Android | Definition, History, & Facts (2024)

FAQs

What is Android definition and history? ›

Android is developed by a consortium of developers known as the Open Handset Alliance, though its most widely used version is primarily developed by Google. It was unveiled in November 2007, with the first commercial Android device, the HTC Dream, being launched in September 2008.

The Latin root androides literally means “resembling a man,” and androids really know how to blend in. Androids mostly appear in science fiction novels and films, but who knows, maybe you're friends with an android and you don't even know it. Yet. Definitions of android.

Android captures 88% of total smart phone market whereas IOS captures 11% market share. Currently, more than 2 billion smart devices use Google Android OS as their operating system. The word Android refers to a male robot, whereas a female robot is known as “Gynoid“.

The Android 15 Preview program runs from February 2024 until the final public release to AOSP and OEMs, planned for later in the year. At key development milestones, we'll deliver updates for your development and testing environments.

Both iPhone and Android provide solutions for people with different needs. If you already own Apple products like the Mac, iPad, or Apple TV, getting an iPhone is an easy choice. If flexibility or apps are essential, go for an Android. Different categories matter more for certain people.

1. (in science fiction) a robot resembling a human being. adjective. 2. resembling a human being.

It came from the nickname of one of the founders — Andy Rubin. At the time when he worked at Apple, Rubin had a strong passion for Android robots. Henceforth, it was no surprise that Andy's co-workers and mates began to call him Android — the name that eventually became official for the company and operating system.

What Is The Latest Version of Android? The latest Android update took place in October 2023 with the release of Android 14.0, the newest Android version. It comes a bit over a year after the release of Android 13, which debuted in summer 2022.

Android is simply one platform (type) of Smartphone. Examples of other platforms are: Apple iPhone, Windows Phone, etc. The term “Smartphone” refers to any phone that can use applications such as internet browsers. In other words, Smartphones are computers, not just phones.

When you have Android, you have security that's right there out of the box and never stops working. Google Play Protect scans all your apps, the software gets regular security updates and the platform is always improving.

What is the main use of Android? ›

Powering your phone, tablet, watch, TV and car.

It's the operating system inside 2.5 billion active devices. From 5G phones to stunning tablets, Android powers them all.

The Android operating system allows you to manage files and folders with much more freedom than iOS does. You can view and organize your files on your phone just like you would on a PC. Android phones also connect with laptops or tablets with no setup required.

Android was originally founded by Andy Rubin in 2003 under the company name Android, Inc. It is correct that he previously worked for Apple and Microsoft, however he quit Apple, Inc. at about 15 years before the original iPhone was launched. At 2005, Google finished their acquisition of Android, Inc.

Early origins and development (2003-2007)

The story of Android began in 2003 when Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, and Chris White founded Android Inc. in Palo Alto, California. Their initial goal was to develop an advanced operating system for digital cameras.

The Android operating system is a mobile operating system that was developed by Google (GOOGL​) to be primarily used for touchscreen devices, cell phones, and tablets.

It came from the nickname of one of the founders — Andy Rubin. At the time when he worked at Apple, Rubin had a strong passion for Android robots. Henceforth, it was no surprise that Andy's co-workers and mates began to call him Android — the name that eventually became official for the company and operating system.

Technically, Samsung isn't Android, but many people and publications refer to Samsung phones as Android phones simply because they support Android apps and run the Android operating system under the hood. Think of modern Samsung smartphones as Android smartphones with a little something extra.