All You Need To Know About Android Phones
Article by Barry Knightly
Introduction to the Android Platform
Android technology for mobile devices was developed by Google along with a collaboration of hardware, software and telecom companies called the Open Handset Alliance. It was first officially revealed in 2007.
Android mobile phones use coding standards and applications that are open source, meaning anyone who has a development idea, whether they’re a professional or an amateur tinkering at home; can set about creating and releasing their innovations. Because no specific company owns the technology, developers are easily able to write new programs and apps, taking mobile computing to new levels at an unprecedented speed.
To fully explain how revolutionary this open source Android platform is, traditional mobile technology in comparison has been held back by strict proprietary laws that prevent innovators from creating fresh programs. The iPhone is a good example of this – Apple is struggling to come up with cutting-edge ideas as fast as Android because anyone looking to do so is bound or even barred by copyright issues.
The first Android phone sold to the public was the T-mobile G1 in 2008. These days, most mobile manufacturers have developed their own versions carrying the Android platform – its popularity is increasing like wild fire and current figures show there are at least 200 000 new Android activations daily with approximately 80 000 applications available for download.
Android technology not only encourages a rapid turnaround of new development ideas and apps for download, it gives you the ability to seamlessly run multiple applications at the same time and in the background. This results in an impressive and simplified user experience that is taking the world by storm.
Main Benefits of Android Phones
Open Platform Advantages
Not only does Android technology provide a standardised platform to create new applications without developers having to worry about legal tangles as described above, they also don’t have the problem of making their inventions compatible with other platforms that run on different coding. This means that you the user will have access to an ever increasing flood of cutting-edge applications for download plus you’ll also be able share these apps across the wide range of handsets and networks that use it.
Another exciting benefit of an open source platform is that because developers are constantly contributing to it, you will have a robust support network on tap to help you configure new applications.
Customisation
Google’s Android platform makes it simple as pie for the individual to tailor their phone so that it matches their personal preferences and tastes. It offers a wide variety of features for you to choose from and customise, plus a constantly increasing range of animated live wallpapers and widgets to ensure your handset reflects your unique personality.
Cost
At present, you can get your hands on an Android phone SIM-free from around ?80 at the entry level, rising to over ?500 for high-end handsets. Networks are currently charging standard tariffs that vary between ?15 and ?35. Since Android phones are still fairly new to the market, their cost has not yet dropped to levels as low as some would like, however this will certainly change over time because the very nature of an open source platform allows it to be far more competitively priced than handsets that carry operating systems from big name brands such as Windows, Apple or the Palm OS.
Top Android Buying Tips
Operating System
The Android operating system is distributed by both the Google Mobile Service (GMS) and the Open Handset Distribution (OHD). You’re advised to aim for a mobile phone that uses the GMS system since it will be guaranteed to pack the biggest punch compared to the OHD model in terms of having the most current services and facilities from Google and the Android market.
Brands Versus Priorities
These days most mobile manufacturers have jumped on the Android smartphone bandwagon, so if you’re a devotee of a particular brand (except Apple), you should be able to buy one from them. On the other hand, to get an Android handset that best suits your preferences and needs, I recommend you make a list of the features that are top on your priority list and do your research in finding the models that match them. Also, be aware that Google updates their Android software at an incredibly fast rate, so if you want to stay fully up to date with the latest innovations, make sure to buy an Android phone that supports OS upgrades.
Conclusion
The above guide explains why Android phones are becoming such a must-have, even rivalling Apple’s iPhones as the shiniest star of the show. Don’t forget however that when shopping around, the same applies to an Android phone as to buying most things – be sure to research and compare the different models on the marketplace that suit both your budget and your performance preferences.
Barry Knightly owns a retail and repair outlet for Android phones.
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