Android
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Android
- Android is an open source operating system based on LINUX with a Java programming interface for mobile.
- Android was developed by open Handset Alliance (OHA) which is led by Google.
- In 2007, Google released a first version of Android Software Development Kit (SDK) and first commercial version of Android mobile (HTC Dreams-Mobile) was released in September 2008.
- In 2012, Google released another version Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. It improved a lot in terms of user interface functionality and performance.
- In 2014, Google announced another latest version 5.0 Lollipop version. Google completely revamped UI by using Material Design.
Describe History of Android
- First developed in 2003, by Rich Miner, Nick Sears, Andy Rubin and Chris White.
- Developed by American technology company Android INC.
- Bought by American search engine company Google in 2005.
- Android was developed for Digital cameras operating system at starting days.
Model of Android Version
| Android Version | Model / API |
|---|---|
| Android 6.0 | Marshmellow (API 23) |
| Android 7.0 | Nougat (API 24) |
| Android 8.0 | Oreo (API 26/27) |
| Android 9.0 | Pie (API 28) |
| Android 10 | API 29 (Android Q) |
| Android 11 | API 30 (Red Velvet Cake) |
API: Application programming interface.
Android Version and Its Features
1. Android 1.0 (Alpha)
Released: September 23, 2008.
Many problems including necessity of physical keyboards.
Features
- Google Maps, Browser, Calendar.
- Camera and scroll down notification bar.
- WiFi and Bluetooth.
2. Android 1.1 (Beta)
Released: 2009.
- Resolve issue found in 1.0.
- Add save attachment in the message.
3. Android 1.5 (Cupcake)
Released: 2009.
Features
- On screen keyboard and search function.
- Uploading videos and images.
- Copy and paste facility.
- Support MPEG4 and 3GP formats.
4. Android 1.6 (Donut)
Released: 2009.
Features
- Able to operate on different screen sizes.
- Able to select multiple image for deletion.
- Support CDMA and text to speech.
- Quick search box.
5. Android 2.0 (Eclair)
Released: 2009.
Features
- Update UI.
- Improve typography.
- Ability to add contacts photo.
6. Android 2.2 (Froyo)
Released: 2010.
Features
- Portable WiFi hotspot for sharing 3G connection.
- Support for animated GIF and multiple keyboard language.
- Speed and performance improvement.
7. Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
Released: 2010.
Features
- Gamma API.
- Video call and social networking supports.
- Faster and intuitive typing keyboard.
8. Android 3.0 (Honeycomb)
Released: 2011.
Features
- Made for tablets and smartphones larger in size.
- Gmail, contacts, camera and gallery improvements.
- Support for password with complex characters.
- More sensor support.
9. Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
Released: 2011.
Features
- Snapshot was introduced.
- Spelling check features.
- Unlocking with face.
- Improved video recording.
10. Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)
Released: 2012.
Features
- Voice search and typing.
- Interactive notification.
- 4K resolution support.
- Adjust volume of incoming calls.
11. Android 4.4 (KitKat)
Released: 2013.
Features
- Better user experience.
- Emojis to the keyboard.
12. Android 5.0 (Lollipop)
Released: 2014.
Features
- New material design.
- Better device protection.
- Built in battery saver feature.
- High definition of voice call.
13. Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)
Released: 2015.
Features
- Support for fingerprint.
- Type C USB support.
- Sleep mode for saving battery life.
14. Android 7.0 (Nougat)
Released: 2016.
Features
- Provide split screen mode.
- Storage manager improvement.
15. Android 8.0 (Oreo)
Released: 2017.
Features
- Password autofill.
- Notification improvement.
16. Android 9 (Pie)
Released: 2018.
Most widely used operating system.
Features
- Adaptive Battery and Brightness.
- Multi camera support.
- New screenshot shortcut key.
17. Android 10 (Android Q)
Released: 2019.
Features
- Support for foldable smartphones.
- Sound amplifier with clear sound.
- Dark mode for eyes comfortably.
- Undo app removal.
18. Android 11 (Red Velvet Cake)
Released: 2020.
Features
- Support for 5G.
- Improvement on sensors.
Android Architecture
Android architecture or Android software stack is categorized into five parts:
- Linux kernel
- Android libraries
- Android Runtime
- Application Framework
- Application
1. Linux Kernel
- Heart of android architecture.
- Responsible for development device drivers, resource management etc.
2. Android Libraries
- webkit is responsible for browser support.
- SQLite is for database.
- Freetype for font.
- Media for playing and recording audio and video format.
3. Android Runtime
Responsible to run android application.
4. Android Framework
Include android API’s for android applications development.
5. Applications
Top most layer contains applications.
Android Development Toolkit
Top android tools are:
- Android SDK
- Native Development Kit (NDK)
1. Android SDK
- The Android Software Development Kit (SDK) provides API libraries and developer tools necessary to build, test and debug apps for Android platform.
- Most popular tool for Android.
Major Components Inside This Toolkit Are:
- Eclipse + plugin
- SDK tools
- Platform tools
- Emulator
2. Native Development Kit (NDK)
- NDK is a toolset that allows Android developers to implement part of their app using native code languages such as C and C++.
- Helps developers to reuse code libraries.
- Use NDK only if it is essential for your app but not because you prefer to program in C/C++.
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