strong app consumption, as billions of apps and games are downloaded every month. Because of its innovation and rapid evolution of Android technology, users and developers can stay in front with powerful as well as differentiated applications.
Powerful Development Framework
Yet another reason why Android is popular is because of its powerful development framework. Developers get everything they need to build the best-in-class apps. They can then deploy the apps to millions of users across the world. Also, the Android Developer Tools offer a complete Java Integrated Development Environment (IDE) with the help of advanced and top notch features for developing, debugging, and packaging Android apps. You can use the IDE to develop on any available Android device. Android IDE also allows you to create virtual devices that emulate any hardware configuration.
Google Play’s role in Establishing Android’s Popularity
Additionally, the Google Play store is an open marketplace for distributing these apps on an instant basis. Since Google Play also offers an open marketplace for distributing Android Apps apps, you can touch base with the huge installed base of Android very easily. Current figures estimate 1.5 billion downloads a month, so you get the ability to monetize in the way that works best for your business. For example, you can price your app or make it available for free. You can also add in app products or subscriptions, so that you obtain the highest engagements and revenues.
The philosophy followed by Google is in engaging an open market place for the betterment of the participant. Thus, Google Play puts users in control of how they want to sell their products, who can publish whenever required and as often as they want, including the customers they want.
Google play also helps publishers, who beyond going growing their customer base, helps them build visibility as well as engagement across the apps and brand. As apps rise in popularity, they obtain higher placement in Google’s “top” charts as well as rankings. Also, Google Play usually comes pre-installed on billions of Android devices around the world. Thus Google Play can be a growth engine for your Android powered business.
Conclusion
There are many views and perspectives on why Android is popular, but for now it can be said that it has emerged as a winner across the world when it comes to mobile operating systems. For now, Android remains popular and will continue to do so for many years to come!
This article is contributed by Alfred Beiley and Duston Mason.
Alfred Beiley is an app developer, mobility strategist and blogger at 360 Degree Technosoft, a leading mobile app development company. He loves to write on mobile technology.
I am Duston Mason and I work at leading Mobile App Development Companies and being into the world where people eat, drink and breathe technology I like to write about technology. Looking at the proliferation in technology several sectors are now forging their way to internet. Well this is my passion but some might think that I prattle. Well I put in my sincere efforts to do this and I hope you like them.