What is Android ?

Android is an operating system based on the Linux kernel with a user interface based on direct manipulation, designed primarily fortouchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers, using touch inputs, that loosely correspond to real-world actions, like swiping, tapping, pinching, and reverse pinching to manipulate on-screen objects, and a virtual keyboard. Despite being primarily designed for touchscreen input, it also has been used in televisions, games consoles, digital cameras, and other electronics.

As of 2011, Android has the largest installed base of any mobile OS and as of 2013, its devices also sell more than Windows, iOS and Mac OS devices combined.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.

Android's source code is released by Google under open source licenses, although most Android devices ultimately ship with a combination of open source and proprietary software.Initially developed by Android, Inc., which Google backed financially and later bought in 2005,Android was unveiled in 2007 along with the founding of the Open Handset Alliance—​a consortium of hardware, software, and telecommunication companies devoted to advancing open standards for mobile devices. Android is popular with technology companies which require a ready-made, low-cost and customizable operating system for high-tech devices. Android's open nature has encouraged a large community of developers and enthusiasts to use the open-source code as a foundation for community-driven projects, which add new features for advanced users or bring Android to devices which were officially released running other operating systems. The operating system's success has made it a target for patent litigation as part of the so-called "smartphone wars" between technology companies.

Overal Definations

Android is a comprehensive software stack of mobile devices that includes an operating system, middleware and key application. This rich source of software bunch is used in Mobile Technology through its innovation module of The Android Software Development Kit (SDK).

Open Handset Alliance

Open Handset Alliance is an amalgamation of Tech Companies with common and particular interest in the mobile user enhancement experience. Companies like Google, HTC, Motorola, Samsung, Telecom Italia, T Mobile, LG, Texas Instruments as well as Sony Ericsson, Vodafone, Toshiba and Hawaii are Tech giant based on their core abilities and strengths, while keeping and pursuing the characters and goals of each company, their basic idea of this joining of hands was the feature-rich mobile experience for the end user. This alliance meant the sharing of ideas and innovation, to bring out these ideas into reality. This provided the millions and millions of Mobile users the experience that they never had.

Like the Apple iphone, Android Operating System allows third party developers to innovate and create Applications and software for mobile devices. Android is an open, flexible and stable enough to associate itself with newer and newer evolving Technologies. Android’s vast range of easy to use tools and wide range of libraries provides Mobile Application developers with the means of an amazing mobile operating software to come up with the most efficient and rich Mobile Applications changing the world of millions of mobile users.