Android: universal and convenient operating system

The Android operating system is the name today known to almost every inhabitant of the planet. This OS runs smartphones and tablets. It is installed on netbooks and is widely promoted in the market of smart TVs and HD players. Android is the most common operating system for mobile and network devices.

History of

The idea of ​​creating an open operating system came from a small team of developers. She founded the company Android Inc., the first development of which was the implementation of the idea of ​​embedding GPS modules in mobile phones. That is why the young team bought on the vine google corporation. Android Inc staff began working for the search giant.

On a note! At the beginning of its activities, the development company led by Andy Rubin was engaged in the implementation of the Google Maps project. Initially, this service was developed for high-end button phones, such as BlackBerry, Nokia.

It is not known for certain exactly when the Android platform began to develop as an independent universal operating environment for mobile devices. As a starting point, some experts voice the moment the first iPhone comes out. There is an opinion that Android OS developers stole most of the ideas and principles from Apple. In particular, this was openly stated by Steve Jobs.

However, for a huge audience of potential mobile phone owners only a few years later, great prospects opened up for acquiring really convenient devices. The first working Android system was installed on the HTC Dream production model.. The version number 1 was called Apple Pie.

Google’s market entry strategy included open and free OS. Here, the Android operating system made a real revolution. The use of free software environment has dramatically reduced the final cost of a mobile phone.The rationality of such a step is shown by the first smartphone on the Android HTC Dream: 6 months after the date of the presentation more than a million devices were sold.

Advantages of Android

Android differs from other operating systems in its approach to universalization, the use of unified schemes for controlling the components of a hardware platform and interaction with the end user. The operating system has the following advantages.

1. Synchronization scheme implemented. With several devices on Android, you can have on them an identical set of programs, contacts, calendar entries. In this case, the user does not need to make any effort.
2. it open platform. You can install as a program from the store, and written by third-party developers. Today you can write a program for Android yourself.
3. No single app store. This can not boast of other operating systems. In addition to Google Play, users of Russia can use the UpToDown depository and other third-party services.
4. Android-based smartphone first received Bluetooth wireless protocol support. And today, this operating system offers the use of the latest versions of this type of connection.
5. Memory card support smart phones on pure Android have received for a long time. By the way, the iPhones offered this functionality only in the latest versions.

And last but not least for the user, the advantage is that on Android today you can choose a phone from a truly giant list of offers. This OS is open and free, so the competition in the market of manufacturers of mobile devices is, as they say, to death. On Android, both budget-level smartphones and elite-class products are available.

Overview of current versions

Discussing which version of Android is better for a smartphone can be long hours. Even today you can meet in use with the owners of the device running on Android 2.0. However, the optimal set of features, stability offered version 4.0.

Ice cream sandwich

Version 4.0 was given the name Ice Cream Sandwich. Android of this generation was introduced along with the brand Galaxy Nexus. The operating system for the first time became a single medium for both smartphones and tablets.

In version 4.0, face recognition functionality was introduced for the first time, the ability to launch applications from the lock screen, gesture support, and enhanced camera work. Users received the ability to shoot panoramas.

Important! But not only this was a breakthrough. Version 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich made it possible to fully encrypt the phone.

Kitkat

Android version 4.4 has become, above all, less resource intensive. This was achieved, among other things, by working through the interface and improving stability. This feature immediately attracted the attention of manufacturers, and KitKat smartphones became the most popular product on the market. In the functional was added:

• new interface;
• the appearance of the step counter;
• support for subtitles when playing video;
• new brightness control circuit;
• Search numbers that are not in the phone book - directly in the Google search engine;
• IR port support.

On a note! Smartphone users on Android version 4.4 were able to control household appliances. This caused a stir for a while, and today there are hundreds of programs to use the phone as a remote control.

Lollipop

Android version 5.0 has received a new updated kernel, ART virtual machine. The system has become faster, more stable, more economical in terms of resources. For users appeared A new mechanism for working with colors. They have become brighter, juicier, more attractive.

Pleased with version 5.0 and the provision of smart unlock. The phone was able to independently remove encryption when it is in a so-called safe place. Also added functionality:

• the ability to work with two SIM;
• torch;
• virtual private network service;
• Android TV;
• manual adjustment of color temperature, backlight brightness and other display parameters.

Introduced at the end of 2014, Android version 5.0 became the operating system, which in many ways set the development path for future versions of the software environment.

Marshmallow

Marshmallow Android 6 has focused on multimedia, first of all, to work with the camera. Now you can take high quality photos of landscapes, children, pets. Real-time processing effects are now available. It is the devices on Android 6 that were first used to produce music videos.

Functional system added:

• Google Now On Tap;
• fingerprint recognition system for blocking and encryption;
• support for the operating system Project Brillo - the so-called Internet for things.

Important! In version 6, the system of permissions first appeared. Now for each application, you can adjust the access rights to the equipment or partsoftware resources.

Nougat

The version of Android 7 was presented to the public in 2016. The operating system has received the ability to use multiple applications at the same time. You can switch between them with one touch of a button. Besides:

• new language change system with one button;
• a separate panel for shortcuts;
• new folder display;
• night mode with reduced brightness;
• energy saving systems;
• virtual reality mode;
• New sleep mode to save battery;
• traffic saving functionality.

In version 7.0, the ability to encrypt folders and applications.

Oreo

The latest version of Android 8 in a huge list of devices offered to users advanced configuration of a variety of reactions and behaviors of the operating system. Appeared:

• new type of notifications;
• the possibility of assigning a separate notification for actions (channels of notification);
• a picture-in-picture functionality that allows users of large-screen tablets to watch videos in a corner of the display (this same mechanic is used to easily control a smartphone with one hand);
• system constraints (processes, tracking, and so on);
• reduced load with several open browser tabs;
• smart storage system;
• dynamic icons (change icon without reinstalling the program).

A great convenience is the feature of setting up applications that are responsible for a particular action; the gesture control system is popular with users. Also positively evaluated new long tapas and touch response system.

Pie

Android version 9, which is scheduled for release in 2018, risks becoming the most revolutionary product in the entire line of improving the operating system. It will appear features that are not typical for mobile devices.

1. Android 9 exists the ability to turn a smartphone into a mouse and a wireless keyboard for a computer or smart TV. To get such features in version 8, it was necessary to get the superuser rights. In Pie, the functionality will be available to all users.
2. Support popular monobrow, grooves at the top of the display, like Apple, Honor 10 and others will be implemented at the operating system level. Now the picture of the screen saver and desktop background will be expanded to full screen.
3. Extended Security System. Android 9 will track absolutely all external connections. Get unauthorized access to files, camera, microphone for recording conversations becomes impossible. This system is positioned by Google as the beginning of the fight against hackers and other cybercriminals.
4. Work with flexible displays. Bending smartphones are a fashion trend of the modern market. Android 9 will support work with displays of this type at the program level.
5. Personal assistant for communication. This part of the software environment will help get rid of spelling errors and typos. She will be able to create blanks and learn during use.
6. Integrated Biometric Identification System. System version 9 will be able to simultaneously work with retinal scanners and facial recognition software. Now you don’t need services or programs - everything works at the level of the operating environment.
7. Modified display system. Now the digital parameters, the signal strength will be displayed as accurately as possible and change in real time.

The capabilities of Android 9 allow us to state that the autonomy of mobile devices will increase dramatically. The operating system receives the right to regulate the operation of applications.She is able to learn by predicting which programs will need resources and which processes will assign high or low priority.

Important! A very expected functionality for a huge audience of users - managing a smartphone only with the help of gestures. Some manufacturers have already stated that this will allow buttons and other controls to be removed from the case or screen.

Android 9 will get out of the box, most likely, top-end smartphones. However, the planned upgrade of the operating system for their models has already been announced by many manufacturers. For example, smartphones on Android 9 are:

• Essential Phone;
• Google Pixel first and second generation;
• Oneplus 6;
• Sony Xperia XZ2;
• HTC U12 Plus and others;
• Huawei P20 and Plus version;
• Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S.

Android One and Android Go

Separately, it is worth noting modifications of the main line of operating systems of the Android family. Android One smartphones are called devices on pure Android. Initially, this version of the operating environment was developed for extremely low-cost devices. Promotion of Android One was made in the Indian market. Today, they are interested in eminent manufacturers. In particular, on Android One plans to release its A1 smartphone company Xiaomi.This phone is based on the Mi 5X model. Other brands are also interested in the platform. Today it is customary to talk about the standard Android One, pure Android.

For extremely old or weak hardware platforms, a separate version of the operating system has been developed. Android Go smartphones are models with a small memory capacity from 512 MB to 1 GB. Also, this operating system does not require high processor power. For Android Go today there are many applications in Google Play, they are marked with a special icon.

Important! It is worth noting that Android Go is not a stripped-down version. Most of the features and features of Oreo 8 are available in it. Therefore, users with low-end and low-end smartphones can decide which Android to choose - the one originally installed or the new GO.

Review of the best processors for Android smartphones

To decide which processor is better for a smartphone on Android, which phone is better to buy from the position of a reasonable investment, you need to understand the features of the operating system. All chip cores are not always used. For the average user, a modern dual-core processor will be quite sufficient. Amateur surfing,Video viewing will be satisfied with the capabilities of the platform with four cores. Well, gamers will need eight or more modern nuclear processor. In addition to power records, top-end chips offer other interesting features.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 845

This chip is most common on the market. It is used by a large number of manufacturers of top-end smartphones. The chip has 8 cores, shows significant performance. In addition, the proposed functionality:

• separate graphics processing coprocessor;
• module tracking the face and position of the eyes;
• position sensor service system;
• built-in security co-processor.

Which of the useful functions will be used in the smartphone - only the manufacturer decides. However, we can say with confidence: Snapdragon 845 is widely distributed, used not only in phones, but also in helmets, virtual reality headsets. It looks like the best processor for a smartphone on Android due to its power and availability for hardware manufacturers.

Samsung Exynos 9810

Samsung product development is focused on biometric measurements and record performance. It has a built-in graphics processor, which literally has no equal.However, the artificial intelligence co-processor is not here. The power of the CPU involves a quick calculation of the required amount of data.

Important! The disadvantage of the processor is a simple fact: it is installed only in Samsung smartphones supplied to the European market. Chip is a little common.

HiSilicon Kirin 970

This development of Huawei is both a measure of protection against sanctions and restrictions, and a truly revolutionary product. This processor is first implemented neural computing system. At the CPU level, recognition of objects, scenes, setting photographing parameters and much more is implemented. The chip contains a high-performance graphics module, as well as a dual image processor. This CPU Installed in products Huawei, Honor.

As a conclusion

Today, Android family of operating systems can offer any user access to convenience and advanced features. For weak phones made Android Go. Project One offers a clean operating system. And version 9 is capable of becoming a real revolution, offering the user full transparency and ease of customization.

But one thing remains the same.Android remains the only universal system for a huge list of equipment, offering convenient synchronization and many other useful features.