What is Android?

What is Android? - Android dominates the Smartphone and Tablet world. But what exactly is Android and how does it work?

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Android is an operating system that Google has developed for mobile devices with touch screen operation especially smartphones and Tablet PC. Tens of millions of devices based on Android, hundreds of thousands come every day to do so. Android of undisputed market leader is now worldwide. In Germany, 80 percent of all newly purchased mobile devices have a pre-installed Android system. The iPhone system iOS on a comparable market share comes only in the United States. All other systems like Windows phone, BlackBerry, or Symbian are far behind.

A major reason for the growing success and distinguishing feature compared to Apple's iOS: Everyone may use the source code freely. Cell phone manufacturers have to pay any royalties to Google and can optimally adapt the operating system to the hardware of its devices. Smartphones from Samsung, Sony, HTC, Motorola, LG and many other manufacturers run mainly or even exclusively with Google's operating system. This leads to a huge variety of models. Android Smartphone is available in almost all price ranges and sizes

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The Motorola Moto G4 is the 2016er Edition of the annually renewed middle-class series of Lenovo subsidiary. (Source: manufacturer) The Sony Xperia XA is the technically weakest and most affordable model of new X series. (Source: manufacturer) The HTC 10 has a metal case and is notable for the sharp-edged appearance. (Source: manufacturer) The OnePlus 3 is the latest edition of the self-proclaimed "flagship killer". (Source: manufacturer) The Wiko Jerry is an entry-level Smartphone with 5 "display in five colours. (Source: manufacturer) The Huawei P9 is the top Smartphone of the Chinese manufacturer. (Source: manufacturer) The Sony Xperia X should actually replace the 2015 flagship Xperia Z5, but has a smaller display (5.0 inches), a weaker processor and a weaker battery (2620 mAh). (Source: manufacturer) The LG G5 is the new top model of the Korean manufacturer. (Source: manufacturer) The Apple iPhone SE is the new little Smartphone of the Californian manufacturer. (Source: manufacturer)
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Little helpers: Android apps

As well as for the competition systems by Apple or Microsoft, there are many mini-applications, known as apps for Android. Now over one million applications to choose from, from the simple Sudoku games about navigation software to complex multimedia applications are available. Most of the apps are optimized for smartphones, specially applications developed for large Tablet displays, however, are in the minority. The quality of apps varies greatly, the range of media such as films, books, comics is smaller.

Many of the apps are free, even the prices for paid apps rarely exceed five euros. Nevertheless, they can be expensive: in particular game developers track very successfully the principle to entice their customers with free later on in-app purchases correctly to win. In-app purchases are handled within the respective app, they relate to auxiliary services just for this app, about the dream car for a car racing game. Some of these purchases go even in the triple-digit euro range.

Free register at Google, can install apps from the official store of the play, formerly Android market directly on his Smartphone. For alternative app portals like the app store from Amazon, AndroidPit or F-Droid.org you do need a Google account.

What is Android?

An almost unlimited amount of apps and the largest smartphone models are strong arguments. Android proponents argue with the more flexible ability to customize, as is the case with other systems. Usually there are multiple home screens, on which the most important apps and also widgets drop leave next to the app menu. Widgets are not just start icons for apps, but functional surfaces with integrated control options.

Android is also characterized by the close integration of free Google services such as Gmail, Google maps and Picasa.

How do I get Android updates?

Android is evolving constantly. While Google first forwards his new versions of Android to the device manufacturers and mobile operators. Only about this, the Android updates can be related. In the settings menu of your Smartphone, it can be queried whether there are updates. Typically, the mobile phone owner gets also a message.

Since the manufacturer each new Android version only on their devices on

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