Android Operating System

Key takeaways

• Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google for touchscreen devices — smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, cars, and wearables.
• The Android source code is available as open source (AOSP), but commercial devices commonly include proprietary Google components.
• Android powers a large share of mobile devices and competes directly with Apple’s iOS.
• Security and app-quality concerns persist: repackaged apps and aggressive adware are common threats, and app vetting can be less strict than some alternatives.

What is Android?

Android is a mobile operating system designed for touchscreen devices. Its interface supports intuitive gestures such as tapping, swiping, and pinching. Beyond phones and tablets, Android variants are used in smart TVs, in-car systems, and wearable devices, each with a tailored user interface.

History and ecosystem

Android began as a product of Android Inc., which Google acquired in 2005. The first commercial Android phone shipped in 2008. Since then, developers have built apps for Android and distributed them through app stores like Google Play. Because Android is maintained by Google, devices typically offer tight integration with Google services (cloud storage, email, maps, video, etc.).

The Android Open Source Project (AOSP) releases the platform’s source code to encourage open standards and device variety. In practice, most handset manufacturers ship Android with additional proprietary software and Google apps.

How it works for developers and users

• Developers build apps primarily using Java and Kotlin (historically Java), targeting the Android framework and APIs.
• Users install apps from app stores; Google Play is the primary official source, but Android also allows third-party app stores and sideloading.
• Device makers adapt Android to their hardware and UI preferences, producing many different device experiences across manufacturers.

Security and limitations

• Malware and repackaged apps: Security firms have flagged repackaged apps bundled with aggressive adware as a frequent threat on Android. For example, Downloader.DN (repacked apps with adware) was reported as a common trojan threat in early 2022.
• App quality and vetting: App stores on Android have historically included apps with lower security and quality standards compared with some rival platforms, increasing risk of data exposure.
• Development complexity: Creating complex user experiences across a wide range of devices and form factors can be challenging for developers and often requires reliance on Java/Kotlin and Android-specific tooling.
• Perceived trade-offs: Some users and observers cite concerns about ad dependence and platform fragmentation as downsides, which can affect privacy, consistency, and update delivery.

Android vs. iOS

Android and Apple’s iOS are the two dominant mobile operating systems. The rivalry has shaped device design, app ecosystems, and legal battles in the industry. According to market research cited for Q1 2022, Android led mobile operating systems with a reported global market share figure, with iOS as the principal competitor. The platforms differ in openness and ecosystem control: Android’s open-source roots allow broader device diversity, while iOS is tightly controlled by Apple.

A notable legal dispute between Google and Oracle over the use of Java APIs in Android reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in Google’s favor in April 2021.

Choosing Android

Android is a flexible, widely adopted platform that excels at device variety and integration with Google services. When choosing Android, consider:
* Device vendor and update policy (affects security patches and feature updates).
App sources and download practices (prefer official app stores and trusted developers).
Privacy and ad settings (review permissions and installed apps for unwanted behavior).

Android remains a powerful, versatile option for users and developers, but it requires attention to app provenance and device update practices to maintain security and a consistent experience.