Say “iPhone” or “BlackBerry” and people immediately know what you’re talking about. Say “Android” and you’re just as likely to be met with a confused look as you are a nod of acknowledgment, even though it’s become the leading smartphone platform in the U.S. So then, just what is Android? It’s an operating system created by Google that can work on various mobile devices, each with its own special features. Confused? Not to worry. We’ve put together an Android FAQ, so the next time someone asks, “What’s Android?” you’ll be the first to reply.
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Now then, what exactly is Android? Short answer: Android is a smartphone operating system created by the smart folks at Google. It can run on tablets, ebook readers, media tablets and smartphones. The technology is open, so users can choose from a wide range of devices, prices and manufacturers that use Android. |
| Who makes Android smartphones? Honestly, it’s easier to tell you who doesn’t. Apple, RIM and Nokia don’t, whereas just about every other cellphone manufacturer does. That new Samsung Galaxy S you’ve been eyeing? It’s an Android-running device. The awesome Xperia X10 from Sony Ericsson – you guessed it, Android. HTC, Motorola and Acer all make devices that can run Android. And the list keeps growing as more smartphone junkies discover how cool Android is. |
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Can’t I just call it a “Google phone”? This is a bit of a confusing point, so bear with me. Yes, Android is made by Google, but Google doesn’t make phones. Google makes software-like systems that can be run on any number of phones (or computers, or tablets…catch my drift?). That said, Google has partnered with manufacturers to make Android phones including HTC’s Nexus One and the Nexus S by Samsung. |
| Which is the best Android phone? There is no hard and fast answer to this one. The best Android phone is the one that has the features you want and does the things you need it to do. There are Android devices with full, QWERTY keyboards, ones with massive screens, ones with super-fast processors and touchscreens – you name it, and there’s likely an Android device with it. |
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Is Android just for smartphones? While we know Android as a smartphone platform, the technology itself is open and could extend to anything electronic. Like what? Well, there could be an Android-running gaming/entertainment console, for example. Tablets and ebook readers are the first commercial Android offshoots, but even netbook and media-player makers could adapt Android to meet their needs. |
| Does it play music and movies, too? It sure does. Android supports a wide range of video file types and, unlike an iPhone, which forces you to use iTunes, there are a variety of media players available in the Android Market. Drag and drop your music and movies from a computer or use Jango, Last.fm or any of a number of other over-the-air radio services. Some handsets even have FM tuners. |
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Can I email and browse the web? Absolutely. We’re talking smartphones, after all. With Android you get a browser with Flash support (called WebKit). As for email, you can access your Gmail as well as all the other Google-supported, cloud-based programs and features now commonplace. Of course, being an open system, you can also access any email account. |
| What about apps? We know, you love apps, With more than 150,000 in the Android Market, you’re covered for just about anything: productivity apps, podcast catchers, shopping list managers and music and movie players. Just about anything you can imagine. |
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What do gamers think of Android? Gamers love Android. There are some great games already available. Indeed, some, like Angry Birds, which cost money in the Apple App Store are free and ad-supported on Android. Sports games, puzzle games, arcade and action games – whatever you’re looking for, the Android Market has something to offer. |
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Aside from delicious, what are Frozen Yogurt (Froyo), Gingerbread and Honeycomb? Android has a funny naming convention. All major Android version updates are named for desserts, in addition to the numerical version number. The first tastefully named update for Android was Cupcake (1.5) followed by Donut and Eclair. Froyo (2.2) and Gingerbread (2.3) are currently in the channel. Honeycomb (3.0), designed for tablets, is next, followed by Ice Cream Sandwich (2.4), which takes some of the improvements from Honeycomb and brings them to the smartphone screen, too. |
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