Android, open-source software is a world-known mobile operating system which is explicitly used for devices like smartphones and tablets. This open-source software is the modifies version of another open-source software such as Linux Kernel and others. Google is one of the primary developers and contributors of Android, along with another group of developers known as the Open Handset Alliance. Its initial release was launched on 23rd September 2008.
It’s the latest release was Android 10, which was launched on 3rd September 2019. Apache License provides a license for the Android Open Source Project, which as allowed to expand its development to a large number of electronics such as digital cameras, PCs, and gaming technology. Its source code is used by its developer, Google, for its apps like Gmail, Google Play, Google Play Service, and Google Chrome, which are pre-installed in many android devices.
Inception
Android, which is written in Java, C, C++, was developed by Andy Rubin in October 2003. It was initially programmed to work for digital cameras, but it soon extended his horizons to other electronic devices. Google brought Android Inc. in July 2005 for $50 million. Google wanted to enter the mobile communications with the help of Android.
It’s a prototype, which had no touchscreen and a QWERTY keyboard was failed because of the launch of Apple iPhone which had a touchscreen. Android then launched Nokia and BlackBerry, which had touchscreens. This gave fierce competition to iPhone 3G, and Android eventually focused on touchscreen devices. T-Mobile G1 was the first commercially available smartphone, which was released in 2008.
Android follows a yearly update since 2008. With each new update, it started to fix bugs, add newly featured, and improved its operating system. They named each new update after a dessert such as “Donut,” “Froyo,” “Cupcake,” and “Kitkat” as they had the idea that these updates made the lives of people sweeter and hence they named them after desserts.
Nexus series of Devices was launched by Google in 2010 to introduce new Android versions. This series was a real success as it has timely updates and a “bloat-free” software. Google also launched Samsung Galaxy S4, a phone that used “stock Android” and had fast system updates.
Evolution
Sundar Pichai replaced Andy Rubin as the new Android lead as Andy was posted on other projects at Google. Sundar appointed Hiroshi Lockheimer as the new lead as he became the CEO of Google in 2015.
Google’s Android One, which was released in June 2014 in India, was a big disappointment, and the public didn’t approve of this release as it had many flaws like cracked hardware and many more that made it difficult for the people to use it comfortably. They relaunched it in Africa and then expanded it towards the U.S.A in 2017.
Nexus phones were soon replaced by Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones in 2016. They were a significant hit, and they were brought in large numbers as it had many exclusive software features. They were the first phones made by Google.
It faced a significant competition when China launched Huawei in May 2019. Huawei then launched its operating system called Harmony OS. This operating system, however, is not a threat to Android, and it will not replace Android shortly as it is not designed for smartphones.
It’s the latest update. It was named Android 10, and it was the first update not to be named after a dessert as people in different places found it hard to pronounce, and as some of the food items were not known all over the world. Pixel phones were the first ones to receive this latest update on 3rd September 2019.
Awards & Achievements
Android is the most known operating system all over the world. It is used by the majority of smart-phones and electronic devices as it has many exclusive features that help it to attract people. All these made it the best-selling OS since 2011 on smartphones and since 2012 on Tablets. Approximately 2 billion people are currently using this operating system, making it the most extensive installed base of any operating system.
Net Worth of Android in 2024
Android, which is used by billions of people, has a net worth of $3 billion as of April 2024. It also has 0.7% of the Google Enterprise Value. It’s only healthy to have such a net worth after serving around 2 billion people worldwide. It’s updated always launches some new features that make it more approachable to the public and makes it more secure and easy to use for the people. People from all over the world nowadays prefer Android over any other operating system as it is more comfortable and safe to use.
Android, an operating system that is used by nearly 2 billion people, belongs to the Unix-like OS family. It is available in 100= languages. It follows the yearly update, and its package manager is APK -based. It is available on platforms like 32 and 64 bit ARM,x86, and x86-64. Its license is provided by Apache License 2.0. This operating system is not going down anytime soon, and it can beat any other operating system that is launched as it’s competition.