I: Basic Knowledge
1. What is the Android system?
- The original meaning of "Android" refers to "robot," but it is also the name of an open-source mobile operating system based on the Linux platform announced by Google on November 5, 2007. This platform consists of an operating system, middleware, user interface, and application software, claiming to be the first truly open and complete mobile software designed specifically for mobile terminals.
- On September 22, 2008, American carrier T-Mobile USA officially launched the first Google phone — the T-Mobile G1 in New York. This phone was manufactured by Taiwan-based HTC and is the world's first smartphone using the Android operating system. It supports WCDMA/HSPA networks with a theoretical download speed of 7.2 Mbps and also supports Wi-Fi.
- Android is an open-source mobile operating system developed by Google based on the Linux platform. It includes the operating system, user interface, and applications — all the software required for mobile phones to function. Moreover, there are no proprietary barriers that previously hindered innovation in the mobile industry. Google collaborated with the Open Handset Alliance to develop Android, which comprises over 30 leading enterprises in technology and wireless applications, including China Mobile, Motorola, Qualcomm, HTC, and T-Mobile. Through deep partnerships with carriers, device manufacturers, developers, and other relevant parties, Google aims to establish a standardized, open mobile phone software platform to create an open ecosystem within the mobile industry.
- It adopts a software stack architecture, primarily divided into three parts: the lower layer is based on the Linux kernel, providing only basic functions, while other application software is independently developed by various companies, with Java used as part of the programming process. Additionally, to promote this technology, Google and several dozen other mobile phone companies formed the Open Handset Alliance (OHA). For example, the UI interface of the Hero model was independently developed by HTC, named Sense. Before this, no Android phone had such a stunning and user-friendly interface, which brought about a new interface revolution in the Android world!
- Similar to the iPhone, Android uses the WebKit browser engine, featuring touchscreen capabilities, advanced graphics display, and internet functionality. Users can check emails, search websites, and watch video programs on their phones. Compared to the iPhone and other phones, Android emphasizes search functionality more, with a more powerful interface. It can be said to be a single platform integrating all web applications.