An operating system for smartphones, tablets and laptops from the Google-sponsored Open Handset Alliance. With myriad models to choose from, Android is the leading mobile platform worldwide. Android is a Linux OS, and Android apps are programmed in Java. Users download applications from Google's Play Store (formerly Android Market), the Amazon Appstore and other online sources
                   The first Android smartphone came out in 2008 and quickly became a major competitor to the iPhone, due to its availability from multiple carriers and handset manufacturers. By 2011, Android outsold every other smartphone. The large screens on many Android models have been an extremely popular feature (see phablet).

Like Windows Vs. Mac Just like Windows computers, Android hardware is made by many different manufacturers. Also like Windows, Android vendors can add their own set of apps and different interface features to their phones. In contrast, like the Mac, the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch are made only by Apple. They feature one interface, one set of included apps and one or two top models.



Back