Android Software

Operating System

The Android operating system is an open source platform, which means that users can view the source code used to create it. A wide range of mobile devices, including phones and PCs, are shipped with the Android operating system installed on them, in which case the user does not need to do anything to use the Android platform. The Android operating system can also be installed manually on compatible devices and is freely available.

Applications

Some Android applications come pre-installed on devices with the operating system, but many more can be downloaded and installed by the user. The Android Market is the main place applications are downloaded from, as the official source for the platform. The main apps that tend to be pre-installed are Web browsers, email programs and controls for device settings.

Development

Developers for Android include those working on the operating system itself, and on custom applications. Since the operating system is open source, the code can be viewed and accessed by any developer with the expertise and interest. Similarly, anyone can develop Android apps, as the development tools are free to download. The main technologies involved in Android development are the Java programming language and associated technologies including XML and database systems.

Access

Users can access and acquire Android software in different ways. The Android operating system can be freely downloaded over the Web, while the applications tend to be downloaded from app stores, mainly the official Market. Some of the apps cost a set fee to download, while many of them are free. Users can view information and reviews within the application listings, and developers receive 70% of the sales revenue for their apps.

Usage

Once downloaded from the Android Market, apps are automatically installed by the system. Apps can then be launched from within the device menus, or from the home screen in the case of widgets. If the user decides they no longer want an app, they can uninstall it, again through the Market application, but can reinstall apps that are still available if they choose to at any point in the future.