Learning Android Begining.

What is Android ?
                            Android is an Operating system based on Linux with a Java programming interface.

The Android OS was originally created by Android, Inc., which was bought by Google in 2005. Google teamed up with other companies to form the Open Handset Alliance (OHA), which has become responsible for the continued development of the Android OS.

The Android Operating System is a Linux-based OS developed by the Open Handset Alliance (OHA).

Inside the Linux kernel are found drivers for the display,  flash memory, keypad, and audio. The Linux kernel serves as an abstraction between the hardware and the rest of the software on the phone. It also takes care of core system services like security, memory management, process management and the network stack.

The Android OS is designed for phones. Its many features include:

• Integrated browser, based on the open source WebKit engine
• Optimized 2D and 3D graphics, multimedia and GSM connectivity
• Bluetooth
• EDGE
• 3G
• WiFi
• SQLite
• Camera
• GPS
• Compass
• Accelerometer

Software developers who want to create applications for the Android OS can download the Android Software Development Kit (SDK) for a specific version. The SDK includes a debugger, libraries, an emulator, some documentation, sample code and tutorials. For faster development, interested parties can use graphical integrated development environments (IDEs) such as Eclipse to write applications in Java.

Android OS Versions

                          As discussed  in earlier posts OS versions in Android starts from 1.0 to 4.2 (July 2012) and all these OS versions are named as desserts, starting from Cupcake to Jelly bean. We will discuss in details about these versions with their major features below.

Android 1.0

First commercial version released in September 2008. Features were mainly oriented for business and work purposed. This version does not have any official name. Main focus of this version was on lifting the business side of smartphones with a lack on focus on entertainment.

Features:

• This version was packed with great apps and support for using Internet and Internet based services such Gmail, Gtalk, Google maps and Android market. Even many more apps like Android market, camera, blutooth, Wi - Fi was supported in this version.
• Android 1.1 was the first ever update for Android  which  was released in February 2009 which featured mostly the bug fixes for Android version 1.0

Android 1.5  [CUPCAKE]

Released on April 2009 this was the second major release but the first commercial version available with plenty of good features. It was based on Linux kernel 2.6.27 and this was the first official release to use a named based on dessert and a theme that would be used for all releases henceforth.

Features:

• Widgets were introduced in this version.
• This version enables copy and paste feature.
• Users have provisions to upload videos to YouTube and photos to pisaca.
• Animated screen transitions.
• These were some of the major features that were released in this version.

Android 1.6 [DONUT]

This was based on Linux kernel 2.6.29 with many new features and updates.

Features:

• Its major feature was text- to - speech technology.
• Web search can be done through text and voice.
• Contact search can also be done in both the above ways.
• Ability for users to select multiple photos for deletion.

Android 2.0 [ECLAIR]

Release on October 2009 based on Linux kernel 2.6.29. Actual release was  2.0 SDK and its update was 2.1. More attractive features were released in this version.

Features:

• Live wallpapers were introduced in this version.
• Advanced features like multiple email browsing, flash support for cameras, browser zoom options were introduced.
• Improved Google maps, support for higher screen resolution were some of the updates in this version.

Android 2.2 [FROYO]

Released on May 2010 Froyo (Frozen Yogurt) based on Linux kernel 2.6.32 had amazing improvements in terms of OS speed.

Features:

• Features like USB Tethering, WIFI hot spot, remote wipe data was introduced in this version.
• Adobe flash support was introduced.
• Support for installing applications to expandable memory.

Android 2.3 [GINGERBREAD]

Released on December 2010  based on Linux kernel 2.6.35. This version is more stabilized to use and can be found in many devices.

Features:

• Copy - paste can be done word by word rather than blocks of texts.
• Update 2.3.7 introduced Google wallet which ensures payments through market are safe.
• Support for multiple cameras - front and rear

Android 3.x [HONEYCOMB]

Released on February 2011 based on Linux kernel 2.6.36.

This was a major release in Android as this version supports tablet.

Features:

• This version has better 3D support.
• Support for video chat using Google talk.
• Multiple browser tabs
• Redesigned keyboards.

Android 4.x [ICE CREAM SANDWICH]

Released on October 2011 based in Linux kernel 3.0.1.  This version had numerous improved features.

Features:

• Easy to create folders in drag and drop manner.
•   Zoom functionality in calendar.
• Face unlock using facial recognition software.
• Built in photo editor.
• Task manager has screenshot of recently open apps.

Android 4.1/4.2 [JELLY BEAN]

Based on Linux kernel 3.0.31 and was announced on June 2012. Jelly bean had focused improvements on user interface performance.

      

          This made the UI faster, smoother and more responsive. Animations and transitions are also visibly enhanced with v sync timing. These are some of the improved features in this version.

Categories of Android applications

There are many android applications in the market. The top categories are:

• Entertainment
• Tools
• Communication
• Productivity
• Personalization
• Music and Audio
• Social
• Media and Video
• Travel and Local etc.