Android Incorporation was founded in Palo Alto, California, United States in October, 2003 by Andy Rubin. Google took over Android Incorporation in August 2005.Android is a Linux-based operating system for mobile devices such as smart phones and tablet computers. It is developed by the Open Handset Alliance led by Google. Android consists of a Linux based kernel, with middleware, libraries and APIs written in C and application software running on an frame work which includes Java-compatible libraries based on Apache Harmony.
The main hardware platform for Android is the ARM architecture. There is support for x86 from the Android x86 project and Google TV uses a special x86 version of Android.
Features
Handset layouts
The platform is adaptable to larger, VGA, 2D graphics library, 3D graphics library based on OpenGL ES 2.0 specifications, and traditional Smartphone layouts.
Storage
SQLite, a lightweight relational database, is used for data storage purposes.
Connectivity
Android supports connectivity technologies including GSM/EDGE, IDEN, CDMA, EV-DO, UMTS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE, NFC and WiMAX.
Messaging
SMS and MMS are available forms of messaging, including threaded text messaging and now Android Cloud To Device Messaging (C2DM) is also a part of Android Push Messaging service.
Multiple language support
Android supports multiple languages.
Web browser
The web browser available in Android is based on the open-source Web Kit layout engine, coupled with Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine. The browser scores 100/100 on the Acid3 test on Android 4.0.
Java support
While most Android applications are written in Java, there is no Java Virtual Machine in the platform and Java byte code is not executed.
Media support
Android supports the following audio/video/still media formats: WebM, H.263, H.264 (in 3GP or MP4 container), MPEG-4 SP, AMR, AMR-WB (in 3GP container), AAC, HE-AAC (in MP4 or 3GP container), MP3, MIDI, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, WAV, JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP.
Streaming media support
RTP/RTSP streaming (3GPP PSS, ISMA), HTML progressive download (HTML5 <video> tag). Adobe Flash Streaming (RTMP) and HTTP Dynamic Streaming are supported by the Flash plugin. Apple HTTP Live Streaming is supported by RealPlayer for Android, and by the operating system in Android 3.0 (Honeycomb).
Additional hardware support
Android can use video/still cameras, touch screens, GPS, accelerometers, gyroscopes, barometers, magnetometers, dedicated gaming controls, proximity and pressure sensors, thermometers, accelerated 2D bit blits (with hardware orientation, scaling, pixel format
conversion) and accelerated 3D graphics.
Multi-touch
Android has native support for multi-touch which was initially made available in handsets such as the HTC Hero. The feature was originally disabled at the kernel level (possibly to avoid infringing Apple's patents on touch-screen technology at the time).Google has since released an update for the Nexus One and the Motorola Droid which enables multi-touch natively.
Bluetooth
Supports A2DP, AVRCP, sending files (OPP), accessing the phone book (PBAP), voice dialing and sending contacts between phones. Keyboard, mouse and joystick (HID) support is available in Android 3.1+, and in earlier versions through manufacturer customizations and third-party applications.
Video calling
Android does not support native video calling, but some handsets have a customized version of the operating system that supports it, either via the UMTS network (like the Samsung Galaxy S) or over IP. Video calling through Google Talk is available in Android 2.3.4 and later. Gingerbread allows Nexus S to place Internet calls with a SIP account. This allows for enhanced VoIP dialing to other SIP accounts and even phone numbers. Skype 2.1 offers video calling in Android 2.3, including front camera support.
Multitasking
Multitasking of applications is available.
Voice based features
Google search through voice has been available since initial release. Voice actions for calling, texting, navigation, etc. are supported on Android 2.2 onwards.
Tethering
Android supports tethering, which allows a phone to be used as a wireless/wired Wi-Fi hotspot. Before Android 2.2 this was supported by third-party applications or manufacturer customizations.
Screen capture
Android supports capturing a screenshot by pressing the power and volume-down buttons at the same time. Prior to Android 4.0, the only methods of capturing a screenshot were through manufacturer and third-party customizations or otherwise by using a PC connection (DDMS developer's tool). These alternative methods are still available with the latest Android.
External storage
Most Android devices include microSD slot and can read microSD cards formatted with FAT32, Ext3fs or Ext4fs file system. To allow use of high-capacity storage media such as USB flash drives and USB HDDs, many Android tablets also include USB 'A' receptacle. Storage formatted with FAT32 is handled by Linux Kernel VFAT driver, while 3rd party solutions are required to handle other popular file systems such as NTFS, HFS Plus and exFAT.
Android 1.0
The first Android device which runs on Android 1.0 is HTC Dream (G1). One of the most notable features of Android 1.0 was the pull-down notification bar AND multiple home screen format was also introduced.
Android 1.1
This update was released for the T-Mobile G1.
Android 1.5 Cupcake
Cup Cake Launched on T-Mobile My Touch 3G Device. The first version of the operating system that supported on-screen keyboards. Enables faster acquisition of GPS location. We can directly upload videos to YouTube and Picasa.
Android 1.6 Donut
It Support for higher resolution screens. CDMA support was first offered in Donut Android 1.6. Donut also introduced universal Search Box.
Android 2.0/2.1 Éclair
Éclair provides a display of 854 x 480px.Capability of handling multiple Google accounts. Google Maps Navigation is a stunning application in it. Enables Google Talk statuses throughout the platform. Speech-to-text and Live wallpapers another distinguished feature in Éclair.
Android 2.2 FroYo
Improved Microsoft Exchange support is the key feature in it. Introduction of USB tethering, mobile hotspot and Adobe Flash support.
Android 2.3 Gingerbread
Support for higher resolution screens and front-facing cameras introduced in this version. users can easily delete notifications at the push of an on-screen button. Shadow animations for list scrolling,Camera software enhancements and Improved battery life are the extended features on it.
Android 3.0 Honeycomb
Honeycomb was the introductory version of the operating system specifically for Tablets. you can place widgets on any of Honeycomb's five home screen panels. it Support for multi-core processors and external keyboards ,pointing devices, joysticks, FLAC audio playback. Built-in support for Media/Picture Transfer Protocols.
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
Speed and performance increased in android 4.0 version. Folders can be created simply by dragging one icon onto another. Ability to swipe left or right to switch between Gmail conversations another astonishinfg function. Users can unlock handsets using facial identification software. Improvements to graphics, databases, spell-checking, Bluetooth functionality and content access for screen readers.
The Table below shows In which date Android Version Launches on Device.
ANDROID VERSION DISTRIBUTION GRAPH
Android was deemed an "iPhone Killer."
REFERENCE:
http://www.theverge.com/2011/12/7/2585779/android-history
http://en.wikipedia.org
http://mashable.com/2011/07/26/android-history-infographic/
http://www.tech2crack.com/history-android/
http://www.extragsm.com/t-mobile-g1-phone-gallery-2572.html
http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/10/07/cupcake-to-donut-%E2%80%93-android-1-6-is-here/
http://www.dailyandroid.se/2010/03/17/features-of-android-2-0-2-1-eclair/
http://hothardware.com/News/LG-Looks-to-Release-Android-Tablet-in-Third-Quarter/
http://www.androidrelease.net/2011/android-version-from-1-5-to-2-3/android-2-2-froyo/
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/burnette/top-10-features-in-android-23-gingerbread/2143
http://mobilenews.blog.com/android-3-0-honeycomb-presentation-video/
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