Hardware and software are equally important while deciding
on a smartphone. If hardware provides a physical property and design to the
phone; a software provides functionality, together enhancing performance. Initially
manufacturers relied on a phone’s physical design to attract customers. But
with diversity drying up, the focus shifted to software. Which means the
manufactures are trying to woo their customers through enriched user
experience.
Primarily user experience is derived from the perception of
a user while using an app or browser. Thus forcing us to rethink a lot before
designing. Hence it is imperative to choose the platform and framework
correctly before giving shape to any application.
This brings us to a more Macro term – Operating System.
Smartphone runs on operating systems which enables the phone
to perform with ease, delivering distinctive features and functionality. Google’s Android, Apple’s iOS, Microsoft’s
Windows Mobile, BlackBerry 10 and Ubuntu Phone are famous Operating Systems
from various brands.
Operating systems are basically subdivided into two parts.
An open source is a software which is customizable without any restrictions as
per users demand. Whereas the other imposes certain restrictions in using its
interface.
Android
Android is a flexible platform providing support to third
party applications and catering to wide range of specifications. It also fits
into a huge range of budgets.
Cupcake (1.5), Donut (1.6), Eclair (2.0 -2.1), Froyo (2.2 –
2.2.3), Gingerbread (2.3 – 2.3.7), Honeycomb (3.0 – 3.2.6), Ice Cream Sandwich
(4.0 – 4.0.4), Jelly Bean (4.1 – 4.3.1), KitKat (4.4 – 4.4.4), Lollipop (5.0 –
5.1.1), Marshmallow (6.0 – 6.0.1) – no we have not shifted from the topic.
These are Dessert inspired codenames of Android, a Google
product, which is an open source Operating System.
Android offers many features from Google products like
Google search, Google Maps, Google Docs, etc. With the launch of Android
Lollipop v5.0; every part of Android got altered to make it look glossier and a
number of animations were included. They named it “material design”.
Irrespective of the version that is installed the basic
android remains the same:
·
The lock screen displays notification.
·
The app-centric screen can be viewed once the
phone is unlocked
Because of its flexible nature; today android has every big
name and used in 80% of mobile devices.
With the latest version Android Marshmallow 6.0 we have
Google Now on Tap and touch ID. Google was the first company to install touch
ID in mobile phones which is way better and secured than putting a pattern or
password. Android is also the first platform to jump into wearables of various
shapes and sizes.
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