Understanding Android Mobile Phones: Market, Features, and Ecosystem
What is an Android Phone?
Simply put, the term ldquo;Android phonerdquo; refers to a mobile smartphone that uses the Android OS as its mobile operating system platform. While it may seem straightforward, the term can be misleading to those unfamiliar with smartphone manufacturing. It's important to understand that Android itself does not manufacture, market, or distribute smartphones. Companies like Samsung, Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and HTC are some of the popular makers of Android smartphones.
The term ldquo;Android phonerdquo; is broad and does not refer to any specific make or model of smartphone but is instead a catch-all term. To date, there are over 31,000 different Android-based smartphones in circulation worldwide, manufactured by over 1,500 different OEMs globally. Android holds around 86% of the global market share of mobile OS platforms and is the most popular and widely used platform in 190 countries around the world. As of February 1, 2023, there are over 3 billion active Android mobile devices in use globally. This means for every iPhone user, there are five Android users. In the United States, about 60% of smartphones are Android-based. In countries like India, Android has nearly 100% of the total market share.
Android Operating System: Features and Technology
Android Mobile Phones are powered by a mobile operating system based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. The operating system is developed by a consortium of developers known as the Open Handset Alliance (OHA) and is commercially sponsored by Google. The OHA, which was established in 2007, works to ensure competition and innovation in the mobile ecosystem.
The Android OS was unveiled in November 2007, with the first commercial Android device, the HTC Dream, launching in September 2008. It is free and open-source software, meaning anyone can modify and distribute it. However, most Android devices come with additional proprietary software pre-installed, most notably Google Mobile Services (GMS). GMS includes core applications such as Google Chrome, the digital distribution platform Google Play, and associated Google Play Services development platform.
Google's Ecosystem and Android Devices
About 70% of Android mobile phones run Google's ecosystem, some with vendor-customized user interfaces and software suites such as TouchWiz by Samsung and HTC Sense. Following the GMS standard, these devices are more closely integrated with Google services, offering a seamless experience for users. However, it's worth noting that competing Android ecosystems and forks exist, such as Fire OS, developed by Amazon, or LineageOS, which is a community-driven open-source Android build.
It's important to recognize that while these devices are often referred to as Android phones, the “Android” name and logo are trademarks of Google. This trademark means that outside proprietary devices (i.e., those that do not meet Google's compliance standards) are limited in their use of the Android name and logo. However, many Android devices offer a highly integrated experience with Google services, making them convenient and user-friendly for a wide range of users.
Conclusion
Android mobile phones have become an integral part of the mobile landscape, dominating the market with their widespread adoption and extensive ecosystem of applications and services. Understanding the history, technology, and current status of Android phones is crucial for anyone interested in the smartphone market. Whether you are a tech enthusiast or a casual user, the flexibility and robustness of the Android platform make it a preferred choice for many.