6 of the Best Android Mobile Devices
Android is the name given to a mobile operating system using a
customised version of the Linux kernel. It was first released in late
2008. The platform enables developers to write code in the Java
language, controlling the device via Java libraries developed by
Google.
The operating system is developed by the Open Handset
Alliance, a cosmopolitan collection of firms from a wide range of
technology
fields. Software companies that participate include Google and eBay,
with mobile operators being represented by firms such as T-mobile and
Vodafone. Semiconductor companies (including Intel, Nvidia,
Texas Instruments) also play a key role in developing the platform.
Moreover, handset manufacturers themselves contribute to the
development of Android. Notable names include HTC, Motorola,
Samsung Electronics, and LG.
Running Linux on mobile devices is not earth shatteringly new.
For example, Sharp used the Linux operating system in its
SL-5000D/SL-5500 PDA, which was released way back in 2003. The
venerable Nokia 770 Internet tablet released in 2005 used the Maemo
operating system, a platform developed by Nokia based on the Debian
distribution. Maemo is also the operating
system chosen to run the first Linux smartphone, the popular Nokia
N900. So Android is by no means a market leader in this regard.
In 2008 Symbian, the world's most currently used mobile
operating system, announced that it would make its code open source and
has now completed the move. What makes Android particularly interesting
is that it also uses free and open source software but is backed by
Google, the dominant search engine and developer of Google Docs.
With Android, any manufacturer can download and install onto
its hardware without paying a fee. This opens up the opportunity for
small and new market
players to enter the fray. The consumer will ultimately benefit from
this increased level of competition.
If you understood that Android is only used on mobile (cell)
phones, think again. The operating system also powers other devices
including a multimedia internet tablet, electronic book reader, a
netbook and
even dual-booting laptops. Expect to see many more Android powered
devices
in the next new months. Both Asus and HP will be shortly releasing
their
own Android netbooks. We are also excited by the imminent HTC Passion,
a smartphone due for release in April 2010.
Besides being free, Android has many other advantages which
set it apart from its competitors. It is a light platform, with great
mobile syncing, and has less malware than other mobile platforms (which
does not necessarily mean its more secure). Android already has a
great collection of thousands of applications available to download via
the Android Market, which makes it particularly appealing to developers
and consumers alike.
Now, let's explore the 6 Android devices at hand.
For each device we have compiled its own portal page, providing a
screenshot of the hardware, a full description with an in-depth
analysis of its
specifications, together with links to relevant resources and reviews.
Last Updated Saturday, April 10 2010 @ 04:09 PM EDT
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