Fundamentals of Android

History of Android

• Android environment was developed by Google Inc., America.
• It was first released in September 2008.

Introduction of Android

• Android has revolutionized the mobile industry, empowering millions of users with powerful and customizable devices, and providing a platform for developers to create innovative and engaging applications.
• Android’s widespread adoption and continuous evolution have made Android a dominant force in the world of mobile technology.

Definition of Android

• Android is an open-source operating system primarily designed for mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, Laptops, TVs, Cars, and even more.

Characteristics/Features of Android

• Android is considered the most popular and widely used mobile platform globally.
• Android has become one of the most popular operating systems globally.
• The Android platform provides users with a rich and intuitive mobile user interface, enabling them to access a wide range of applications and services.
• One of the key features of Android is its open-source nature, which allows developers to modify and customize the operating system to suit their specific needs. This flexibility has contributed to the rapid growth and innovation within the Android ecosystem, resulting in a wide variety of devices, user interfaces, and software experiences.
• In other words, Android is known for its versatility, flexibility, and user-friendly interface, offering a wide range of features and functionalities.
• Android is built on the Linux kernel and offers a robust and secure foundation for mobile computing.
• Android supports a vast range of hardware configurations, allowing manufacturers to create devices with varying specifications and capabilities.
• Android offers a diverse ecosystem of apps available through the Google Play Store, which provides users with countless options for entertainment, productivity, communication, and more.
• Additionally, Android incorporates various advanced technologies, including support for multi-touch gestures, voice recognition, and extensive connectivity options.
• Android supports various hardware architectures, making it accessible to manufacturers and users across different price points and markets.
• The Android operating system provides a rich set of features and services, including a customizable home screen, a notification system, multi-tasking capabilities, access to a vast array of applications through the Google Play Store, and seamless integration with Google services such as Gmail, Google Maps, and Google Drive.
• Android has undergone several major updates over the years, with each new version introducing enhancements, performance improvements, and new features.

Applications of Android

Android, as an operating system, offers various applications across various domains. Some popular applications of Android are as follows:-

1. Communication:

   • Android supports numerous communication apps such as messaging apps (WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram), video calling apps (Skype, Google Duo), and email clients (Gmail, Outlook).

2. Social Networking:

   • Android provides platforms for social networking apps like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, enabling users to connect, share, and communicate with others.

3. Entertainment:

   • Android hosts a vast array of entertainment applications, including video streaming services (Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video), music streaming apps (Spotify, Apple Music), gaming platforms, e-book readers (Kindle), and podcast apps (Pocket Casts, Spotify).

4. Productivity and Organization:

   • Android offers a range of productivity and organization apps, such as note-taking apps (Evernote, Google Keep), task management apps (Todolist, Wunderlist), calendar apps (Google Calendar), and document editing tools (Microsoft Office, Google Docs).

5. Navigation and Mapping:

   • Android devices come with built-in navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze, providing real-time traffic updates, turn-by-turn directions, and location-based services.

6. Health and Fitness:

   • Android supports health and fitness applications, including fitness trackers (Fitbit, Google Fit), calorie counters, workout planners, meditation apps (Headspace, Calm), and sleep-tracking apps.

7. Finance and Banking:

   • Android facilitates mobile banking apps, stock trading apps, expense trackers, and digital wallet apps (PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay), enabling users to manage their finances conveniently.

8. Education:

   • Android platforms are utilized for educational purposes with apps that offer e-learning, language learning (Duolingo), online courses (Coursera, Udemy), and educational games.

9. Travel and Transportation:

   • Android applications assist in travel planning, flight bookings, hotel reservations (Booking.com, Airbnb), language translation apps (Google Translate), ride-sharing apps (Uber, Lyft), and public transportation guides.

10. Photography and Editing:

    • Android supports numerous photography apps like Adobe Lightroom, Snapseed, and VSCO, offering photo editing tools, filters, and effects.

Uses of Android

• Mobile Devices:
  • Android is predominantly used as the operating system for smartphones and tablets.
  • It powers a vast majority of mobile devices globally, providing users with a wide range of features and applications.
• Internet of Things (IoT):
  • Android is used to power smart devices such as smart TVs, smartwatches, smart home appliances, and other connected devices.
  • Android’s flexibility and compatibility make it a popular choice for integrating IoT technologies.
• Embedded Systems:
  • Android finds applications in embedded systems, such as digital signage, kiosks, point-of-sale (POS) systems, industrial control systems, and automotive infotainment systems.
  • Android’s open-source nature and customization options make it suitable for a wide range of embedded applications.
• Gaming Consoles:
  • Android is utilized as the operating system for gaming consoles, providing a platform for gaming enthusiasts to enjoy a wide range of games and access gaming-related content.
• Wearable Devices:
  • Android powers various wearable devices, including smartwatches, fitness trackers, and virtual reality (VR) headsets. These devices can connect to smartphones or operate independently, offering users functionalities like notifications, health tracking details, and entertainment.
• Digital Assistants:
  • Android serves as the backbone for digital assistant devices like Google Home and Amazon Echo.
  • These devices utilize Android’s capabilities to provide voice-based interactions, smart home control, and access to various online services.
• Automotive Infotainment Systems:
  • Android is used in automotive infotainment systems, providing drivers and passengers with features like navigation, media playback, connectivity to smartphones, and integration with voice assistants.
• Education:
  • Android is increasingly being used in educational institutions, where it powers tablets and devices used for interactive learning, digital textbooks, educational apps, and classroom management systems.
• Enterprise Solutions:
  • Android is employed in enterprise environments, enabling organizations to develop custom applications for internal use, manage mobile devices through mobile device management (MDM) solutions, and improve productivity and communication within the workforce.
• Custom Solutions:
  • Android’s open-source nature and extensive developer tools allow businesses and individuals to create custom applications for specific needs.
  • It provides a flexible platform for developing tailored solutions in various industries, including healthcare, logistics, retail, and more.

Various Mobile Platforms for Android

• There are several mobile platforms available for Android devices, each offering different features and functionalities. Each platform comes with its own set of features, design elements, and optimizations tailored to the specific manufacturer’s devices.
• Some of the popular mobile platforms for Android present in the world at this time are as follows:

• • Stock Android [ASOP] (Google):
    • The purest form of Android as provided by Google, without any manufacturer or carrier modifications.
    • It is an unmodified version of the Android operating system developed by Google.
    • It is available on Google Pixel devices and offers a clean and simple user interface with regular updates directly from Google.
  • Samsung One UI:
    • One UI is Samsung’s custom Android skin that runs on their Galaxy smartphones.
    • It provides a visually appealing interface with additional features and optimizations specific to Samsung devices.
  • OxygenOS (OnePlus):
    • OxygenOS is a customized version of Android developed by OnePlus for their smartphones.
    • It offers a near-stock Android experience with added features and customization options.
  • MIUI (Xiaomi):
    • MIUI is Xiaomi’s custom Android skin used on their smartphones.
    • It provides a highly customizable user interface with a wide range of themes and features.
  • EMUI (Huawei):
    • EMUI is Huawei’s custom Android skin found on their smartphones.
    • It offers a unique design, extensive customization options, and various additional features.
  • ColorOS (OPPO, Realme):
    • ColorOS is OPPO’s custom Android skin used on OPPO and Realme smartphones.
    • It provides a feature-rich user interface with a focus on camera and photography capabilities.
  • Funtouch OS/Origin OS (Vivo)
    • It is Vivo’s customized Android interface, recently rebranded to Origin OS.
    • It includes aesthetic enhancements, customization options, performance optimizations, and various utility tools.
  • LG UX (LG):
    • LG UX is LG’s custom Android skin found on their smartphones.
    • It offers a unique design, additional features, and various customization options.
  • ZenUI (ASUS):
    • ZenUI is ASUS’s custom Android skin used on their smartphones.
    • It offers a clean and intuitive user interface with added features and customization options.
  • Xperia UI (Sony):
    • Xperia UI is the custom Android skin developed by Sony for its Xperia smartphones.
    • It offers a clean and minimalist design, along with Sony’s own set of features and optimizations.
  • Motorola My UX (Motorola):
    • It is Motorola’s lightly customized version of Android.
    • It is a near stock Android experience, with useful Moto Actions and Display features, minimal bloatware.

Versions of Android

Installation of Android

(A) Hardware Requirements

• • It is always a good idea to check the official documentation or specifications provided by the device manufacturer or Android version developer to get accurate and detailed hardware requirements for a specific Android installation.
  • The hardware requirements for installing the Android operating system can vary depending on the specific version of Android and the mobile device we intend to install it on. However, here are some general minimum hardware requirements for installing Android on a device:-
    • Processor (CPU):
      • Android is designed to run on various processor architectures, including ARM, ARM64, and x86.
      • The specific processor requirements can vary based on the Android version and device.
      • However, a modern processor with multiple cores and a clock speed of at least 1.5 GHz is typically recommended for a smooth user experience.
    • RAM (Memory):
      • Android’s RAM requirements have increased with newer versions of the operating system. While older devices may run with 1 GB or even 512 MB of RAM, it is generally recommended to have at least 2 GB or more for better performance with newer Android versions and apps. High-end devices may have 4 GB or more RAM.
    • Internal Storage:
      • Android requires internal storage space to install the Android operating system and store apps, system and user data, and media files.
      • The amount of storage required depends on the Android version, pre-installed apps, and user data.
      • Typically, a minimum of 8 GB of internal storage is required for Android to run smoothly. However, with newer versions of Android and the increasing size of apps and media files, devices with 16 GB or more of internal storage are recommended. However, with the increasing size of apps and media files, devices with 32 GB or more storage are common, especially for mid-range and high-end devices.
      • Some devices also offer expandable storage via microSD cards.
    • Display:
      • Android is designed to work with various screen sizes and resolutions.
      • The minimum display requirement depends on the specific Android version and device manufacturer. However, most devices should have a display with at least 480×800 pixels resolution and a reasonable size for comfortable usage.
      • The specific display requirements can vary based on the device type (smartphone, tablet, etc.) and the intended usage.
      • Higher resolution displays (HD, Full HD, Quad HD, etc.) provide better visual quality, but they may require more processing power and battery consumption.
    • Battery:
      • Android devices require a built-in rechargeable battery to power the device.
      • The battery capacity can vary depending on the device model and usage requirements. 
      • The battery capacity and performance can vary widely across devices.
      • It is recommended to have a battery capacity that can provide sufficient power to run the device throughout the day, considering the screen-on time, app usage, and other factors.
      • High-end devices may have larger batteries or offer features like fast charging or wireless charging.
      • It is recommended to have a battery capacity that can provide sufficient power to run the device throughout the day, considering the screen-on time, app usage, and other factors.
    • Connectivity:
      • Android devices typically support various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, cellular networks (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G), Bluetooth, NFC, and GPS.
      • The specific connectivity requirements depend on the device’s intended use & hardware structure and the user’s needs.

(B)Software Requirements

• Before starting Android app development, we need to download and install Android Studio, which comes bundled with the Android SDK and all the necessary tools to get started.
  • Android Studio/Other IDEs:
    • Android Studio is the official integrated development environment (IDE) for Android app development.
    • It provides a user-friendly interface for developers to write, debug, and test their Android applications.
    • Android Studio is built on top of JetBrains’ IntelliJ IDEA and offers various features like code completion, debugging, and Android Emulator.
• To install Android applications, there are certain software requirements for a computer system that both the developers and end-users need to consider:-

For Android Developers (App Creators):

1. 1. • Android Development Environment: To create Android applications, developers need an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like Android Studio, which provides tools for coding, debugging, and testing Android apps.
      • Java Development Kit (JDK): Android apps are primarily developed using the Java programming language. Therefore, developers need to install JDK on their development machines.
      • Android SDK: The Android Software Development Kit (SDK) is essential for app development. It contains tools, libraries, and platform-specific components needed to build, test, and debug Android applications.
      • Android Virtual Device (AVD): This tool is used to test applications during development, developers can use AVDs, which are virtual Android devices running on the developer’s computer to display the output.
      • USB Debugging (for physical devices): Developers can often enable USB debugging on physical/real Android devices(smartphones, tablets, etc), allowing them to deploy and test apps directly from their computers.

For End-users (App Installers/Users):

• • • Android Device: End-users need an Android-powered device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to install and run Android applications/Apps.
    • Android Version Compatibility: Android applications may have minimum and recommended Android version requirements. End-users need to check whether their device’s Android version is compatible with the app they wish to install.
    • App Source: End-users can install Android applications from different sources:
      • Google Play Store: The official app store for Android, where most users download and install safe and secure apps as per their needs.
      • Third-party app stores: Some apps may be available through other app stores, but users should exercise caution and only install from trusted sources. Some popular examples are – Amazon Appstore, Samsung Galaxy Store, Aptoide, APKMirror, APKPure, Aptoide, F-Droid, GetJar, SlideME, MoboMarket, Uptodown, etc.
      • APK files: Users can sideload apps by downloading APK files directly from websites or other sources.
    • Unknown Sources (for sideloading): For apps installed from sources other than the Google Play Store, users need to enable the “Unknown Sources” option in their device settings.
    • Storage Space: Sufficient free storage space is necessary to download and install apps on the device.
    • App Permissions: Users need to review the app’s permissions before installation. When installing from the Google Play Store, the user is presented with a list of requested permissions, and they can choose to accept or deny them.
    • App Updates: Keeping apps up to date is essential for security and stability. Users should regularly check for updates in the app store and install them when available.