Android is software for mobile phones, tablets and a growing range of devices encompassing everything from wearable computing to in-car entertainment. It launched in 2003 and is the world’s most popular mobile operating system (OS).
Android is an open source project (led by Google but it doesn't belong to them) called AOSP (Android Open Source Project). Google uses this project as a base to create his version of Android, which is then used by the other manufacturers.
As an OS, Android's job is to act as a translator between you and your gadget. When you take a photo, Android provides the button you tap and tells the phone what to do when you tap it. When you make or receive a call, Android tells your phone how to do that. When you play a game, Android tells the game what movements you’re making and what buttons you’re pressing. It’s like Windows, but for mobile devices.
The Android software itself is developed in conjunction with Google, who releases major updates to the platform every year. Manufacturers which run Android on their phones include Samsung, Huawei, Sony, Lenovo, HTC, LG and many others; it's currently operational on more than one billion devices.
It comes from Google, who actually acquired Android in 2005 (no, Google didn't invent it themselves). The search giant performs regular updates along with an annual major update.
Click here to see an Android Authority article from Dec 2023 that is full of historical facts.
It’s not so much the difference between Android and iPhone but the Android operating system and iOS which is the operating system software that runs on iPhones. The differences between this and Android are simultaneously big and small.
Smartphones with Android or iOS installed are capable of doing most of the same things: they can both run apps, connect to Wi-Fi, take photos, send messages etc. But there are many differences in how they look and feel, and the possibilities of both.
Click here to read an article by CNET [hopefully unbiased] that points out some of the key reasons why iPhone users are left envious of features enjoyed by Android users for years.
Android doesn't look different on every device, but it does have a number of different versions. Android is open-source, which means that manufacturers are free to customise the software and make it their own.
The 'purest' version of Android is often referred to as 'stock Android' and it's often preferred by the Android community: it's the original software as Google intended.
Other user interfaces (UI) include Samsung's TouchWiz, Sony's Xperia, and Huawei's Emotion - these deviations from the 'pure' Android are often referred to as fragmentation.
Choice. For example, if you want iOS, you have a choice of iPhone, iPhone or iPhone. If you go for Android there is a wide choice of great devices, ranging from cheap and cheerful handsets to really impressive flagships. Ironically the flagship devices are often cheaper than the equivalent Apple devices, too.
Android’s choice isn’t just about hardware. It’s about everything else too. Android is incredibly easy to customise, both in terms of how it looks and how it works, and the various app stores aren’t as tightly controlled as the likes of Apple's store - although those with a high security requirement often make out that this is a good thing.
Each new version of Android used to get a code name of a dessert based on consecutive letters of the alphabet as well as a number. The most recent versions [8, 9 and 10] were known as Marshmallow [the M / 8 release] Pie [for P / 9] and "Q" during development, at which point Google decided to drop the dessert name and simply call it Android 10 . Earlier versions included Lollipop, KitKat, Jelly Bean and Gingerbread.
Options, options, and more options. With Android you have hundreds of gadgets at your disposal, the cheapest, the most expensive and the most innovative market. Android is also incredibly customisable, both in it's role, as in it's appearance. You can really make a unique mobile experience for yourself with this versatile OS.
Getting updates for non-Google hardware. In many cases device manufacturers don’t seem to care too about providing timely software updates for equipment they’ve already sold you. Even when they do provide updates they take their sweet time about it. That’s why some frustrated users consider rooting. This allows you take full control of your device and download updates yourself then apply them instead of waiting [forever] for the manufacturer to get around to it. If you are feeling bold [and don't mind invalidating any warranty you may still have] then take a look at this XDA Developers document to learn what using ROOT is all about.
The Google Play Store is a digital marketplace where Android users can purchase apps, games, books, movies, music and more. It is one of the big advantages to owning an Android device.
The purchased content is connected to your Google account – something you must have in order to make these purchases – and is available on any device where you log in with your Google account.
Google Play tips and tricks every Android user needs to know
Google Play not working? Here's what you can do
Have a read through them right now to get a brief overview, you can always refer back to them at any time.
ADB: Stands for Android Debug Bridge, a tool that is used primarily by developers to send commands from a computer to Android. It works as a client-server and gives you tools for the devices for debugging.
APK: Android application package file used to distribute and install apps. This file contains the app code, resources, assets and manifest file.
Application: An application or app is something you use to perform functions on the phone. These range from simple to incredibly complex.
Backup: To keep your data in a safe place in case of a problem where you lose your important information.
Bluetooth: Data transmission system between devices via radio waves without using wires or other connectors.
Bootloading: Procedure that allows you to access recovery mode.
Brick: When the device does not start and becomes unusable due to a configuration error after making a change.
Download Mode: Used to install or replace the firmware of your device or a new ROM.
Factory Reset: Restoring the device to the original settings.
Firmware: The contents of the device's ROM.
To find out the firmware version of your device go the Settings, tap About Phone and hit Software Information.
Flash: Changing the ROM of a device.
Kernel: The core of the operating system. It's responsible for uniting the software functions and the hardware.
KIES: Samsung application that allows you to update and synchronise the data from your smartphone or tablet.
Launcher: Responsible for customising the device by modifying the user interface.
MicroSD: Removable memory card format. Smaller than MiniSD, it's used for mobile devices.
ODIN: Program to flash your device.
Open Source: Software that is made available to be distributed and modified.
Operating System: Software that controls a device's basic functions like scheduling tasks and executing applications.
OTA: Stands for 'Over The Air' and refers to updates that are made from your device without using cords or other connectors.
QR: Abbreviation for 'Quick Response' and is a black and white code that can be scanned with your device to open a link or application.
Recovery Mode: A method of starting your Android in order to install a ROM, wipe your device or format it.
ROM: Stands for 'Read Only Memory' and is a type of storage for Android devices. It has the necessary programming for starting a device and performs most of the tasks.
Root: The act of unlocking the Android OS to gain complete control over the device through which you can access hidden files, change the ROM or install certain special apps.
Soft Reset: The act of rebooting your phone, intentionally or not. It has the same effect as when you remove your battery.
Unlock: You must perform this before you can use a SIM card from any carrier.
Widget: An 'Icon' or part of an application for your home screen to quickly view information or to access the app faster and easier.
Wipe: Formatting the device. Deletes the external data from the device.
Windows: In Android apps, they are objects that specify the look and feel of the content.
Android is software for mobile phones, tablets and a growing range of devices encompassing everything from wearable computing to in-car entertainment. It launched in 2003 and is the world’s most popular mobile operating system (OS).
Android is an open source project (led by Google but it doesn't belong to them) called AOSP (Android Open Source Project). Google uses this project as a base to create his version of Android, which is then used by the other manufacturers.
As an OS, Android's job is to act as a translator between you and your gadget. When you take a photo, Android provides the button you tap and tells the phone what to do when you tap it. When you make or receive a call, Android tells your phone how to do that. When you play a game, Android tells the game what movements you’re making and what buttons you’re pressing. It’s like Windows, but for mobile devices.
The Android software itself is developed in conjunction with Google, who releases major updates to the platform every year. Manufacturers which run Android on their phones include Samsung, Huawei, Sony, Lenovo, HTC, LG and many others; it's currently operational on more than one billion devices.
It comes from Google, who actually acquired Android in 2005 (no, Google didn't invent it themselves). The search giant performs regular updates along with an annual major update.
The operating system is based on the Linux kernel – if you have friends or know anyone who work in IT you may have heard of it. This is the GNU / Linux operating system based structure, which is a Unix type system (portable operating system, multitasking and multi-user). The Linux kernel is one of the most prominent examples of free software and is widely used in computers and web servers around the world.
It’s not so much the difference between Android and iPhone but the Android operating system and iOS which is the operating system software that runs on iPhones. The differences between this and Android are simultaneously big and small.
Smartphones with Android or iOS installed are capable of doing most of the same things: they can both run apps, connect to Wi-Fi, take photos, send messages etc. But there are many differences in how they look and feel, and the possibilities of both.
Click here to read an article by CNET [hopefully unbiased] that points out some of the key reasons why iPhone users are left envious of features enjoyed by Android users for years.
Android doesn't look different on every device, but it does have a number of different versions. Android is open-source, which means that manufacturers are free to customise the software and make it their own.
The 'purest' version of Android is often referred to as 'stock Android' and it's often preferred by the Android community: it's the original software as Google intended.
Other user interfaces (UI) include Samsung's TouchWiz, Sony's Xperia, and Huawei's Emotion - these deviations from the 'pure' Android are often referred to as fragmentation.
Choice. For example, if you want iOS, you have a choice of iPhone, iPhone or iPhone. If you go for Android there is a wide choice of great devices, ranging from cheap and cheerful handsets to really impressive flagships. Ironically the flagship devices are often cheaper than the equivalent Apple devices, too.
Android’s choice isn’t just about hardware. It’s about everything else too. Android is incredibly easy to customise, both in terms of how it looks and how it works, and the various app stores aren’t as tightly controlled as the likes of Apple's store - although those with a high security requirement often make out that this is a good thing.
Each new version of Android used to get a code name of a dessert based on consecutive letters of the alphabet as well as a number. The most recent versions [8, 9 and 10] were known as Marshmallow [the M / 8 release] Pie [for P / 9] and "Q" during development, at which point Google decided to drop the dessert name and simply call it Android 10 . Earlier versions included Lollipop, KitKat, Jelly Bean and Gingerbread.
Options, options, and more options. With Android you have hundreds of gadgets at your disposal, the cheapest, the most expensive and the most innovative market. Android is also incredibly customisable, both in it's role, as in it's appearance. You can really make a unique mobile experience for yourself with this versatile OS.
Getting updates for non-Google hardware. In many cases device manufacturers don’t seem to care too about providing timely software updates for equipment they’ve already sold you. Even when they do provide updates they take their sweet time about it. That’s why some frustrated users consider rooting. This allows you take full control of your device and download updates yourself then apply them instead of waiting [forever] for the manufacturer to get around to it. If you are feeling bold [and don't mind invalidating any warranty you may still have] then take a look at this XDA Developers document to learn what using ROOT is all about.
Click here to learn how to easily root a device.
The Google Play Store is a digital marketplace where Android users can purchase apps, games, books, movies, music and more. It is one of the big advantages to owning an Android device.
The purchased content is connected to your Google account – something you must have in order to make these purchases – and is available on any device where you log in with your Google account.
Google Play tips and tricks every Android user needs to know
Google Play not working? Here's what you can do
Have a read through them right now to get a brief overview, you can always refer back to them at any time.
ADB: Stands for Android Debug Bridge, a tool that is used primarily by developers to send commands from a computer to Android. It works as a client-server and gives you tools for the devices for debugging.
APK: Android application package file used to distribute and install apps. This file contains the app code, resources, assets and manifest file.
Application: An application or app is something you use to perform functions on the phone. These range from simple to incredibly complex.
Backup: To keep your data in a safe place in case of a problem where you lose your important information.
Bluetooth: Data transmission system between devices via radio waves without using wires or other connectors.
Bootloading: Procedure that allows you to access recovery mode.
Brick: When the device does not start and becomes unusable due to a configuration error after making a change.
Download Mode: Used to install or replace the firmware of your device or a new ROM.
Factory Reset: Restoring the device to the original settings.
Firmware: The contents of the device's ROM.
To find out the firmware version of your device go the Settings, tap About Phone and hit Software Information.
Flash: Changing the ROM of a device.
Kernel: The core of the operating system. It's responsible for uniting the software functions and the hardware.
KIES: Samsung application that allows you to update and synchronise the data from your smartphone or tablet.
Launcher: Responsible for customising the device by modifying the user interface.
MicroSD: Removable memory card format. Smaller than MiniSD, it's used for mobile devices.
ODIN: Program to flash your device.
Open Source: Software that is made available to be distributed and modified.
Operating System: Software that controls a device's basic functions like scheduling tasks and executing applications.
OTA: Stands for 'Over The Air' and refers to updates that are made from your device without using cords or other connectors.
QR: Abbreviation for 'Quick Response' and is a black and white code that can be scanned with your device to open a link or application.
Recovery Mode: A method of starting your Android in order to install a ROM, wipe your device or format it.
ROM: Stands for 'Read Only Memory' and is a type of storage for Android devices. It has the necessary programming for starting a device and performs most of the tasks.
Root: The act of unlocking the Android OS to gain complete control over the device through which you can access hidden files, change the ROM or install certain special apps.
Soft Reset: The act of rebooting your phone, intentionally or not. It has the same effect as when you remove your battery.
Unlock: You must perform this before you can use a SIM card from any carrier.
Widget: An 'Icon' or part of an application for your home screen to quickly view information or to access the app faster and easier.
Wipe: Formatting the device. Deletes the external data from the device.
Windows: In Android apps, they are objects that specify the look and feel of the content.
Whilst smartphones share similar features they can in fact be different in many ways depending upon the version of the Android operating system and the other products installed on them.
It is therefore a good idea to get to know all the features that your own smartphone has and just what they can do for you.
If you do not yet own a smartphone, and need help deciding what might be suitable for you, then click here for a review prepared by the CNET team.
Depending on the manufacturer, supplier and model of your smartphone you will have certain hardware features
The level of hardware features usually dictates the price at which the smartphone sells - processor speed, memory, cameras etc. being among the common distinguishing features.
The version of the Android operating system installed on your phone can range from the stock version, as maintained and supplied by Google, to a customised version that is modified and supplied by the phone's manufacture.
The latter is usually done in an attempt to entice more customers - sometimes successfully - but sometimes this fragmentation can prove to be a bit of a pain especially when it comes to receiving [or not] system updates from the phone manufacture.
Your smartphone will come with a number of pre-installed applications [or Apps] just to get you going. Most of these will be useful but some may not be. The term bloatware is used to describe pre-installed Apps that you could really do without. Press here to learn more about how to deal with it.
Applications
All of the Apps on your smartphone are available in what is called the App Drawer that is normally accessible via a small icon, near the bottom of the screen, that is made up of white check marks.
The applications remain in the App Drawer until such a time as you decide to remove them [using uninstall option in Google Play Store] at which point the software for the Apps and their corresponding icons will be deleted from your smartphone.
As you learn how to use the Google Play Store you will be able to install, update, or remove most applications as you see fit.
Click here for Tom's Guide "How to delete apps on Android"
Apps
Icons for your most frequently used Apps can be placed on your home screen for easy access. You do this by simply pressing on the icon in the App Drawer and copying it to your chosen home screen.
You can remove icons from your home screen [but not the App Drawer] by pressing on them then moving them to the icon for the 'waste paper bin' or a designated 'delete area' that lights up near the top of the home screen.
Widgets
There are also other pieces of software similar to Apps that are called widgets.
These can also be placed on your home screen and are normally bigger than the usual App icon as they continually display various types of information.
The widgets typically show things like the date and time or the weather so you can just glance at them without having first to locate icons and open them.
Launchers
In addition to Apps and widgets there are other pieces of software that you can install which are called launchers.
These launchers can be very powerful and will let you customise the whole look and feel of your smartphone, and in some ways the manner in which it operates.
You can easily install launchers from the Google Play Store and experiment with one or two to see which suits the way you like to do things.
Maintenance of the software installed on your smartphone is pretty straight forward. There are basically two different groups, the first being the Android operating system system itself, and the second being the Applications [Apps, widgets and launchers] that you chose to run.
(1) Android operating system
Depending upon your supplier you may receive updates to your version of the Android operating system as and when they are ready to release their customised versions. Otherwise if you have what is called a stock or vanilla version of the Android operating system you may get more frequent updates when Google releases them.
In either case these are normally done Over The Air [OTA] and you will receive a notification letting you know they are available. You simply follow on-screen instructions and the whole process will complete automatically. Depending on your connection speed it may take half an hour or so to complete so make sure your battery is well charged and you are preferably connected to a reliable WiFi signal to reduce usage charges.
You can check your Android version or look to see if updates are available using the standard "Settings" facility built into your smartphone - see your supplier's manual or google-it for more details.
The more recent versions of Android give you quick access to a number of "Settings" by simply swiping down from the top of the screen, or by swiping down a second time to get access to even more.
(2) Applications
You have much more control over the maintenance of everything else which is normally done through the Google Play Store.
There are other places where you can obtain free Apps [click for details] but it's probably best to skip these for now and just use the Google Play Store until you've gained more experience.
When updates for the applications already installed are available you will normally receive notifications and you simply follow the on-screen prompts to install or ignore [if inconvenient at the time] them. Each application should update quickly and let you know when it is finished.
Alternatively you can launch the Google Play Store icon any time you like and look for any updates that may need your authorisation. While using Google Play Store you can also search for new applications that interest you, or remove those you no longer require.
There is one caveat to the last point in that some pre-installed applications can not be removed either because they are integral to the operation of your smartphone or your supplier has decided to lock them into your device for marketing reasons.
Once again remember if you are having difficulty with a particular item, or just don't understand it, then you can always google-it for a fuller explanation.