Android is a mobile operating system which is becoming a major competitor to iPhone OS in terms of openness.I am beginning the android series which will be helpful for developers who wish to develop android apps.

Android-logo

Dictionary definition

android – an automaton in the form of a human being.

Android is a software stack for mobile devices that includes an operating system, middleware and key applications. Android has the modified version of Linux kernel .

Android was initially developed by Android Inc. Later acquired by Google to form open Headset alliance [ a group of 65 hardware, software, and telecom companies ].Applications for android devices are written in Java language.

Android versions

v1.5 cupcake

android v1.5-cupcake                Based on Linux Kernel 2.6.27

v1.6 donut

android v1.6-donut ,Based on Linux Kernel 2.6.29

v2.0/2.1 Eclair

android v2.0-ecliar,Based on Linux Kernel 2.6.29

V2.2 Froyo

Android-2.2-Froyo,Based on Linux Kernel 2.6.32

V2.3 ginger bread

This is the popular version in android smartphones.Web M video playback is a major update in this version.

android gingerbread,Based on Linux Kernel 2.6.33

v 3.0 Honeycomb

Designed especially for Tablet PC’s. [details]

See also :Android 3.0 Honeycomb demo by Google-Full video on new features

Based on Linux kernel 2.6.36

Icecream Sandwich

The next version composing of both gingerbread and honeycomb into unified OS. [details]

Icecream sandwich

Icecream sandwich had a revamped UI and theming for the entire OS.This also included the support for smartphones with no hardware buttons like Galaxy nexus.

Jelly Bean

Linux kernel 3.0.31

Android 4.1,4.2 and 4.3 are code named as Jelly bean.The primary goal of this version is to improve the speed and performance of the applications.This performance upgrade is called as Project Butter which includes triple buffering,vsync timing.

Android 4.3

Read : New features in Android 4.1 Jellybean

Update:The next version of the android family rumoured to be “KeyLime Pie”

Advantage of Android over other Mobile operating systems:

Android OS is completely open source .Developers can use the core OS functions to develop applications Unlike Iphone OS which is a closed system.

Android supported by various hardware manufacturers (OHA) hence there is no  mobile career dependency.check the list of devices supported by android.

android statistics

Multi platform support– SDK can be installed on windows,Linux and Mac OS .

Zero developmental cost – Tools for application development are downloaded for free.

Also the applications created by developers can be published in Android market place for users to download.

android architecture

Android’s founders now working in Google  Andy Rubin , Rich Miner, Nick Sears , and Chris White.

SDK

The Android SDK includes a comprehensive set of development tools.These include a debugger, libraries, a handset emulator. Software written in Java can be compiled to be executed in the Dalvik virtual machine, which is a specialized VM implementation designed for mobile device use.Facebook released a new SDK for android which supposed to be superior than the SDK for iphone.

Devloper’s Link

1. SDK download

2.What is android

3.Facebook SDK for android

Developing Apps for Android:

You can follow our series of blog posts that teach you to build apps from scratch.

Watch us for further application development using android.Follow us on twitter and facebook.