Android is a mobile operating system built on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software. It was first released in November 2007 and is primarily designed for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Here is a brief summary of the significant points in the development of the Android operating system.
Android Development
The development of the Android operating system started in 2003 by Android, Inc. In 2005, Google purchased the company, and the beta version of the Android operating system was released in 2007. Also, the first software development kit (SDK) was introduced in November 2007. The first Android phone, named the T-Mobile G1 or HTC Dream, was released with Android 1.0 in October 2008.
Android Versions
Android versions used to be named after desserts in alphabetical order, but in August 2019, Google changed this and decided to use numerical orders instead. The first commercial version of Android, Android 1.0, was released in September 2008. New major versions are announced at the Google I/O conference. Supported Google Pixel devices received the first public beta, with the stable version released later in the year.
Android Open Source Project (AOSP)
Android has a consortium of developers known as the Open Handset Alliance and is commercially supported by Google. Most versions of Android are proprietary, but the core components come from the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), a free and open-source software project. However, modifying what would otherwise be free and open-source software is usually restricted, either by not making the corresponding source code available, or by preventing re-installation through technical measures, which makes the installed version proprietary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Android?
Android is a mobile operating system based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software, designed for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Who developed Android?
Android, Inc. started developing Android in 2003, and Google acquired the company in 2005.
What is the Android Open Source Project (AOSP)?
The Android Open Source Project (AOSP) is a free and open-source software project that provides the core components of the Android operating system.
Final Thoughts
The Android operating system continues to evolve through the development of new versions and updates. It has become one of the most widely used operating systems in the world, powering billions of mobile devices. The Android Open Source Project (AOSP) provides an opportunity for developers to contribute to the project and to create unique operating systems based on Android.
