The Android OS is an open source operating system created by Android inc, and later purchased by Google, for mobile phones. Android OS is different, in that it is completely Open Source and a variety of phones have the potential to run the system. It runs on a linux kernal, meaning anyone can take the android source code and make any type of modifications to it. This makes Android truly remarkable and unique in granting users the potential to take full control of their devices.
Android has recently taken a new tier in the SmartPhone race, sharing a rivalry with the top Smart Phone OS' of our time; Windows Mobile, and IPhone OS. While Windows Mobile is featured heavily on many business smart phones, IPhone OS is featured solely on the Apple Branded IPhone. While I may be getting off topic, it's interesting to note that although the IPhone OS runs only on one device, while Windows Mobile and Android runs on many other devices, it hasn't slowed or stopped IPhone smart phone dominance, which has been going on since its release in 2007.
Android periodically features system upgrades, taking similarity in the naming from its Linux ancestry, Google names each release of the system after a dessert. 1.5 being the oldest system run on any phones is codenamed Cupcake, with 1.6 called donut, and 2.0 called Eclair. With the release of the Nexus One a new Android OS, 2.1 was released and while sources call it Flan, it is still considered under the Eclair name for lack of significant change(I still call it Flan).
The latest release of Android, 2.1 featured only as of right now on the Nexus One is actually one of the best OS releases on any SmartPhone, minus of course the physical keyboard which still make the Droid a viable option against the Nexus One. 2.0 featured a complete revamp of the Android Operating system, showing a vast array of new features for the platform, such as better microsoft exchange support, a browser with html 5 support, compatibility with better hardware such as more ram and a faster cpu, and the introduction of free Google Maps turn by turn direction.
Being an operating system supported heavily by Google, and of course running almost all of Google java engine programs, this system uses, if not takes advantage of many google applications.
To Start off, you need a Google Account when you purchase your Android Phone, it will not activate unless you input your credentials for your Google Account. It automatically syncs your gmail and on the web browser any blogger/picasa/google-docs/ and calender automatically sync with your phone. Another interesting note is that it syncs your contacts list from your Google account to the phone as well. A service like this can only be seen on one other device, the Apple IPhone, in which if you have a mobile me account, everything from there including your calenders, mail, and contacts list automatically syncs with your phone and offers PUSH service. The difference between using Mobile Me for the IPhone and Google Apps for the Android is the cost. Google Apps is free, while Mobile Me costs $99.99.
I'll get more in detail about using Google Apps, as well as other applications and uses of the Android Device on the next part of "What is Android". Thanks for reading =]
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