View source for Android (operating system)

{{other uses|Android (disambiguation)}}
{{pp-semi-protected|small=yes}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2018}}
{{Infobox OS
| name = Android
| logo = [[File:Android robot 2014.svg|75px]]<br />[[File:Android logo (2014).svg|200px]]
| logo alt = A stylized green robot with rounded head featuring two antennas and blank dots for eyes, a blank space separating its head from the body similar to an egg but with a flat base, and two rounded rectangles on either side for its arms
| screenshot = 
| developer = [[Google]],<br>[[Open Handset Alliance]]
| family = [[Unix-like]] (Modified [[Linux kernel]])
| working state = Current
| source model = [[Open source software|Open source]] (most devices include [[proprietary software|proprietary]] components, such as [[Google Play]])
| released = {{start date and age|2008|9|23}}<ref>{{cite web |first=Dan |last=Morrill |title=Announcing the Android 1.0 SDK, release 1 |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2008/09/announcing-android-10-sdk-release-1.html |website=Android Developers Blog |publisher=Google |date=September 23, 2008 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305061323/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2008/09/announcing-android-10-sdk-release-1.html |archivedate=March 5, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
| latest release version = [[Android Pie|9 "Pie"]]
| latest release date = {{start date and age|2018|08|06}}
| latest preview version = [[Android P]]
| latest preview date = {{start date and age|2018|07|25}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Android P |url=https://developer.android.com/preview/download.html |website=Android Developers |publisher=Google |date=March 9, 2018 |accessdate=March 9, 2018 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817224047/http://developer.android.com/preview/download.html |archivedate=August 17, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
| marketing target = [[Smartphone]]s, [[tablet computer]]s, [[smartTV]]s ([[Android TV]]), [[Android Auto]] and [[smartwatch]]es ([[Wear OS]])
| programmed in = {{nowrap|[[Java (programming language)|Java]] (UI), [[C (programming language)|C]] (core), [[C++]] and others<ref>{{cite web |title=Android Language Breakdown |url=https://www.openhub.net/p/android/analyses/latest/languages_summary |publisher=[[Open Hub]] |date=October 25, 2017 |accessdate=December 15, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214124807/https://www.openhub.net/p/android/analyses/latest/languages_summary |archivedate=December 14, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>}}
| language count = 100+<!--7.0 has "100 new languages", so 170? or just 100[+]? -->
| language footnote = <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.android.com/versions/nougat-7-0/ |title=Android 7.0 Nougat |quote=Internationalization<br>Multi-locale support [..]<!--: Select multiple locales in Settings to tailor experiences for you, such as showing search results in multiple languages and not offering to translate webpages in a language you already know.--><br>New languages supported: Coupled with allowing you to select multiple languages preferences, Android Nougat allows you to select from 100 new languages and 25 locales for commonly used languages such as English, Spanish, French, and Arabic. This enables Apps to better support and understanding your language preferences even if your devices lacks official support for it.<!--<br>New language preferences: Sort your language preferences so that apps can pick the right keyboard & text for you.--> |accessdate=September 5, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822165625/https://www.android.com/versions/nougat-7-0/ |archivedate=August 22, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
| package manager = [[Android application package|APK]] (primarily through Google Play; installation of [https://apkclasico.com/ APK mod] also possible locally<!-- through debug bridge?--> or from alternative sources such as [[F-Droid]])
| supported platforms = [[32-bit|32-]] and [[64-bit computing|64-bit]] [[ARM architecture|ARM]], [[x86]] and [[x86-64]] <!-- [[MIPS architecture|MIPS and MIPS64]] [[deprecation|deprecated]] in Android [NDK]-->
| kernel type = [[Monolithic kernel|Monolithic]] ([[#Linux kernel|modified Linux kernel]])
| userland = [[Bionic (software)|Bionic libc]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://android.googlesource.com/platform/bionic/+/master/libc/|title=android/platform/bionic/|publisher=|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203194018/https://android.googlesource.com/platform/bionic/+/master/libc/|archivedate=December 3, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref> [[Korn shell|mksh]] shell,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://android.googlesource.com/platform/external/mksh/+/master |title=android/platform/external/mksh/ |publisher= |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121112754/https://android.googlesource.com/platform/external/mksh/%2B/master |archivedate=January 21, 2016 |df=mdy }}</ref> [[Toybox]] as core utilities (beginning with Android 6.0<ref>{{cite web|url=https://android.googlesource.com/platform/external/toybox/+/master/toys/|title=android/platform/external/toybox/toys/|publisher=|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314013620/https://android.googlesource.com/platform/external/toybox/+/master/toys/|archivedate=March 14, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://lwn.net/Articles/629362/|title=Android gets a toybox|publisher=|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304204730/https://lwn.net/Articles/629362/|archivedate=March 4, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref>)
<!-- Toybox in all currently supported, i.e. 6.0 not: so to much trivia for infobox: previously native core utilities with a few from [[NetBSD]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://android.googlesource.com/platform/system/core/+/master/toolbox/ |title=android/platform/system/core/toolbox/ |publisher= |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209072904/https://android.googlesource.com/platform/system/core/%2B/master/toolbox/ |archivedate=February 9, 2014 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://android.googlesource.com/platform/system/core/+/master/toolbox/dd.c |title=dd command from NetBSD as an example |publisher= |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319062536/https://android.googlesource.com/platform/system/core/%2B/master/toolbox/dd.c |archivedate=March 19, 2014 |df= }}</ref> -->| ui = [[Graphical user interface|Graphical]] ([[multi-touch]])
| license = [[Apache License]] 2.0<br />[[GNU GPL]] v2 for the Linux kernel modifications<ref>{{cite web |title=Licenses |url=https://source.android.com/source/licenses.html |website=Android Source |publisher=Google |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161215180642/http://source.android.com/source/licenses.html |archivedate=December 15, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
| website = {{URL|https://android.com/}}
| bodystyle = width:323px
}}

'''Android''' is a [[mobile operating system]] developed by Google, based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other [[open source]] software and designed primarily for [[touchscreen]] mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. In addition, Google<ref>{{cite web |title=things-to-know-about-the-google-and-its-benefits/ |url=https://retargetingnews.com/things-to-know-about-the-google-and-its-benefits/ |website=retargetingnews.com |access-date=9 June 2023}}</ref> has further developed Android TV for televisions, Android Auto for cars, and Wear OS for wrist watches, each with a specialized user interface. Variants of Android are also used on [[Video game console|game consoles]], [[digital camera]]s, [[Personal computer|PCs]] and other electronics.

Initially developed by Android Inc., which Google bought in 2005, Android was unveiled in 2007, with the [[HTC Dream|first commercial Android device]] launched in September 2008. The operating system has since gone through multiple major releases, with the current version being 9 "Pie", released in August 2018. The core Android source code is known as Android Open Source Project (AOSP), and is primarily licensed under the Apache License.

Android is also associated with a suite of proprietary software developed by Google, called [[Google Mobile Services]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.android.com/gms/|title=Android – Google Mobile Services|website=Android|language=en-US|quote=While the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) provides common, device-level functionalities such as email and calling, GMS is not part of AOSP. GMS is only available through a license with Google [..] We ask GMS partners to pass a simple compatibility test and adhere to our compatibility requirements for their Android devices.|access-date=2018-10-21}}</ref> (GMS) that very frequently comes pre-installed in devices, which usually includes the [[Google Chrome]] web browser and [[Google Search (mobile app)|Google Search]]<!--"The Google app and Chrome are not included in GMS for devices shipped in the EEA. Inquire for a separate license." --> and always includes core apps for services such as [[Gmail]], as well as the [[application store]] and [[digital distribution]] platform Google Play, and associated [[Google Play Services|development platform]]. These apps are licensed by manufacturers of Android devices certified under standards imposed by Google, but AOSP has been used as the basis of competing Android ecosystems, such as [[Amazon.com]]'s [[Fire OS]], which use their own equivalents to GMS.

Android has been the best-selling OS worldwide on smartphones since 2011 and on tablets since 2013. {{As of|2017|5}}, it has over two billion monthly active users, the largest [[installed base]] of any operating system, and as of June 2018, the Google Play store features over 3.3&nbsp;million apps.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/266210/number-of-available-applications-in-the-google-play-store/|title=Number of Google Play Store apps 2018 {{!}} Statistic|website=Statista|language=en|access-date=2018-06-28}}</ref>

== History ==
{{See also|Android version history}}
The name Andrew and the noun Android share the Greek root andros, which means man. Andy Rubin picked android.com as his personal website, and his colleagues used Android as his nickname at work. That eventually became the name of the company he founded, and the name of the operating system they developed.<ref>{{Cite web| last = Jeffries| first = Adrianne| title = Disconnect: why Andy Rubin and Android called it quits| work = The Verge| accessdate = 2018-10-26| date = 2013-03-19| url = https://www.theverge.com/2013/3/19/4120208/why-andy-rubin-android-called-it-quits}}</ref>[[File:HTC HT722G700375 20080211.jpg|thumb|upright|The "Sooner" prototype phone,<ref>{{cite web |first=Richard |last=Devine |title=Google Sooner prototype appears, shows off one Google's first prototype builds of Android |url=https://www.androidcentral.com/google-sooner-prototype-appears-shows-one-googles-first-prototype-builds-android |website=Android Central |publisher=Mobile Nations |date=May 6, 2012 |accessdate=November 9, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109000642/https://www.androidcentral.com/google-sooner-prototype-appears-shows-one-googles-first-prototype-builds-android |archivedate=November 9, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> running a pre-release version of Android]]

Android Inc. was founded in [[Palo Alto, California]], in October 2003 by [[Andy Rubin]], [[Rich Miner]], Nick Sears, and Chris White.<ref>{{cite web |title=Google's Android OS: Past, Present, and Future |url=http://www.phonearena.com/news/Googles-Android-OS-Past-Present-and-Future_id21273 |website=PhoneArena |date=August 18, 2011 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313044444/http://www.phonearena.com/news/Googles-Android-OS-Past-Present-and-Future_id21273 |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="Google Buys Android">{{cite web |first=Ben |last=Elgin |title=Google Buys Android for Its Mobile Arsenal |url=http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/aug2005/tc20050817_0949_tc024.htm |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110205190729/http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/aug2005/tc20050817_0949_tc024.htm |website=[[Bloomberg Businessweek]] |publisher=[[Bloomberg L.P.]] |date=August 17, 2005 |archivedate=February 5, 2011 |accessdate=March 12, 2017}}</ref> Rubin described the Android project as "tremendous potential in developing smarter mobile devices that are more aware of its owner's location and preferences".<ref name="Google Buys Android"/> The early intentions of the company were to develop an advanced operating system for digital cameras, and this was the basis of its pitch to investors in April 2004.<ref name="pcworld-camera-os">{{cite web |first=Jay |last=Alabaster |title=Android founder: We aimed to make a camera OS |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2034723/android-founder-we-aimed-to-make-a-camera-os.html |website=[[PC World]] |publisher=[[International Data Group]] |date=April 16, 2013 |accessdate=May 9, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510103305/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2034723/android-founder-we-aimed-to-make-a-camera-os.html |archivedate=May 10, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The company then decided that the market for cameras was not large enough for its goals, and by five months later it had diverted its efforts and was pitching Android as a handset operating system that would rival [[Symbian]] and Microsoft [[Windows Mobile]].<ref name="pcworld-camera-os"/><ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Welch |title=Before it took over smartphones, Android was originally destined for cameras |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/4/16/4230468/android-originally-designed-for-cameras-before-smartphones |website=[[The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=April 16, 2013 |accessdate=May 9, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429062213/http://www.theverge.com/2013/4/16/4230468/android-originally-designed-for-cameras-before-smartphones |archivedate=April 29, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Rubin had difficulty attracting investors early on, and Android was facing eviction from its office space. [[Steve Perlman]], a close friend of Rubin, brought him $10,000 in cash in an envelope, and shortly thereafter wired an undisclosed amount as seed funding. Perlman refused a stake in the company, and has stated "I did it because I believed in the thing, and I wanted to help Andy."<ref>{{cite web |first=Lisa |last=Eadicicco |title=THE RISE OF ANDROID: How a flailing startup became the world's biggest computing platform |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/how-android-was-created-2015-3 |website=[[Business Insider]] |publisher=[[Axel Springer SE]] |date=March 27, 2015 |accessdate=May 9, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170520025143/http://www.businessinsider.com/how-android-was-created-2015-3 |archivedate=May 20, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Ashlee |last=Vance |title=Steve Perlman's Wireless Fix |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2011-07-27/steve-perlmans-wireless-fix |website=Bloomberg Businessweek |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |date=July 29, 2011 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319032000/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2011-07-27/steve-perlmans-wireless-fix |archivedate=March 19, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

In July 2005,<ref name="Google Buys Android"/> Google acquired Android Inc. for at least $50 million.<ref name="Murky road despite dominance">{{cite web |first=Farhad |last=Manjoo |title=A Murky Road Ahead for Android, Despite Market Dominance |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/28/technology/personaltech/a-murky-road-ahead-for-android-despite-market-dominance.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=May 27, 2015 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706094446/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/28/technology/personaltech/a-murky-road-ahead-for-android-despite-market-dominance.html |archivedate=July 6, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Its key employees, including Rubin, Miner and White, joined Google as part of the acquisition.<ref name="Google Buys Android"/> Not much was known about the secretive Android at the time, with the company having provided few details other than that it was making software for mobile phones.<ref name="Google Buys Android"/> At Google, the team led by Rubin developed a mobile device platform powered by the Linux kernel. Google marketed the platform to [[Original equipment manufacturer|handset makers]] and [[Mobile network operator|carriers]] on the promise of providing a flexible, upgradeable system.<ref>{{cite web |first=Ryan |last=Block |title=Google is working on a mobile OS, and it's due out shortly |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/08/28/google-is-working-on-a-mobile-os-and-its-due-out-shortly/ |website=[[Engadget]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=August 28, 2007 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312063351/https://www.engadget.com/2007/08/28/google-is-working-on-a-mobile-os-and-its-due-out-shortly/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Google had "lined up a series of hardware components and software partners and signaled to carriers that it was open to various degrees of cooperation".{{attribution needed|date=April 2018}}<ref>{{cite web |first1=Amol |last1=Sharma |first2=Kevin J. |last2=Delaney |title=Google Pushes Tailored Phones To Win Lucrative Ad Market |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB118602176520985718 |website=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |publisher=[[Dow Jones & Company]] |date=August 2, 2007 |accessdate=July 24, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729160919/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB118602176520985718 |archivedate=July 29, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Speculation about Google's intention to enter the mobile communications market continued to build through December 2006.<ref>{{cite news|last=McKay |first=Martha |url=http://record-bergen.vlex.com/vid/iphone-phone-linksys-versatile-cordless-62885923 |archive-url=https://archive.is/20130205165207/http://record-bergen.vlex.com/vid/iphone-phone-linksys-versatile-cordless-62885923 |dead-url=yes |archive-date=February 5, 2013 |title=Can iPhone become your phone?; Linksys introduces versatile line for cordless service |work=[[The Record (Bergen County)]] |page=L9 |date=December 21, 2006 |accessdate=February 21, 2012 |quote=And don't hold your breath, but the same cell phone-obsessed tech watchers say it won't be long before Google jumps headfirst into the phone biz. Phone, anyone? |df= }}</ref> An early [[prototype]] had a close resemblance to a [[BlackBerry]] phone, with no touchscreen and a physical [[QWERTY]] [[Computer keyboard|keyboard]], but the arrival of 2007's [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] [[iPhone]] meant that Android "had to go back to the drawing board".<ref>{{cite web |first=Daniel |last=Ionescu |title=Original Android Prototype Revealed During Google, Oracle Trial |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/254539/original_android_prototype_revealed_during_google_oracle_trial.html |website=PC World |publisher=International Data Group |date=April 26, 2012 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211210905/http://www.pcworld.com/article/254539/original_android_prototype_revealed_during_google_oracle_trial.html |archivedate=February 11, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Ziegler |title=This was the original 'Google Phone' presented in 2006 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/4/25/2974676/this-was-the-original-google-phone-presented-in-2006 |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=April 25, 2012 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325035619/http://www.theverge.com/2012/4/25/2974676/this-was-the-original-google-phone-presented-in-2006 |archivedate=March 25, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Google later changed its Android specification documents to state that "Touchscreens will be supported", although "the Product was designed with the presence of discrete physical buttons as an assumption, therefore a touchscreen cannot completely replace physical buttons".<ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Ziegler |title=Google in 2007: 'a touchscreen cannot completely replace physical buttons' |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/4/25/2974843/google-in-2007-a-touchscreen-cannot-completely-replace-physical/in/2731667 |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=April 25, 2012 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623190711/https://www.theverge.com/2012/4/25/2974843/google-in-2007-a-touchscreen-cannot-completely-replace-physical/in/2731667 |archivedate=June 23, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> By 2008, both [[Nokia]] and BlackBerry announced touch-based smartphones to rival the [[iPhone 3G]], and Android's focus eventually switched to just touchscreens. The first commercially available smartphone running Android was the HTC Dream, also known as T-Mobile G1, announced on September 23, 2008.<ref>{{cite web |first=Doug |last=Aamoth |title=T-Mobile officially announces the G1 Android phone |url=https://techcrunch.com/2008/09/23/t-mobile-officially-announces-the-g1-android-phone/ |website=[[TechCrunch]] |publisher=AOL |date=September 23, 2008 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313042152/https://techcrunch.com/2008/09/23/t-mobile-officially-announces-the-g1-android-phone/ |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Richard |last=Gao |title=Android and its first purchasable product, the T-Mobile G1, celebrate their 8th birthdays today |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/09/23/android-first-purchasable-product-t-mobile-g1-celebrate-8th-birthdays-today/ |website=Android Police |date=September 23, 2016 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313045236/http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/09/23/android-first-purchasable-product-t-mobile-g1-celebrate-8th-birthdays-today/ |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

[[File:HTC Android T-Mobile G1.jpg|thumb|left|200px|HTC Dream or T-Mobile G1, the first commercially released device running Android (2008).]]

On November 5, 2007, the Open Handset Alliance, a [[consortium]] of technology companies including Google, device manufacturers such as [[HTC]], [[Motorola Mobility|Motorola]] and [[Samsung]], wireless carriers such as [[Sprint Corporation|Sprint]] and [[T-Mobile US|T-Mobile]], and chipset makers such as [[Qualcomm]] and [[Texas Instruments]], unveiled itself, with a goal to develop "the first truly open and comprehensive platform for mobile devices".<ref name="Announcement of OHA">{{cite web |title=Industry Leaders Announce Open Platform for Mobile Devices |url=http://www.openhandsetalliance.com/press_110507.html |website=Open Handset Alliance |date=November 5, 2007 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/65rAj5GdL?url=http://www.openhandsetalliance.com/press_110507.html |archivedate=March 2, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Erick |last=Schonfeld |title=Breaking: Google Announces Android and Open Handset Alliance |url=https://techcrunch.com/2007/11/05/breaking-google-announces-android-and-open-handset-alliance/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=November 5, 2007 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622140334/https://techcrunch.com/2007/11/05/breaking-google-announces-android-and-open-handset-alliance/ |archivedate=June 22, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Andy |last=Rubin |title=Where's my Gphone? |url=https://googleblog.blogspot.no/2007/11/wheres-my-gphone.html |website=Official Google Blog |publisher=Google |date=November 5, 2007 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313040638/https://googleblog.blogspot.no/2007/11/wheres-my-gphone.html |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Within a year, the Open Handset Alliance faced two other open source competitors, the [[Symbian Foundation]] and the [[LiMo Foundation]], the latter also developing a [[Linux]]-based mobile operating system like Google. In September 2007, ''[[InformationWeek]]'' covered an Evalueserve study reporting that Google had filed several [[patent]] applications in the area of mobile telephony.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=201807587&cid=nl_IWK_daily |title=Google's Secret Patent Portfolio Predicts gPhone |last=Claburn |first=Thomas |work=InformationWeek |date=September 19, 2007 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080317142342/http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=201807587&cid=nl_IWK_daily |archivedate=March 17, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=James Quintana |last=Pearce |title=Google’s Strong Mobile-Related Patent Portfolio |url=https://gigaom.com/2007/09/20/419-googles-strong-mobile-related-patent-portfolio/ |website=[[Gigaom]] |publisher=Knowingly, Corp. |date=September 20, 2007 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313124031/https://gigaom.com/2007/09/20/419-googles-strong-mobile-related-patent-portfolio/ |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Since 2008, Android has seen [[Android version history|numerous updates]] which have incrementally improved the operating system, adding new features and fixing [[Software bug|bugs]] in previous releases. Each major release is named in alphabetical order after a dessert or sugary treat, with the first few Android versions being called "[[Cupcake]]", "[[Donut]]", "[[Eclair]]", and "[[Frozen yogurt|Froyo]]", in that order. During its announcement of [[Android KitKat]] in 2013, Google explained that "Since these devices make our lives so sweet, each Android version is named after a dessert", although a Google spokesperson told [[CNN]] in an interview that "It’s kind of like an internal team thing, and we prefer to be a little bit — how should I say — a bit inscrutable in the matter, I’ll say".<ref>{{cite web |first=Murali K. |last=Menon |title=Android Nougat: Here’s why Google names the OS after sweets |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/food-wine/from-donut-to-nougat-why-are-android-versions-named-after-sweets-2887237/ |website=[[The Indian Express]] |publisher=[[Indian Express Limited]] |date=July 3, 2016 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313044156/http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/food-wine/from-donut-to-nougat-why-are-android-versions-named-after-sweets-2887237/ |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

In 2010, Google launched its [[Google Nexus|Nexus]] series of devices, a lineup in which Google partnered with different device manufacturers to produce new devices and introduce new Android versions. The series was described as having "played a pivotal role in Android's history by introducing new software iterations and hardware standards across the board", and became known for its "[[Software bloat|bloat-free]]" software with "timely&nbsp;... updates".<ref>{{cite web |first=Florence |last=Ion |title=From Nexus One to Nexus 10: a brief history of Google’s flagship devices |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/05/from-the-nexus-one-to-the-nexus-10-a-brief-history-of-nexus-devices/ |website=[[Ars Technica]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |date=May 15, 2013 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624004245/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/05/from-the-nexus-one-to-the-nexus-10-a-brief-history-of-nexus-devices/ |archivedate=June 24, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> At its [[Google I/O|developer conference]] in May 2013, Google announced a special version of the [[Samsung Galaxy S4]], where, instead of using Samsung's own Android customization, the phone ran "stock Android" and was promised to receive new system updates fast.<ref>{{cite web |first=Sean |last=Hollister |title=Google turns the Samsung Galaxy S4 into a Nexus phone, coming June 26th for $649 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/15/4333716/galaxy-s4-stock-android-google-io-2013 |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=May 15, 2013 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226220255/http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/15/4333716/galaxy-s4-stock-android-google-io-2013 |archivedate=December 26, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The device would become the start of the [[List of Google Play edition devices|Google Play edition]] program, and was followed by other devices, including the [[HTC One (M7)|HTC One]] Google Play edition,<ref>{{cite web |first=Andrew |last=Cunningham |title=Review: The HTC One Google Play edition offers the best of both worlds |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/07/review-the-htc-one-google-play-edition-offers-the-best-of-both-worlds/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=July 4, 2013 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313043321/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/07/review-the-htc-one-google-play-edition-offers-the-best-of-both-worlds/ |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and [[Moto G (1st generation)|Moto G]] Google Play edition.<ref>{{cite web |first=Andrew |last=Cunningham |title=Moto G Google Play edition replaces near-stock Android with stock Android |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/01/moto-g-google-play-edition-replaces-near-stock-android-with-stock-android/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=January 14, 2014 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313042911/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/01/moto-g-google-play-edition-replaces-near-stock-android-with-stock-android/ |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In 2015, ''Ars Technica'' wrote that "Earlier this week, the last of the Google Play edition Android phones in Google's online storefront were listed as "no longer available for sale" and that "Now they're all gone, and it looks a whole lot like the program has wrapped up".<ref>{{cite web |first=Andrew |last=Cunningham |title=Don’t cry for the Google Play edition program; it was already dead |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/01/dont-cry-for-the-google-play-edition-program-it-was-already-dead/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=January 25, 2015 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313124209/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/01/dont-cry-for-the-google-play-edition-program-it-was-already-dead/ |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Chavez |title=Google kills off the last remaining Google Play Edition device in the Play Store |url=http://phandroid.com/2015/01/21/google-kills-htc-one-m8-google-play-edition/ |website=Phandroid |date=January 21, 2015 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129102958/http://phandroid.com/2015/01/21/google-kills-htc-one-m8-google-play-edition/ |archivedate=November 29, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

[[File:A Press Conference for the Launch of Nexus 7 on September 27, 2012 in Seoul from acrofan 3.JPG|thumb|[[Eric Schmidt]], Andy Rubin and [[Hugo Barra]] at a 2012 press conference announcing Google's Nexus 7 tablet]]

From 2008 to 2013, Hugo Barra served as product spokesperson, representing Android at press conferences and Google I/O, Google's annual developer-focused conference. He left Google in August 2013 to join Chinese phone maker [[Xiaomi]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Mat |last=Smith |title=Android VP Hugo Barra leaves Google, joins Chinese phone maker Xiaomi (updated) |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/08/28/android-vp-hugo-barra-report-leaves-google-xiaomi/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=August 28, 2013 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313041804/https://www.engadget.com/2013/08/28/android-vp-hugo-barra-report-leaves-google-xiaomi/ |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Egan |last=Orion |title=Google's Android VP Hugo Barra joins Chinese phone maker Xiaomi |url=http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2291600/googles-android-vp-hugo-barra-joins-chinese-phone-maker-xiaomi |website=[[The Inquirer]] |publisher=[[Incisive Media]] |date=August 28, 2013 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313041606/http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2291600/googles-android-vp-hugo-barra-joins-chinese-phone-maker-xiaomi |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Less than six months earlier, Google's then-[[CEO]] [[Larry Page]] announced in a blog post that Andy Rubin had moved from the Android division to take on new projects at Google, and that [[Sundar Pichai]] would become the new Android lead.<ref>{{cite web |first=Larry |last=Page |title=Update from the CEO |url=https://googleblog.blogspot.no/2013/03/update-from-ceo.html |website=Official Google Blog |publisher=Google |date=March 13, 2013 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313043456/https://googleblog.blogspot.no/2013/03/update-from-ceo.html |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Charles |last=Arthur |title=Andy Rubin moved from Android to take on 'moonshots' at Google |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/mar/13/andy-rubin-google-move |website=[[The Guardian]] |publisher=[[Guardian Media Group]] |date=March 13, 2013 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312004957/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/mar/13/andy-rubin-google-move |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Pichai himself would eventually switch positions, becoming the new CEO of Google in August 2015 following the company's restructure into the [[Alphabet Inc.|Alphabet]] conglomerate,<ref>{{cite web |first=Russell |last=Brandom |title=Google is reorganizing and Sundar Pichai will become new CEO |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/8/10/9128083/sundar-pichai-ceo-google-larry-page-sergey-brin |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=August 10, 2015 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313042225/http://www.theverge.com/2015/8/10/9128083/sundar-pichai-ceo-google-larry-page-sergey-brin |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Jessica |last=Conditt |title=Google gets an overhaul and a new CEO: Sundar Pichai |url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/10/google-gets-an-overhaul-and-a-new-ceo-sundar-pichai/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=August 10, 2015 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313041506/https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/10/google-gets-an-overhaul-and-a-new-ceo-sundar-pichai/ |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> making [[Hiroshi Lockheimer]] the new head of Android.<ref>{{cite web |first=Mark |last=Bergen |title=New Google CEO Sundar Pichai Makes First Major Executive Picks |url=http://www.recode.net/2015/10/9/11619448/new-google-ceo-sundar-pichai-makes-first-major-executive-picks |website=[[Recode]] |publisher=Vox Media |date=October 9, 2015 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170114190148/http://www.recode.net/2015/10/9/11619448/new-google-ceo-sundar-pichai-makes-first-major-executive-picks |archivedate=January 14, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Andrew |last=Martonik |title=Sundar Pichai promotes Hiroshi Lockheimer to oversee Android, Chrome OS and Chromecast |url=http://www.androidcentral.com/sundar-pichai-promotes-hiroshi-lockheimer-oversee-android-chrome-os-and-chromecast |website=Android Central |publisher=Mobile Nations |date=October 9, 2015 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223132142/http://www.androidcentral.com/sundar-pichai-promotes-hiroshi-lockheimer-oversee-android-chrome-os-and-chromecast |archivedate=February 23, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

In June 2014, Google announced [[Android One]], a set of "hardware reference models" that would "allow [device makers] to easily create high-quality phones at low costs", designed for consumers in developing countries.<ref>{{cite web |first=Jacob |last=Kastrenakes |title=Android One will help manufacturers build low-cost phones for developing markets |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/6/25/5841976/android-one-hardware-reference-program |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=June 25, 2014 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313042536/http://www.theverge.com/2014/6/25/5841976/android-one-hardware-reference-program |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Dan |last=Seifert |title=With Android One, Google is poised to own the entire world |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/6/26/5845562/android-one-google-the-next-billion |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=June 26, 2014 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313042129/http://www.theverge.com/2014/6/26/5845562/android-one-google-the-next-billion |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Ben |last=Woods |title=Google announces ‘Android One’ standard for affordable devices, arriving first in India at under $100 |url=https://thenextweb.com/google/2014/06/25/google-announces-android-one-standard-affordable-devices-arriving-first-india-100/ |website=The Next Web |date=June 25, 2014 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313042912/https://thenextweb.com/google/2014/06/25/google-announces-android-one-standard-affordable-devices-arriving-first-india-100/ |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In September, Google announced the first set of Android One phones for release in India.<ref>{{cite web |first=Sundar |last=Pichai |title=For the next five billion: Android One |url=https://googleblog.blogspot.no/2014/09/for-next-five-billion-android-one.html |website=Official Google Blog |publisher=Google |date=September 15, 2014 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313044048/https://googleblog.blogspot.no/2014/09/for-next-five-billion-android-one.html |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Android One smartphones released in India |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-29209103 |website=[[BBC News]] |date=September 15, 2014 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313043427/http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-29209103 |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> However, ''Recode'' reported in June 2015 that the project was "a disappointment", citing "reluctant consumers and manufacturing partners" and "misfires from the search company that has never quite cracked hardware".<ref>{{cite web |first=Mark |last=Bergen |title=Beset With Failures, Google Tries to Breathe New Life Into Android One |url=http://www.recode.net/2015/6/11/11563484/beset-with-failures-google-tries-to-breathe-new-life-into-android-one |website=Recode |publisher=Vox Media |date=June 11, 2015 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313042711/http://www.recode.net/2015/6/11/11563484/beset-with-failures-google-tries-to-breathe-new-life-into-android-one |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Plans to relaunch Android One surfaced in August 2015,<ref>{{cite web |first=Dante |last=D'Orazio |title=Google will take another shot at low-cost Android One initiative |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/8/9/9123151/google-will-take-another-shot-at-low-cost-android-one-initiative |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=August 9, 2015 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313042727/http://www.theverge.com/2015/8/9/9123151/google-will-take-another-shot-at-low-cost-android-one-initiative |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> with Africa announced as the next location for the program a week later.<ref>{{cite web |first=Natasha |last=Lomas |title=Google Pushes Android One To Africa |url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/08/18/google-pushes-android-one-to-africa/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=August 18, 2015 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313041807/https://techcrunch.com/2015/08/18/google-pushes-android-one-to-africa/ |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Daniel |last=Cooper |title=Google brings Android One devices to Africa |url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/18/google-android-one-africa/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=August 18, 2015 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313041909/https://www.engadget.com/2015/08/18/google-android-one-africa/ |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> A report from ''The Information'' in January 2017 stated that Google is expanding its low-cost Android One program into the United States, although ''The Verge'' notes that the company will presumably not produce the actual devices itself.<ref>{{cite web |first=Amir |last=Efrati |title=Google’s New Stab at Boosting Android Brand in U.S. |url=https://www.theinformation.com/googles-new-stab-at-boosting-android-brand-in-u-s |website=The Information |date=January 17, 2017 |accessdate=November 9, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101064303/https://www.theinformation.com/googles-new-stab-at-boosting-android-brand-in-u-s |archivedate=November 1, 2017 |df=mdy-all }} {{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Dieter |last=Bohn |title=Low-cost Android One phones reportedly coming to the US |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/1/17/14305288/google-android-one-us-low-cost-report |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=January 17, 2017 |accessdate=November 9, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171103203735/https://www.theverge.com/2017/1/17/14305288/google-android-one-us-low-cost-report |archivedate=November 3, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Google introduced the [[Pixel (smartphone)|Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones]] in October 2016, marketed as being the first phones made by Google,<ref>{{cite web |first=Vlad |last=Savov |title=Pixel ‘phone by Google’ announced |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/10/4/13161028/google-phone-announced-pixel-xl-price-release-date-specs |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=October 4, 2016 |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005081521/http://www.theverge.com/2016/10/4/13161028/google-phone-announced-pixel-xl-price-release-date-specs |archivedate=October 5, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Richard |last=Lawler |title=Google's Pixel phones make their debut |url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/10/04/made-by-google-pixel-pixel-xl/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=October 4, 2016 |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313214402/https://www.engadget.com/2016/10/04/made-by-google-pixel-pixel-xl/ |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and exclusively featured certain software features, such as the [[Google Assistant]], before wider rollout.<ref>{{cite web |first=Dan |last=Seifert |title=Google's new Pixel phones come with Android 7.1 Nougat |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/10/4/13098314/google-android-update-7-1-nougat-new-features |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=October 4, 2016 |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511092758/https://www.theverge.com/2016/10/4/13098314/google-android-update-7-1-nougat-new-features |archivedate=May 11, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Alfred |last=Ng |title=Pixel won't share Google Assistant with other Android phones |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/google-pixel-android-7-1-assistant-now/ |website=[[CNET]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=October 6, 2016 |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313221308/https://www.cnet.com/news/google-pixel-android-7-1-assistant-now/ |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The Pixel phones replaced the Nexus series,<ref>{{cite web |first=Dieter |last=Bohn |title=The Google Phone |url=https://www.theverge.com/a/google-pixel-phone-new-hardware-interview-2016 |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106213353/http://www.theverge.com/a/google-pixel-phone-new-hardware-interview-2016 |archivedate=January 6, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> with a new generation of Pixel phones launched in October 2017.<ref>{{cite web |first=Jacob |last=Kastrenakes |title=Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL announced with water resistance, ‘dual-pixel’ camera, and always-on display |url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/10/4/16408962/new-google-pixel-2-phone-announced-price-release-date-features |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=October 4, 2017 |accessdate=October 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011074252/https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/10/4/16408962/new-google-pixel-2-phone-announced-price-release-date-features |archivedate=October 11, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

== Features ==
{{See also|List of features in Android}}

=== Interface ===
Android's default user interface is mainly based on [[Direct manipulation interface|direct manipulation]], using touch inputs that loosely correspond to real-world actions, like swiping, tapping, pinching, and reverse pinching to manipulate on-screen objects, along with a [[virtual keyboard]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Touch Devices |url=http://source.android.com/tech/input/touch-devices.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125061950/http://source.android.com/tech/input/touch-devices.html |website=Android Open Source Project |publisher=Google |archivedate=January 25, 2012 |accessdate=March 12, 2017}}</ref> [[Game controller]]s and full-size physical keyboards are supported via [[Bluetooth]] or [[USB]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Handling Controller Actions |url=https://developer.android.com/training/game-controllers/controller-input.html |website=Android Developers |publisher=Google |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312195206/https://developer.android.com/training/game-controllers/controller-input.html |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Handling Keyboard Input |url=https://developer.android.com/training/keyboard-input/index.html |website=Android Developers |publisher=Google |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313041058/https://developer.android.com/training/keyboard-input/index.html |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The response to user input is designed to be immediate and provides a fluid touch interface, often using the vibration capabilities of the device to provide [[Haptic technology|haptic feedback]] to the user. Internal hardware, such as [[accelerometer]]s, [[gyroscope]]s and [[proximity sensor]]s are used by some applications to respond to additional user actions, for example adjusting the screen from portrait to landscape depending on how the device is oriented,<ref>{{cite web |title=Sensors Overview |url=https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/sensors/sensors_overview.html |website=Android Developers |publisher=Google |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216064514/https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/sensors/sensors_overview.html |archivedate=February 16, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> or allowing the user to steer a vehicle in a [[racing game]] by rotating the device, simulating control of a [[steering wheel]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Chavez |title=Real Racing 2 Speeds Into The Android Market – Leaves Part 1 In The Dust |url=http://phandroid.com/2011/12/22/real-racing-2-speeds-into-the-android-market-leaves-part-1-in-the-dust/ |website=Phandroid |date=December 22, 2011 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219030819/http://phandroid.com/2011/12/22/real-racing-2-speeds-into-the-android-market-leaves-part-1-in-the-dust/ |archivedate=February 19, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Android devices boot to the homescreen, the primary navigation and information "hub" on Android devices, analogous to the [[Desktop metaphor|desktop]] found on personal computers. Android homescreens are typically made up of app icons and [[Software widget|widgets]]; app icons launch the associated app, whereas widgets display live, auto-updating content, such as a [[weather forecast]], the user's email inbox, or a [[news ticker]] directly on the homescreen.<ref>{{cite web |title=Widgets |url=https://developer.android.com/design/patterns/widgets.html |website=Android Developers |publisher=Google |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312200056/https://developer.android.com/design/patterns/widgets.html |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> A homescreen may be made up of several pages, between which the user can swipe back and forth.<ref name="Design info"/> Third-party apps available on Google Play and other app stores can extensively re-[[Theme (computing)|theme]] the homescreen,<ref>{{cite web |first=Joe |last=Hindy |title=15 best Android launcher apps of 2017 |url=http://www.androidauthority.com/best-android-launcher-apps-222408/ |website=Android Authority |date=February 4, 2017 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501192958/http://www.androidauthority.com/best-android-launcher-apps-222408 |archivedate=May 1, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and even mimic the look of other operating systems, such as [[Windows Phone]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Whitson |last=Gordon |title=Launcher 7 Brings Windows Phone's Simple, Attractive Interface to Android |url=http://lifehacker.com/5804091/launcher-7-brings-windows-phones-simple-attractive-interface-to-android |website=[[Lifehacker]] |publisher=[[Univision Communications]] |date=May 20, 2011 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108143524/http://lifehacker.com/5804091/launcher-7-brings-windows-phones-simple-attractive-interface-to-android |archivedate=January 8, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Most manufacturers customize the look and features of their Android devices to differentiate themselves from their competitors.<ref>{{cite web |first=Daniel A. |last=Begun |title=Looking at the Android operating system |url=http://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/smartphones/droid/looking-at-the-android-operating-system/ |website=[[For Dummies]] |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312195620/http://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/smartphones/droid/looking-at-the-android-operating-system/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Along the top of the screen is a status bar, showing information about the device and its connectivity. This status bar can be "pulled" down to reveal a notification screen where apps display important information or updates.<ref name="Design info">{{cite web |title=Phones & Tablets |url=https://developer.android.com/design/handhelds/index.html |website=Android Developers |publisher=Google |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331154020/https://developer.android.com/design/handhelds/index.html |archivedate=March 31, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Notifications are "short, timely, and relevant information about your app when it’s not in use", and when tapped, users are directed to a screen inside the app relating to the notification.<ref>{{cite web |title=Notifications |url=https://material.io/guidelines/patterns/notifications.html |website=Material Design |publisher=Google |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322170613/https://material.io/guidelines/patterns/notifications.html |archivedate=March 22, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Beginning with [[Android Jelly Bean|Android 4.1 "Jelly Bean"]], "expandable notifications" allow the user to tap an icon on the notification in order for it to expand and display more information and possible app actions right from the notification.<ref>{{cite web |title=Notifications |url=http://developer.android.com/design/patterns/notifications.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121208022602/http://developer.android.com/design/patterns/notifications.html |website=Android Developers |publisher=Google |archivedate=December 8, 2012 |accessdate=March 12, 2017}}</ref>

An All Apps screen lists all installed applications, with the ability for users to drag an app from the list onto the home screen. A Recents screen lets users switch between recently used apps.<ref name="Design info"/>

=== Applications ===
{{See also|Android software development|Google Play}}
Applications ("[[Mobile app|apps]]"), which extend the functionality of devices, are written using the [[Android software development]] kit (SDK)<ref>{{cite web |first=Alex |last=Mullis |title=How to install the Android SDK (Software Development Kit) |url=http://www.androidauthority.com/how-to-install-android-sdk-software-development-kit-21137/ |website=Android Authority |date=November 21, 2016 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170503091526/http://www.androidauthority.com/how-to-install-android-sdk-software-development-kit-21137 |archivedate=May 3, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and, often, the Java programming language.<ref>{{cite web |title=Introduction to Android |url=https://developer.android.com/guide/index.html |website=Android Developers |publisher=Google |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321155658/https://developer.android.com/guide/index.html |archivedate=March 21, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Java may be combined with C/C++,<ref>{{cite web |title=Android NDK Native APIs |url=https://developer.android.com/ndk/guides/stable_apis.html |website=Android Developers |publisher=Google |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312194146/https://developer.android.com/ndk/guides/stable_apis.html |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> together with a choice of non-default [[Runtime library|runtimes]] that allow better C++ support.<ref>{{cite web |title=C++ Library Support |url=https://developer.android.com/ndk/guides/cpp-support.html |website=Android Developers |publisher=Google |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312194748/https://developer.android.com/ndk/guides/cpp-support.html |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The [[Go (programming language)|Go]] programming language is also supported, although with a limited set of [[application programming interface]]s (API).<ref>{{cite web |title=package app |url=https://godoc.org/golang.org/x/mobile/app |website=GoDoc |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329185451/https://godoc.org/golang.org/x/mobile/app |archivedate=March 29, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In May 2017, Google announced support for Android app development in the [[Kotlin (programming language)|Kotlin programming language]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Paul |last=Miller |title=Google is adding Kotlin as an official programming language for Android development |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/17/15654988/google-jet-brains-kotlin-programming-language-android-development-io-2017 |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=May 17, 2017 |accessdate=May 22, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517201937/https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/17/15654988/google-jet-brains-kotlin-programming-language-android-development-io-2017 |archivedate=May 17, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Frederic |last=Lardinois |title=Google makes Kotlin a first-class language for writing Android apps |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/05/17/google-makes-kotlin-a-first-class-language-for-writing-android-apps/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=May 17, 2017 |accessdate=May 22, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522065631/https://techcrunch.com/2017/05/17/google-makes-kotlin-a-first-class-language-for-writing-android-apps/ |archivedate=May 22, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

The SDK includes a comprehensive set of development tools,<ref>{{cite web |url = http://developer.android.com/guide/developing/tools/index.html |title = Tools Overview |work = Android Developers |date = July 21, 2009 |deadurl = no |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120613232535/http://developer.android.com/guide/developing/tools/index.html |archivedate = June 13, 2012 |df = mdy-all }}</ref> including a [[debugger]], [[Software library|software libraries]], a handset [[emulator]] based on [[QEMU]], documentation, sample code, and tutorials. Initially, Google's supported [[integrated development environment]] (IDE) was [[Eclipse (software)|Eclipse]] using the Android Development Tools (ADT) plugin; in December 2014, Google released [[Android Studio]], based on [[IntelliJ IDEA]], as its primary IDE for Android application development. Other development tools are available, including a [[native development kit]] (NDK) for applications or extensions in C or C++, [[Google App Inventor]], a visual environment for novice programmers, and various [[Multiple phone web based application framework|cross platform mobile web applications frameworks]]. In January 2014, Google unveiled an framework based on [[Apache Cordova]] for porting Chrome [[HTML&nbsp;5]] [[web app]]lications to Android, wrapped in a native application shell.<ref>{{cite web |first=Kwame |last=Opam |title=Chrome Apps are coming to iOS and Android |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/1/28/5355064/chrome-apps-are-coming-to-ios-and-android |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=January 28, 2014 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210034633/http://www.theverge.com/2014/1/28/5355064/chrome-apps-are-coming-to-ios-and-android |archivedate=February 10, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Android has a growing selection of third-party applications, which can be acquired by users by downloading and installing the application's [[APK (file format)|APK]] (Android application package) file, or by downloading them using an application store program that allows users to [[package manager|install, update, and remove applications]] from their devices. [[Google Play Store]] is the primary application store installed on Android devices that comply with Google's compatibility requirements and license the Google Mobile Services software.<ref name="ars-irongrip">{{cite web |first=Ron |last=Amadeo |title=Google’s iron grip on Android: Controlling open source by any means necessary |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/10/googles-iron-grip-on-android-controlling-open-source-by-any-means-necessary/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=October 21, 2013 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170310080416/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/10/googles-iron-grip-on-android-controlling-open-source-by-any-means-necessary/ |archivedate=March 10, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="geek-poweredby" /> Google Play Store allows users to browse, download and update applications published by Google and third-party developers; {{As of|lc=y|2013|7}}, there are more than one million applications available for Android in Play Store.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mashable.com/2013/07/24/google-play-1-million/ |title=Google Play Hits 1 Million Apps |date=July 24, 2013 |accessdate=January 2, 2014 |work=Mashable |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102193051/http://mashable.com/2013/07/24/google-play-1-million/ |archivedate=January 2, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> {{As of|2013|7}}, 50 billion applications have been installed.<ref name="Google Play Hits 1 Million Apps">{{cite web|last1=Warren|first1=Christina|title=Google Play Hits 1 Million Apps|url=http://mashable.com/2013/07/24/google-play-1-million/|publisher=Mashable|accessdate=June 4, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140530013939/http://mashable.com/2013/07/24/google-play-1-million/|archivedate=May 30, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="android-compatibility">{{cite web | url = http://developer.android.com/guide/practices/compatibility.html | title = Android Compatibility | work = Android Developers | accessdate = November 16, 2013 | publisher = Google | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20131017081434/http://developer.android.com/guide/practices/compatibility.html | archivedate = October 17, 2013 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Some carriers offer direct carrier billing for Google Play application purchases, where the cost of the application is added to the user's monthly bill.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://android-developers.blogspot.com/2011/04/new-carrier-billing-options-on-android.html |title=Android Developers Blog: New Carrier Billing Options on Android Market |last=Chu |first=Eric |publisher=android-developers.blogspot.com |date=April 13, 2011 |accessdate=May 15, 2011 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110628054436/http://android-developers.blogspot.com/2011/04/new-carrier-billing-options-on-android.html |archivedate=June 28, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> As of May 2017, there are over one billion active users a month for Gmail, Android, Chrome, Google Play and Maps.

Due to the open nature of Android, a number of third-party application marketplaces also exist for Android, either to provide a substitute for devices that are not allowed to ship with Google Play Store, provide applications that cannot be offered on Google Play Store due to policy violations, or for other reasons. Examples of these third-party stores have included the [[Amazon Appstore]], [[GetJar]], and SlideMe. F-Droid, another alternative marketplace, seeks to only provide applications that are distributed under [[free and open source]] [[Free software license|licenses]].<ref name="ars-irongrip" /><ref name="wired_alt_app_stores">{{cite news |url=https://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/06/independent-app-stores-take-on-googles-android-market/ |title=Independent App Stores Take On Google's Android Market |date=June 11, 2010 |first=Priya |last=Ganapati |work=[[Wired News]] |accessdate=February 20, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223133953/http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/06/independent-app-stores-take-on-googles-android-market |archivedate=February 23, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Ron |last=Amadeo |title=The great Ars experiment—free and open source software on a smartphone?! |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/07/exploring-the-world-of-foss-android-can-a-smartphone-be-open-source/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=July 29, 2014 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312064905/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/07/exploring-the-world-of-foss-android-can-a-smartphone-be-open-source/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Lee |last=Hutchinson |title=Google evicts ad-blocking software from Google Play store |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/03/google-evicts-ad-blocking-software-from-google-play-store/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=March 14, 2013 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210102321/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/03/google-evicts-ad-blocking-software-from-google-play-store/ |archivedate=February 10, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

=== Memory management ===
Since Android devices are usually battery-powered, Android is designed to manage processes to keep power consumption at a minimum. When an application is not in use the system [[Process state|suspends its operation]] so that, while available for immediate use rather than closed, it does not use battery power or CPU resources.<ref name="phonedogtask">{{cite web |url=http://www.phonedog.com/2011/06/26/the-truth-about-android-task-killers-and-why-you-don-t-need-them/ |title=The truth about Android task killers and why you don't need them |publisher=PhoneDog |date=June 26, 2011 |accessdate=October 30, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023073622/http://www.phonedog.com/2011/06/26/the-truth-about-android-task-killers-and-why-you-don-t-need-them/ |archivedate=October 23, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://grail.cba.csuohio.edu/~matos/notes/cis-493/lecture-notes/Android-Chapter03-Life-Cycle.pdf |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222153131/http://grail.cba.csuohio.edu/~matos/notes/cis-493/lecture-notes/Android-Chapter03-Life-Cycle.pdf |title=Lesson 3: Android Application's Life Cycle |date=September 9, 2013 |accessdate=April 15, 2014 |archivedate=February 22, 2014 |author=Victor Matos |publisher=Cleveland State University |work=grail.cba.csuohio.edu |format=PDF}}</ref> Android manages the applications stored in memory automatically: when memory is low, the system will begin invisibly and automatically closing inactive processes, starting with those that have been inactive for the longest amount of time.<ref name="phandroidtask">{{cite web |url=http://phandroid.com/2011/06/16/android-psa-stop-using-task-killer-apps-now/ |title=Android PSA: Stop Using Task Killer Apps |publisher=Phandroid.com |date=June 16, 2011 |accessdate=October 30, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217024640/http://phandroid.com/2011/06/16/android-psa-stop-using-task-killer-apps-now/ |archivedate=February 17, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g3hAdK1IBkYC&pg=PT53 |title=Professional Android 4 Application Development |author=Reto Meier |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |date=2012 |isbn=9781118237229 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121112754/https://books.google.com/books?id=g3hAdK1IBkYC&pg=PT53 |archivedate=January 21, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Lifehacker reported in 2011 that third-party task killer applications were doing more harm than good.<ref name="lifehackertask">{{cite web |url=http://lifehacker.com/5862994/real-world-test-show-that-android-task-killers-are-still-useless |title=Updates |publisher=Lifehacker.com |date= |accessdate=November 2, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105184651/http://lifehacker.com/5862994/real-world-test-show-that-android-task-killers-are-still-useless |archivedate=November 5, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

== {{Anchor|HWREQ}}Hardware ==
{{See also|Android hardware requirements}}

The main hardware platform for Android is ARM (the [[ARMv7]] and [[ARMv8-A]] architectures), with x86 and x86-64 architectures also officially supported in later versions of Android.<ref name="Android Lollipop platform support">{{cite web |title=Android Lollipop |url=https://developer.android.com/about/versions/lollipop.html |website=Android Developers |publisher=Google |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130145944/https://developer.android.com/about/versions/lollipop.html |archivedate=January 30, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Support for 64-bit x86 |url=https://developer.android.com/ndk/guides/x86-64.html |website=Android Developers |publisher=Google |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306033848/https://developer.android.com/ndk/guides/x86-64.html |archivedate=March 6, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Mark |last=LaPedus |title=Update: MIPS gets sweet with Honeycomb |url=http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1259370 |website=[[EE Times]] |publisher=AspenCore Media |date=April 26, 2011 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314194355/http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1259370 |archivedate=March 14, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=NDK Revision History |url=https://developer.android.com/ndk/downloads/revision_history |website=Android Developers |publisher=Google |accessdate=July 17, 2018}}</ref> The unofficial [[Android-x86]] project provided support for x86 architectures ahead of the official support.<ref name="ARMAN-4.0-on-x86">{{cite web |url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9222323/Google_s_Android_4.0_ported_to_x86_processors |title=Google's Android 4.0 ported to x86 processors |last=Shah |first=Agam |date=December 1, 2011 |work=[[Computerworld]] |publisher=International Data Group |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124084934/http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9222323/Google_s_Android_4.0_ported_to_x86_processors |archivedate=January 24, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=https://01.org/android-ia/ |title=Android on Intel Architecture |publisher=01.org |date=July 11, 2013 |accessdate=February 9, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209101735/https://01.org/android-ia/ |archivedate=February 9, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The ARMv5TE and MIPS32/64 architectures were also historically supported but removed in later Android releases.<ref>{{cite web |title=ABI Management |url=https://developer.android.com/ndk/guides/abis |website=Android Developers |publisher=Google |accessdate=July 17, 2018}}</ref> Since 2012, Android devices with [[Intel]] processors began to appear, including phones<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/mobile-phone-reviews/9314362/Orange-San-Diego-Intel-Android-mobile-phone-review.html |title=Orange San Diego Intel Android mobile phone review |last1=Warman |first1=Matt |date=June 7, 2012 |work=The Daily Telegraph |publisher=Telegraph Media Group Limited |accessdate=June 19, 2013}}</ref> and tablets. While gaining support for 64-bit platforms, Android was first made to run on 64-bit x86 and then on [[ARM64]]. Since Android&nbsp;5.0 "Lollipop", 64-bit variants of all platforms are supported in addition to the 32-bit variants.<ref name="Android Lollipop platform support"/>

Requirements for the minimum amount of [[Random-access memory|RAM]] for devices running Android&nbsp;7.1 range from in practice 2 GB<!--1824MB to be exact..--> for best hardware, down to 1 GB for the most common screen, to absolute minimum 512 MB for the lowest spec 32-bit smartphone.<!-- not lowest spec device, then 416 MB for a watch--> The recommendation for Android&nbsp;4.4 is to have at least 512&nbsp;MB of RAM,<ref>{{cite web |title=Android KitKat |url=http://developer.android.com/about/versions/kitkat.html |work=Android Developers Portal |accessdate=November 16, 2013 |publisher=android.com |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031184317/https://developer.android.com/about/versions/kitkat.html |archivedate=October 31, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> while for "low RAM" devices 340&nbsp;MB is the required minimum amount that does not include memory dedicated to various hardware components such as the [[baseband processor]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Android Compatibility Definition Document |publisher=Google |publication-date=November 27, 2013 |edition=4.4 |format=PDF |page=33 |section=7.6.1 |url=http://static.googleusercontent.com/media/source.android.com/en/us/compatibility/android-cdd.pdf |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304103236/http://static.googleusercontent.com/media/source.android.com/en/us/compatibility/android-cdd.pdf |archivedate=March 4, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Android 4.4 requires a 32-bit ARMv7, MIPS or x86 architecture processor (latter two through unofficial ports),<ref name="ARMAN-4.0-on-x86" /><ref name="auto"/> together with an [[OpenGL ES]] 2.0 compatible [[graphics processing unit]] (GPU).<ref name="android-opengl-2.0">{{cite web
 |url         = http://source.android.com/devices/graphics.html
 |title       = Android Developers: Graphics
 |accessdate  = November 15, 2013
 |website     = android.com
 |deadurl     = no
 |archiveurl  = https://web.archive.org/web/20141010074412/http://source.android.com/devices/graphics.html
 |archivedate = October 10, 2014
 |df          = mdy-all
}}</ref> Android supports OpenGL ES 1.1, 2.0, 3.0, 3.1 and as of latest major version, 3.2 and since Android 7.0 [[Vulkan (API)|Vulkan]] (and version 1.1 available for some devices<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://developer.nvidia.com/vulkan-android|title=Vulkan on Android|quote=Vulkan 1.1 is available as a Developer Preview OTA for the NVIDIA SHIELD TV.|date=2016-02-10|work=NVIDIA Developer|access-date=2018-03-21|language=en|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123153634/https://developer.nvidia.com/vulkan-android|archivedate=January 23, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref>). Some applications may explicitly require a certain version of the OpenGL ES, and suitable GPU hardware is required to run such applications.<ref name="android-opengl-2.0" />

Android devices incorporate many optional hardware components, including still or video cameras, [[GPS]], [[Orientation sensing|orientation sensors]], dedicated gaming controls, accelerometers, gyroscopes, barometers, [[magnetometer]]s, proximity sensors, [[pressure sensor]]s, thermometers, and touchscreens. Some hardware components are not required, but became standard in certain classes of devices, such as smartphones, and additional requirements apply if they are present. Some other hardware was initially required, but those requirements have been relaxed or eliminated altogether. For example, as Android was developed initially as a phone OS, hardware such as microphones were required, while over time the phone function became optional.<ref name="android-compatibility" /> Android used to require an [[autofocus]] camera, which was relaxed to a [[Fixed-focus lens|fixed-focus]] camera<ref name="android-compatibility" /> if present at all, since the camera was dropped as a requirement entirely when Android started to be used on [[set-top box]]es.

In addition to running on smartphones and tablets, several vendors run Android natively on regular PC hardware with a keyboard and mouse.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcworld.com/product/1427121/n308.html|title=Lenovo N308 Desktop specs|work=PCWorld|accessdate=November 1, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028175231/http://www.pcworld.com/product/1427121/n308.html|archivedate=October 28, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jide.com/remixos-for-pc|title=Remix OS for PC|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927135811/http://www.jide.com/remixos-for-pc|archivedate=September 27, 2017|deadurl=no|accessdate=September 22, 2017|quote=Now powered by Android Marshmallow.|df=mdy-all}}
<!-- based on (what's coming to Remix OS) http://www.android-x86.org/ :
    2017-09-10: The oreo-x86 branch is ready for developers.
    2017-06-08: The Android-x86 7.1-rc1 released (the first release candidate of nougat-x86).
--></ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2152540/android-on-the-big-screen-we-chew-up-and-spit-out-three-jelly-bean-all-in-one-pcs.html|title=Three Android all-in-one PCs reviewed|author=Michael Brown|date=May 8, 2014|work=PCWorld|accessdate=November 1, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028170619/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2152540/android-on-the-big-screen-we-chew-up-and-spit-out-three-jelly-bean-all-in-one-pcs.html|archivedate=October 28, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.techspot.com/review/805-acer-ta272-hul-android-aio/|title=Acer TA272 HUL Android All-in-One Review|author=Shawn Knight|work=TechSpot|accessdate=November 1, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028215542/http://www.techspot.com/review/805-acer-ta272-hul-android-aio/|archivedate=October 28, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In addition to their availability on commercially available hardware, similar PC hardware-friendly versions of Android are freely available from the Android-x86 project, including customized Android&nbsp;4.4.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.android-x86.org/releases/releasenote-4-4-r1|title=ReleaseNote 4.4-r1 – Android-x86 – Porting Android to x86|publisher=|accessdate=November 1, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028173131/http://www.android-x86.org/releases/releasenote-4-4-r1|archivedate=October 28, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Using the Android emulator that is part of the [[Android SDK]], or third-party emulators, Android can also run non-natively on x86 architectures.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.howtogeek.com/179691/4-ways-to-run-android-on-your-pc-and-make-your-own-dual-os-system/ |title=4 Ways to Run Android on Your PC and Make Your Own "Dual OS" System |publisher=Howtogeek.com |date=January 13, 2014 |accessdate=April 7, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407084905/http://www.howtogeek.com/179691/4-ways-to-run-android-on-your-pc-and-make-your-own-dual-os-system/ |archivedate=April 7, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Brad Chacos |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2048220/hybrid-hijinks-how-to-install-android-on-your-pc.html |title=Hybrid hijinks: How to install Android on your PC |publisher=PCWorld |date=September 6, 2013 |accessdate=April 7, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407071525/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2048220/hybrid-hijinks-how-to-install-android-on-your-pc.html |archivedate=April 7, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Chinese companies are building a PC and mobile operating system, based on Android, to "compete directly with Microsoft Windows and Google Android".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://money.cnn.com/2014/08/25/technology/security/china-os/|title=China ditching Windows and Android for its own operating system|author=Jose Pagliery|date=August 25, 2014|work=CNNMoney|accessdate=November 1, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028171711/http://money.cnn.com/2014/08/25/technology/security/china-os/|archivedate=October 28, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The Chinese Academy of Engineering noted that "more than a dozen" companies were customising Android following a Chinese ban on the use of Windows 8 on government PCs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-28928369|title=BBC News – China plans new PC operating system in October|work=BBC News|accessdate=November 1, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112054354/http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-28928369|archivedate=November 12, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887324539404578342132324098420|title=China Criticizes Android's Dominance|author=Paul Mozur|date=March 5, 2013|work=WSJ|accessdate=November 1, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929020352/http://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887324539404578342132324098420|archivedate=September 29, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/24/us-china-technology-idUSKBN0GO08H20140824|title=China targets own operating system to take on likes of Microsoft, Google|work=Reuters|accessdate=November 1, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028173428/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/24/us-china-technology-idUSKBN0GO08H20140824|archivedate=October 28, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

== {{anchor|AOSP}}Development ==
{{Main|Android software development}}
[[File:Android open source project.png|thumb|150px|The stack of Android Open Source Project]]
Android is developed by Google until the latest changes and updates are ready to be released, at which point the [[source code]] is made available to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP),<ref>{{cite web |title=Welcome to the Android Open Source Project! |url=http://source.android.com/ |website=Android Source |publisher=Google |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312181554/http://source.android.com/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> an open source initiative led by Google.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://source.android.com/|title=Android Open Source Project|accessdate=2017-12-22|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222213939/https://source.android.com/|archivedate=December 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The AOSP code can be found without modification on select devices, mainly the Nexus and [[Google Pixel|Pixel]] series of devices.<ref>{{cite web |first1=Lynn |last1=La |first2=Brian |last2=Bennett |title=Powerful, pure Android handsets (roundup) |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/powerful-pure-android-phones/ |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=November 14, 2014 |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314064159/https://www.cnet.com/news/powerful-pure-android-phones/ |archivedate=March 14, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The source code is, in turn, customized and adapted by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to run on their hardware.<ref>{{cite web |first=Richard |last=Lawler |title=Android 4.1 Jelly Bean source code now available |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/07/09/android-4-1-jelly-bean-source-code-now-available/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=July 9, 2012 |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314151854/https://www.engadget.com/2012/07/09/android-4-1-jelly-bean-source-code-now-available/ |archivedate=March 14, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=John |last=McCann |title=Android 4.1 Jelly Bean source code released |url=http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/android-4-1-jelly-bean-source-code-released-1088404 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713010734/http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/android-4-1-jelly-bean-source-code-released-1088404 |website=[[TechRadar]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=July 10, 2012 |archivedate=July 13, 2012 |accessdate=March 13, 2017}}</ref> Also, Android's source code does not contain the often proprietary [[device driver]]s that are needed for certain hardware components.<ref name="Building for devices">{{cite web|title=Building for devices |url=http://source.android.com:80/source/building-devices.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107123505/http://source.android.com/source/building-devices.html |website=Android Open Source Project |publisher=Google |archivedate=January 7, 2012 |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> As a result, most Android devices, including Google's own, ultimately ship with a combination of [[Free and open source software|free and open source]] and proprietary software, with the software required for accessing Google services falling into the latter category.

=== Update schedule ===
{{See also|Android version history}}

Google announces major incremental upgrades to Android on a yearly basis.<ref>{{cite web |first=Peter |last=K. |title=We'll get a major Android release every year from now on: Android M tomorrow, Android N in 2016 |url=http://www.phonearena.com/news/Well-get-a-major-Android-release-every-year-from-now-on-Android-M-tomorrow-Android-N-in-2016_id69709 |website=PhoneArena |date=May 27, 2015 |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313214349/http://www.phonearena.com/news/Well-get-a-major-Android-release-every-year-from-now-on-Android-M-tomorrow-Android-N-in-2016_id69709 |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The updates can be installed on devices [[Over-the-air programming|over-the-air]].<ref>{{cite web |title=OTA Updates |url=https://source.android.com/devices/tech/ota/ |website=Android Source |publisher=Google |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225095155/https://source.android.com/devices/tech/ota/ |archivedate=December 25, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The latest major release is 9 "Pie".

Compared to its primary rival mobile operating system, Apple's [[iOS]], Android updates typically reach various devices with significant delays. Except for devices within the Google Nexus and Pixel brands, updates often arrive months after the release of the new version, or not at all.<ref>{{cite web |first=Antonio |last=Villas-Boas |title=The latest Android delay is why I'm sticking to iPhone |url=http://nordic.businessinsider.com/nexus-6-android-70-nougat-update-delayed-2016-9/ |website=Business Insider |publisher=Axel Springer SE |date=September 14, 2016 |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314063958/http://nordic.businessinsider.com/nexus-6-android-70-nougat-update-delayed-2016-9/ |archivedate=March 14, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> This was partly due to the extensive variation in [[computer hardware|hardware]] in Android devices,<ref>{{cite web |first=Casey |last=Johnston |title=Android fragmentation: one developer encounters 3,997 devices |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2012/05/android-fragmentation-one-developer-encounters-3997-devices/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=May 16, 2012 |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314063422/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2012/05/android-fragmentation-one-developer-encounters-3997-devices/ |archivedate=March 14, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> to which each upgrade must be specifically tailored, a time- and resource-consuming process.<ref>{{cite web |first=Alex |last=Dobie |title=Solving the impossible problem of Android updates |url=http://www.androidcentral.com/solving-impossible-problem-android-updates |website=Android Central |publisher=Mobile Nations |date=January 18, 2014 |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303061348/http://www.androidcentral.com/solving-impossible-problem-android-updates |archivedate=March 3, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Manufacturers often prioritize their newest devices and leave old ones behind.<ref name="alliance">{{cite web |first=Andrew |last=Cunningham |title=What happened to the Android Update Alliance? |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2012/06/what-happened-to-the-android-update-alliance/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=June 28, 2011 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312063530/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2012/06/what-happened-to-the-android-update-alliance/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Additional delays can be introduced by wireless carriers that, after receiving updates from manufacturers, further customize and brand Android to their needs and conduct extensive testing on their networks before sending the upgrade out to users.<ref name="alliance"/><ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Hoffman |title=Why Do Carriers Delay Updates for Android But Not iPhone? |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/163958/why-do-carriers-delay-updates-for-android-but-not-iphone/ |website=How-To Keep |date=May 25, 2013 |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312225544/https://www.howtogeek.com/163958/why-do-carriers-delay-updates-for-android-but-not-iphone/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> There are also situations in which upgrades are not possible due to one manufacturing partner not providing necessary updates to drivers.<ref>{{cite web |first=Andrew |last=Cunningham |title=Why isn’t your old phone getting Nougat? There’s blame enough to go around |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/08/why-isnt-your-old-phone-getting-nougat-theres-blame-enough-to-go-around/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=August 31, 2016 |accessdate=April 3, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403194841/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/08/why-isnt-your-old-phone-getting-nougat-theres-blame-enough-to-go-around/ |archivedate=April 3, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

The extensive variation of hardware in Android devices causes significant delays for software upgrades, with new versions of the operating system and [[Patch (computing)|security patches]] typically taking months before reaching consumers, or sometimes not at all. The lack of after-sale support from manufacturers and carriers has been widely criticized by consumer groups and the technology media.<ref>{{cite web |first=Priya |last=Ganapati |title=New Phones Still Sold With Old Versions of Android |url=https://www.wired.com/2010/03/android-version-confusion/ |website=[[Wired (website)|Wired]] |publisher=Condé Nast |date=March 15, 2010 |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314064024/https://www.wired.com/2010/03/android-version-confusion/ |archivedate=March 14, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=cwalters |title=Make Sure You Know Which Version Of Android Is On That Phone Before Buying It |url=https://consumerist.com/2010/03/15/make-sure-you-know-which-version-of-android-is-on-that-phone-before-buying-it/ |website=[[Consumerist]] |publisher=[[Consumer Reports]] |date=March 15, 2010 |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614172640/https://consumerist.com/2010/03/15/make-sure-you-know-which-version-of-android-is-on-that-phone-before-buying-it/ |archivedate=June 14, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="The Guardian upgrades">{{cite web |first=Dan |last=Gillmor |title=Android's smartphone OS upgrade issues need more than a quick fix |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/oct/28/android-smartphone-os-upgrade |website=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian Media Group |date=October 28, 2012 |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314064542/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/oct/28/android-smartphone-os-upgrade |archivedate=March 14, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Some commentators have noted that the industry has a financial incentive not to upgrade their devices, as the lack of updates for existing devices fuels the purchase of newer ones,<ref>{{cite web |first=John |last=Leyden |title=Security takes a backseat on Android in update shambles |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/11/22/android_patching_mess |website=[[The Register]] |publisher=Situation Publishing |date=November 22, 2011 |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314064219/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/11/22/android_patching_mess |archivedate=March 14, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> an attitude described as "insulting".<ref name="The Guardian upgrades"/> ''The Guardian'' complained that the method of distribution for updates is complicated only because manufacturers and carriers have designed it that way.<ref name="The Guardian upgrades"/> In 2011, Google partnered with a number of industry players to announce an "Android Update Alliance", pledging to deliver timely updates for every device for 18 months after its release; however, there has not been another official word about that alliance since its announcement.<ref name="alliance"/><ref>{{cite web |first=JR |last=Raphael |title=It's time to rethink the Android upgrade standard |url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/2475873/android/it-s-time-to-rethink-the-android-upgrade-standard.html |website=Computerworld |publisher=International Data Group |date=February 13, 2014 |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213194813/http://www.computerworld.com/article/2475873/android/it-s-time-to-rethink-the-android-upgrade-standard.html |archivedate=February 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

In 2012, Google began decoupling certain aspects of the operating system (particularly its core applications) so they could be updated through the Google Play store independently of the OS. One of those components, Google Play Services, is a [[closed-source]] system-level process providing [[API]]s for Google services, installed automatically on nearly all devices running [[Android Froyo|Android 2.2 "Froyo"]] and higher. With these changes, Google can add new system functionality through Play Services and update apps without having to distribute an upgrade to the operating system itself.<ref>{{cite web |first=Ron |last=Amadeo |title=Balky carriers and slow OEMs step aside: Google is defragging Android |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/09/balky-carriers-and-slow-oems-step-aside-google-is-defragging-android/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=September 3, 2013 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903011541/http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/09/balky-carriers-and-slow-oems-step-aside-google-is-defragging-android/ |archivedate=September 3, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> As a result, Android 4.2 and 4.3 "Jelly Bean" contained relatively fewer user-facing changes, focusing more on minor changes and platform improvements.<ref>{{cite web |first=Andrew |last=Cunningham |title=Review: Android 4.3’s multitude of minor changes future-proofs the platform |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/08/review-android-4-3-future-proofs-the-platform-with-multitude-of-minor-changes/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=August 9, 2013 |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314063711/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/08/review-android-4-3-future-proofs-the-platform-with-multitude-of-minor-changes/ |archivedate=March 14, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

In May 2016, ''Bloomberg'' reported that Google was making efforts to keep Android more up-to-date, including accelerated rates of security updates, rolling out technological workarounds, reducing requirements for phone testing, and ranking phone makers in an attempt to "shame" them into better behavior. As stated by ''Bloomberg'': "As smartphones get more capable, complex and hackable, having the latest software work closely with the hardware is increasingly important". Hiroshi Lockheimer, the Android lead, admitted that "It’s not an ideal situation", further commenting that the lack of updates is "the weakest link on security on Android". Wireless carriers were described in the report as the "most challenging discussions", due to carriers' slow approval time due to testing on their networks, despite some carriers, including [[Verizon Wireless|Verizon]] and Sprint, having already shortened their respective approval times. HTC's then-executive Jason Mackenzie called monthly security updates "unrealistic" in 2015, and Google was trying to persuade carriers to exclude security patches from the full testing procedures. In a further effort for persuasion, Google shared a list of top phone makers measured by updated devices with its Android partners, and is considering making the list public. Mike Chan, co-founder of phone maker Nextbit and former Android developer, said that "The best way to solve this problem is a massive re-architecture of the operating system", "or Google could invest in training manufacturers and carriers "to be good Android citizens"".<ref>{{cite web |first1=Jack |last1=Clark |first2=Scott |last2=Moritz |title=Google Steps Up Pressure on Partners Tardy in Updating Android |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-05-25/google-steps-up-pressure-on-partners-tardy-in-updating-android |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |date=May 25, 2016 |accessdate=March 15, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330113629/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-05-25/google-steps-up-pressure-on-partners-tardy-in-updating-android |archivedate=March 30, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Ron |last=Amadeo |title=Google’s making a list: Android OEMs to be ranked, shamed by update speed |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/05/google-hopes-to-shame-slow-android-oems-with-update-rankings/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=May 26, 2016 |accessdate=March 15, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316113202/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/05/google-hopes-to-shame-slow-android-oems-with-update-rankings/ |archivedate=March 16, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Abner |last=Li |title=Report: Google pressuring OEMs and carriers to speed up Android updates, security patches |url=https://9to5google.com/2016/05/25/android-security-os-updates/ |website=9to5Google |date=May 25, 2016 |accessdate=March 15, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316025422/https://9to5google.com/2016/05/25/android-security-os-updates/ |archivedate=March 16, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

In May 2017, with the announcement of [[Android Oreo|Android 8.0]], Google introduced Project Treble, a major re-architect of the Android OS framework designed to make it easier, faster, and less costly for manufacturers to update devices to newer versions of Android. Project Treble separates the vendor implementation (device-specific, lower-level software written by silicon manufacturers) from the Android OS framework via a new "vendor interface". In Android 7.0 and earlier, no formal vendor interface exists, so device makers must update large portions of the Android code to move a device to a newer version of the operating system. With Treble, the new stable vendor interface provides access to the hardware-specific parts of Android, enabling device makers to deliver new Android releases simply by updating the Android OS framework, "without any additional work required from the silicon manufacturers."<ref>{{cite web |first=Ron |last=Amadeo |title=Google’s "Project Treble" solves one of Android’s many update roadblocks |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/05/google-hopes-to-fix-android-updates-no-really-with-project-treble/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=May 12, 2017 |accessdate=November 10, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203010312/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/05/google-hopes-to-fix-android-updates-no-really-with-project-treble/ |archivedate=December 3, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

In September 2017, Google's Project Treble team revealed that, as part of their efforts to improve the security lifecycle of Android devices, Google had managed to get the Linux Foundation to agree to extend the support lifecycle of the Linux Long-Term Support (LTS) kernel branch from the 2 years that it has historically lasted to 6 years for future versions of the LTS kernel, starting with Linux kernel 4.4.<ref>{{cite web |first=Ron |last=Amadeo |title=Android users rejoice! Linux kernel LTS releases are now good for 6 years |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/09/android-users-rejoice-linux-kernel-lts-releases-are-now-good-for-6-years/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=September 29, 2017 |accessdate=November 10, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111043334/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/09/android-users-rejoice-linux-kernel-lts-releases-are-now-good-for-6-years/ |archivedate=November 11, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

=== Linux kernel ===
Android's [[kernel (computing)|kernel]] is based on the Linux kernel's [[long-term support]] (LTS) branches. As of 2018, Android targets versions 4.4, 4.9 or 4.14 of the Linux kernel.<ref>{{cite web |title=Modular Kernel Requirements  |url=https://source.android.com/devices/architecture/kernel/modular-kernels#core-kernel-requirements |website=Android Open Source Project 
|publisher=Google |date=August 6, 2018 |accessdate=August 7, 2018 }}</ref> The actual kernel depends on the individual device.<ref>{{cite web |first=Jerry |last=Hildenbrand |title=What is a kernel? |url=https://www.androidcentral.com/android-z-what-kernel |website=Android Central |date=January 23, 2012 |accessdate=June 20, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527152852/http://www.androidcentral.com/android-z-what-kernel |archivedate=May 27, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Android's variant of the Linux kernel has further architectural changes that are implemented by Google outside the typical Linux kernel development cycle, such as the inclusion of components like device trees, ashmem, ION, and different [[out of memory]] (OOM) handling.<ref>{{cite web |title=What Are The Major Changes That Android Made To The Linux Kernel? |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2013/05/13/what-are-the-major-changes-that-android-made-to-the-linux-kernel/ |website=[[Forbes]] |date=May 13, 2013 |accessdate=June 20, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104090354/http://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2013/05/13/what-are-the-major-changes-that-android-made-to-the-linux-kernel/ |archivedate=January 4, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=LMG Upstreaming |url=https://wiki.linaro.org/LMG/Kernel/Upstreaming |website=Linaro |date=December 5, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109063643/https://wiki.linaro.org/LMG/Kernel/Upstreaming |archivedate=January 9, 2018 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Certain features that Google contributed back to the Linux kernel, notably a power management feature called "wakelocks",<ref>{{cite web |first=Brian |last=Proffitt |title=Garrett's LinuxCon Talk Emphasizes Lessons Learned from Android/Kernel Saga |url=https://www.linux.com/news/garretts-linuxcon-talk-emphasizes-lessons-learned-androidkernel-saga |website=[[LinuxCon]] |publisher=[[Linux Foundation]] |date=August 10, 2010 |accessdate=June 20, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629190535/https://www.linux.com/news/garretts-linuxcon-talk-emphasizes-lessons-learned-androidkernel-saga |archivedate=June 29, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> were initially rejected by mainline kernel developers partly because they felt that Google did not show any intent to maintain its own code.<ref>{{cite web |first=David |last=Meyer |title=Linux developer explains Android kernel code removal |url=http://www.zdnet.com/article/linux-developer-explains-android-kernel-code-removal/ |website=[[ZDNet]] |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=February 3, 2010 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161015045139/http://www.zdnet.com/article/linux-developer-explains-android-kernel-code-removal/ |archivedate=October 15, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="hartman">{{cite web |first=Greg |last=Kroah-Hartman |authorlink=Greg Kroah-Hartman |title=Android and the Linux kernel community |url=http://www.kroah.com/log/linux/android-kernel-problems.html |website=Linux kernel monkey log |date=December 9, 2010 |accessdate=June 20, 2017}}</ref> Google announced in April 2010 that they would hire two employees to work with the Linux kernel community,<ref>{{cite web |first=Paula |last=Rooney |title=DiBona: Google will hire two Android coders to work with kernel.org |url=http://www.zdnet.com/blog/open-source/dibona-google-will-hire-two-android-coders-to-work-with-kernelorg/6274 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617005554/http://www.zdnet.com/blog/open-source/dibona-google-will-hire-two-android-coders-to-work-with-kernelorg/6274 |website=ZDNet |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=April 15, 2010 |archivedate=June 17, 2010 |accessdate=March 11, 2017}}</ref> but [[Greg Kroah-Hartman]], the current Linux kernel maintainer for the stable branch, said in December 2010 that he was concerned that Google was no longer trying to get their code changes included in mainstream Linux.<ref name="hartman" /> Google engineer Patrick Brady once stated in the company's developer conference that "Android is not Linux",<ref name="ars introduction developer">{{cite web |first=Ryan |last=Paul |title=Dream(sheep++): A developer’s introduction to Google Android |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2009/02/an-introduction-to-google-android-for-developers/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=February 24, 2009 |accessdate=June 20, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704115615/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2009/02/an-introduction-to-google-android-for-developers/ |archivedate=July 4, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> with ''Computerworld'' adding that "Let me make it simple for you, without Linux, there is no Android".<ref>{{cite web |first=Steven J. |last=Vaughan-Nichols |title=Android/Linux kernel fight continues |url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/2469087/mobile-apps/android-linux-kernel-fight-continues.html |website=Computerworld |publisher=International Data Group |date=September 7, 2010 |accessdate=June 20, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214190045/http://www.computerworld.com/article/2469087/mobile-apps/android-linux-kernel-fight-continues.html |archivedate=February 14, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> ''Ars Technica'' wrote that "Although Android is built on top of the Linux kernel, the platform has very little in common with the conventional desktop Linux stack".<ref name="ars introduction developer" />

In August 2011, [[Linus Torvalds]] said that "eventually Android and Linux would come back to a common kernel, but it will probably not be for four to five years".<ref>{{cite web |first=Steven J. |last=Vaughan-Nichols |title=Linus Torvalds on Android, the Linux fork |url=http://www.zdnet.com/article/linus-torvalds-on-android-the-linux-fork/ |website=ZDNet |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=August 18, 2011 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218053104/http://www.zdnet.com/article/linus-torvalds-on-android-the-linux-fork/ |archivedate=February 18, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In December 2011, Greg Kroah-Hartman announced the start of Android Mainlining Project, which aims to put some Android drivers, patches and features back into the Linux kernel, starting in Linux 3.3.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.h-online.com/open/news/item/Android-drivers-to-be-included-in-Linux-3-3-kernel-1400996.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208130029/http://www.h-online.com/open/news/item/Android-drivers-to-be-included-in-Linux-3-3-kernel-1400996.html|archivedate=December 8, 2013 |title=Android drivers to be included in Linux 3.3 kernel |author=Chris von Eitzen |work=h-online.com |date=December 23, 2011 |accessdate=February 15, 2012}}</ref> Linux included the autosleep and wakelocks capabilities in the 3.5 kernel, after many previous attempts at merger. The interfaces are the same but the upstream Linux implementation allows for two different suspend modes: to memory (the traditional suspend that Android uses), and to disk (hibernate, as it is known on the desktop).<ref>{{cite web|last=Jonathan|first=Corbet|title=Autosleep and wakelocks|url=https://lwn.net/Articles/479841/|publisher=LWN|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120826165126/http://lwn.net/Articles/479841/|archivedate=August 26, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Google maintains a public code repository that contains their experimental work to [[rebasing|re-base]] Android off the latest stable Linux versions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTMxMzc |title=Google Working On Android Based On Linux 3.8 |date=February 28, 2013 |accessdate=February 28, 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302004730/http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTMxMzc |archivedate=March 2, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pocketdroid.net/google-working-on-experimental-linux-kernel-3-10-for-android/ |title=Google working on experimental Linux Kernel 3.10 for Android |publisher=Pocketdroid.net |date= |accessdate=September 3, 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827220633/http://www.pocketdroid.net/google-working-on-experimental-linux-kernel-3-10-for-android/ |archivedate=August 27, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

The [[flash storage]] on Android devices is split into several partitions, such as <code>/system</code> for the operating system itself, and <code>/data</code> for user data and application installations.<ref>{{cite web |last=Raja |first=Haroon Q. |url=http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/android-partitions-explained-boot-system-recovery-data-cache-misc/ |title=Android Partitions Explained: boot, system, recovery, data, cache & misc |publisher=Addictivetips.com |date=May 19, 2011 |accessdate=September 15, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922024642/http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/android-partitions-explained-boot-system-recovery-data-cache-misc/ |archivedate=September 22, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In contrast to desktop Linux distributions, Android device owners are not given [[Superuser|root]] access to the operating system and sensitive partitions such as /system are [[Read-only memory|read-only]]. However, [[Filesystem Hierarchy Standard|root access]] can be obtained by exploiting [[Vulnerability (computing)|security flaws]] in Android, which is used frequently by the [[#Open source community|open-source community]] to enhance the capabilities of their devices,<ref>See [[Rooting (Android OS)|rooting]]</ref> but also by malicious parties to install [[computer virus|viruses]] and [[malware]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Jools Whitehorn&nbsp; |url=http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/android-malware-gives-itself-root-access-1062294 |title=Android malware gives itself root access &#124; News |publisher=TechRadar |date= |accessdate=September 15, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120901170804/http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/android-malware-gives-itself-root-access-1062294 |archivedate=September 1, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Android is a [[Linux distribution]] according to the Linux Foundation,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linuxfoundation.org/news-media/blogs/browse/2012/12/what-year-linux-please-join-us-celebration |title=What a Year for Linux: Please Join us in Celebration |first=Amanda |last=McPherson |publisher=Linux Foundation |date=December 13, 2012 |accessdate=April 16, 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417232521/http://www.linuxfoundation.org/news-media/blogs/browse/2012/12/what-year-linux-please-join-us-celebration |archivedate=April 17, 2014 }}</ref> Google's open-source chief [[Chris DiBona]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://derstandard.at/1308186313932/Interview-Google-Android-is-the-Linux-desktop-dream-come-true |title=Google: "Android is the Linux desktop dream come true" |first=Andreas |last=Proschofsky |work=derStandard.at |date=July 10, 2011 |accessdate=March 14, 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130422021245/http://derstandard.at/1308186313932/Interview-Google-Android-is-the-Linux-desktop-dream-come-true |archivedate=April 22, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and several journalists.<ref>{{cite web |first=Jerry |last=Hildenbrand |title=Ask AC: Is Android Linux? |url=http://www.androidcentral.com/ask-ac-android-linux |website=Android Central |publisher=Mobile Nations |date=November 8, 2012 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408213437/http://www.androidcentral.com/ask-ac-android-linux |archivedate=April 8, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itworld.com/open-source/369810/android-really-linux-distribution |title=Is Android really a Linux distribution? |first=Jim |last=Lynch |work=ITworld |date=August 20, 2013 |accessdate=April 17, 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140205165359/http://www.itworld.com/open-source/369810/android-really-linux-distribution |archivedate=February 5, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Others, such as Google engineer Patrick Brady, say that Android is not Linux in the traditional Unix-like Linux distribution sense; Android does not include the [[GNU C Library]] (it uses Bionic as an alternative C library) and some of other components typically found in Linux distributions.<ref name="APIs">{{cite web |first=Ryan |last=Paul |title=Dream(sheep++): A developer’s introduction to Google Android |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2009/02/an-introduction-to-google-android-for-developers/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=February 24, 2009 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312064709/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2009/02/an-introduction-to-google-android-for-developers/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

With the release of Android Oreo in 2017, Google began to require that devices shipped with new [[System on a chip|SoCs]] had Linux kernel version 4.4 or newer, for security reasons. Existing devices upgraded to Oreo, and new products launched with older SoCs, were exempt from this rule.<ref>{{cite web |first=Doug |last=Lynch |title=Google is Mandating Linux Kernel Versions in Android Oreo |url=https://www.xda-developers.com/google-mandating-linux-kernel-versions-android-oreo/ |website=[[XDA Developers]] |date=September 2, 2017 |accessdate=November 9, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904023054/https://www.xda-developers.com/google-mandating-linux-kernel-versions-android-oreo/ |archivedate=September 4, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Mark |last=Wycislik-Wilson |title=With Android Oreo, Google is introducing Linux kernel requirements |url=https://betanews.com/2017/09/03/android-oreo-linux-kernel/ |website=BetaNews |publisher=[[eFront]] |date=September 3, 2017 |accessdate=November 9, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107013445/https://betanews.com/2017/09/03/android-oreo-linux-kernel/ |archivedate=November 7, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

=== Software stack ===
[[File:Android-System-Architecture.svg|thumb|right|250px|Android's architecture diagram]]On top of the Linux kernel, there are the [[middleware]], libraries and APIs written in C, and [[application software]] running on an [[application framework]] which includes [[Oracle Java|Java]]-compatible libraries. Development of the Linux kernel continues independently of Android's other source code projects.

Android uses [[Android Runtime]] (ART) as its runtime environment (introduced in version 4.4), which uses [[Ahead-of-time compilation|ahead-of-time (AOT) compilation]] to entirely compile the application bytecode into [[machine code]] upon the installation of an application. In Android&nbsp;4.4, ART was an experimental feature and not enabled by default; it became the only runtime option in the next major version of Android, 5.0.<ref>{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/11/06/meet-art-part-1-the-new-super-fast-android-runtime-google-has-been-working-on-in-secret-for-over-2-years-debuts-in-kitkat/
 |title       = Meet ART, Part 1: The New Super-Fast Android Runtime Google Has Been Working On In Secret For Over 2 Years Debuts In KitKat
 |first       = Cody
 |last        = Toombs
 |work        = Android Police
 |date        = November 6, 2013
 |accessdate  = April 27, 2014
 |deadurl     = no
 |archiveurl  = https://web.archive.org/web/20140513062758/http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/11/06/meet-art-part-1-the-new-super-fast-android-runtime-google-has-been-working-on-in-secret-for-over-2-years-debuts-in-kitkat/
 |archivedate = May 13, 2014
 |df          = mdy-all
}}</ref> In versions no longer supported, until version 5.0 when ART took over, Android previously used [[Dalvik (software)|Dalvik]] as a [[process virtual machine]] with [[Tracing just-in-time compilation|trace-based just-in-time (JIT) compilation]] to run Dalvik "dex-code" (Dalvik Executable), which is usually translated from the [[Java bytecode]]. Following the trace-based JIT principle, in addition to [[Interpreter (computing)|interpreting]] the majority of application code, Dalvik performs the compilation and native execution of select frequently executed code segments ("traces") each time an application is launched.<ref>{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.android-app-developer.co.uk/android-app-development-docs/android-jit-compiler-androids-dalvik-vm.pdf
 |title       = A JIT Compiler for Android's Dalvik VM
 |date        = May 2010
 |accessdate  = March 18, 2015
 |author1     = Ben Cheng
 |author2     = Bill Buzbee
 |publisher   = Google
 |website     = android-app-developer.co.uk
 |format      = PDF
 |pages       = 5–14
 |deadurl     = yes
 |archiveurl  = https://web.archive.org/web/20151106221110/http://www.android-app-developer.co.uk/android-app-development-docs/android-jit-compiler-androids-dalvik-vm.pdf
 |archivedate = November 6, 2015
 |df          = mdy-all
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Phil |last=Nickinson |title=Google Android developer explains more about Dalvik and the JIT in Froyo |url=http://www.androidcentral.com/google-android-developer-explains-more-about-dalvik-and-jit-froyo |website=Android Central |publisher=Mobile Nations |date=May 26, 2010 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408183538/http://www.androidcentral.com/google-android-developer-explains-more-about-dalvik-and-jit-froyo |archivedate=April 8, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="brady_dissects_android">{{cite web |first=Ed |last=Burnette |title=Patrick Brady dissects Android |url=http://www.zdnet.com/article/patrick-brady-dissects-android/ |website=ZDNet |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=June 4, 2008 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705145635/http://www.zdnet.com/article/patrick-brady-dissects-android/ |archivedate=July 5, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
For its Java library, the Android platform uses a subset of the now discontinued [[Apache Harmony]] project.<ref name="ars-njdk"/> In December 2015, Google announced that the next version of Android would switch to a Java implementation based on the [[OpenJDK]] project.<ref name="vb-openjdk">{{cite web|title=Google confirms next Android version won’t implement Oracle’s proprietary Java APIs|url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/12/29/google-confirms-next-android-version-wont-use-oracles-proprietary-java-apis/|website=VentureBeat|accessdate=December 30, 2015|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151230021134/http://venturebeat.com/2015/12/29/google-confirms-next-android-version-wont-use-oracles-proprietary-java-apis/|archivedate=December 30, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Android's [[C standard library|standard C library]], Bionic, was developed by Google specifically for Android, as a derivation of the [[BSD]]'s standard C library code. Bionic itself has been designed with several major features specific to the Linux kernel. The main benefits of using Bionic instead of the GNU C Library (glibc) or [[uClibc]] are its smaller runtime footprint, and optimization for low-frequency CPUs. At the same time, Bionic is licensed under the terms of the [[BSD licence]], which Google finds more suitable for the Android's overall licensing model.<ref name="brady_dissects_android" />

Aiming for a different licensing model, toward the end of 2012, Google switched the Bluetooth stack in Android from the GPL-licensed [[BlueZ]] to the Apache-licensed BlueDroid.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lwn.net/Articles/597293/ |title=Returning BlueZ to Android |date=May 6, 2014 |publisher=[[LWN.net]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625090633/http://lwn.net/Articles/597293/ |archivedate=June 25, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Android does not have a native [[X Window System]] by default, nor does it support the full set of standard [[GNU]] libraries. This made it difficult to port existing Linux applications or libraries to Android,<ref name="APIs" /> until version r5 of the Android Native Development Kit brought support for applications written completely in C or C++.<ref>{{cite web
 |url         = http://android-developers.blogspot.com/2011/01/gingerbread-ndk-awesomeness.html
 |title       = Gingerbread NDK Awesomeness
 |first       = Chris
 |last        = Pruett
 |work        = Android Developers Blog
 |publisher   = Google, Inc.
 |date        = January 11, 2011
 |accessdate  = April 22, 2014
 |deadurl     = no
 |archiveurl  = https://web.archive.org/web/20140219125015/http://android-developers.blogspot.com/2011/01/gingerbread-ndk-awesomeness.html
 |archivedate = February 19, 2014
 |df          = mdy-all
}}</ref> Libraries written in C may also be used in applications by injection of a small [[Shim (computing)|shim]] and usage of the [[Java Native Interface|JNI]].<ref name="sdlandroid">{{cite web
|url = http://www.libsdl.org/tmp/SDL/README.android
|title = Simple DirectMedia Layer for Android
|work = [[Simple DirectMedia Layer|SDL]]
|date = August 12, 2012
|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120604080429/http://www.libsdl.org/tmp/SDL/README.android
|archivedate = June 4, 2012
}}</ref>

In current versions of Android, "Toybox", a collection of command line utilities (mostly for use by apps, as Android doesn't provide a [[command line interface]] by default), is used (since the release of Marshmallow) replacing a similar "Toolbox" collection found in previous Android versions.<ref name="toyboxmarsmallow">[https://lwn.net/Articles/629362/ Android gets a toybox] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304204730/https://lwn.net/Articles/629362/ |date=March 4, 2016 }} on [[lwn.net]] by Jake Edge (January 14, 2015)</ref>

Android has another operating system, Trusty OS, within it, as a part of "Trusty" "software components supporting a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) on mobile devices." "Trusty and the Trusty API are subject to change. [..] Applications for the Trusty OS can be written in C/C++ (C++ support is limited), and they have access to a small C library. [..] All Trusty applications are single-threaded; multithreading in Trusty userspace currently is unsupported. [..] Third-party application development is not supported in" the current version, and software running on the OS and processor for it, run the "[[Digital rights management|DRM]] framework for protected content. [..] There are many other uses for a TEE such as mobile payments, secure banking, full-disk encryption, multi-factor authentication, device reset protection, replay-protected persistent storage, wireless display ("cast") of protected content, secure PIN and fingerprint processing, and even malware detection."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://source.android.com/security/trusty/index.html |title=Trusty TEE |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018232112/https://source.android.com/security/trusty/index.html |archivedate=October 18, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

=== Open-source community ===
Android's source code is released by Google under an [[open source license]], and its open nature has encouraged a large community of developers and enthusiasts to use the open-source code as a foundation for community-driven projects, which deliver updates to older devices, add new features for advanced users or bring Android to devices originally shipped with other operating systems.<ref>{{cite web |first=Damien |last=McFerran |title=Best custom ROMs for the Samsung Galaxy S2 |url=http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/mobile-apps/best-custom-roms-for-the-samsung-galaxy-s2-50007658 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419194709/http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/mobile-apps/best-custom-roms-for-the-samsung-galaxy-s2-50007658 |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=April 17, 2012 |archivedate=April 19, 2012 |accessdate=March 11, 2017}}</ref> These community-developed releases often bring new features and updates to devices faster than through the official manufacturer/carrier channels, with a comparable level of quality;<ref>{{cite web |first=Artem |last=Russakovskii |title=Custom ROMs For Android Explained – Here Is Why You Want Them |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/05/01/custom-roms-for-android-explained-and-why-you-want-them/ |website=Android Police |date=May 1, 2010 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128133644/http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/05/01/custom-roms-for-android-explained-and-why-you-want-them/ |archivedate=January 28, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> provide continued support for older devices that no longer receive official updates; or bring Android to devices that were officially released running other operating systems, such as the [[HP TouchPad]]. Community releases often come pre-[[Android rooting|rooted]] and contain modifications not provided by the original vendor, such as the ability to [[overclock]] or [[Dynamic voltage scaling|over/undervolt]] the device's processor.<ref>{{cite news |last=Isaac |first=Mike |url=https://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/04/cyanogenmod-android/ |title=Android OS Hack Gives Virtual Early Upgrade &#124; Gadget Lab |publisher=Wired.com |date=April 11, 2011 |accessdate=September 15, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502133719/http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/04/cyanogenmod-android |archivedate=May 2, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> [[CyanogenMod]] was the most widely used community firmware,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/05/28/cyanogenmod-has-been-installed-over-2-million-times-doubles-install-numbers-since-january/ |title=CyanogenMod Has Now Been Installed On Over 2 Million Devices, Doubles Install Numbers Since January |publisher=Androidpolice.com |date=May 28, 2012 |accessdate=September 15, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120804015756/http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/05/28/cyanogenmod-has-been-installed-over-2-million-times-doubles-install-numbers-since-january/ |archivedate=August 4, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> now discontinued and succeeded by [[LineageOS]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://lineageos.org/|title=Lineage OS – Lineage OS Android Distribution|last=OS|first=Lineage|website=lineageos.org|access-date=January 31, 2017|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225080905/http://lineageos.org/|archivedate=December 25, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Historically, device manufacturers and mobile carriers have typically been unsupportive of third-party [[firmware]] development. Manufacturers express concern about improper functioning of devices running unofficial software and the support costs resulting from this.<ref name="htcdev">{{cite web |url=http://htcdev.com/bootloader |title=HTC's bootloader unlock page |publisher=Htcdev.com |date= |accessdate=September 15, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019020546/http://htcdev.com/bootloader |archivedate=October 19, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Moreover, modified firmware such as CyanogenMod sometimes offer features, such as [[tethering]], for which carriers would otherwise charge a premium. As a result, technical obstacles including locked [[bootloader]]s and restricted access to root permissions are common in many devices. However, as community-developed software has grown more popular, and following a statement by the Librarian of Congress in the [[United States]] that permits the "[[iOS jailbreaking|jailbreaking]]" of mobile devices,<ref>{{cite web |last=Sadun |first=Erica |url=http://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/26/library-of-congress-rules-in-favor-of-jailbreaking/ |title=LoC rules in favor of jailbreaking |publisher=Tuaw.com |date=July 26, 2010 |accessdate=September 15, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030023251/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/26/library-of-congress-rules-in-favor-of-jailbreaking/ |archivedate=October 30, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> manufacturers and carriers have softened their position regarding third party development, with some, including HTC,<ref name="htcdev" /> [[Motorola]],<ref>{{cite web |first=Jordan |last=Crook |title=Motorola Offers Unlocked Bootloader Tool For Droid RAZR, Verizon Removes It |url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/10/24/motorola-offers-unlocked-bootloader-tool-for-droid-razr-verizon-removes-it/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=October 24, 2011 |accessdate=June 25, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025174051/http://techcrunch.com/2011/10/24/motorola-offers-unlocked-bootloader-tool-for-droid-razr-verizon-removes-it/ |archivedate=October 25, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Samsung<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.inspiredgeek.com/2011/06/08/cyanogenmod-7-for-samsung-galaxy-s2-ii-development-already-started/ |title=CyanogenMod 7 for Samsung Galaxy S2 (II): Development Already Started! |date=June 8, 2011 |work=Inspired Geek |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120822051352/http://www.inspiredgeek.com/2011/06/08/cyanogenmod-7-for-samsung-galaxy-s2-ii-development-already-started/ |archivedate=August 22, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Menno |title=CyanogenMod coming to the Galaxy S 2, thanks to Samsung |url=http://www.androidcentral.com/cyanogenmod-coming-galaxy-sii-thanks-samsung |website=Android Central |publisher=Mobile Nations |date=June 6, 2011 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408230750/http://www.androidcentral.com/cyanogenmod-coming-galaxy-sii-thanks-samsung |archivedate=April 8, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and [[Sony Mobile Communications|Sony]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Forian |first=Daniel |url=http://developer.sonyericsson.com/wp/2011/09/28/sony-ericsson-supports-independent-developers/ |title=Sony Ericsson supports independent developers – Developer World |publisher=Developer.sonyericsson.com |date= |accessdate=September 15, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212160322/http://developer.sonyericsson.com/wp/2011/09/28/sony-ericsson-supports-independent-developers/ |archivedate=February 12, 2012 |df= }}</ref> providing support and encouraging development. As a result of this, over time the need to circumvent [[hardware restrictions]] to install unofficial firmware has lessened as an increasing number of devices are shipped with unlocked or unlockable bootloaders, similar to Nexus series of phones, although usually requiring that users waive their devices' warranties to do so.<ref name="htcdev" /> However, despite manufacturer acceptance, some carriers in the US still require that phones are locked down, frustrating developers and customers.<ref>{{cite web |first=Janus |last=Kopfstein |title=Access Denied: why Android’s broken promise of unlocked bootloaders needs to be fixed |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/11/20/3666668/access-denied-android-unlocked-bootloaders |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=November 20, 2012 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210040817/http://www.theverge.com/2012/11/20/3666668/access-denied-android-unlocked-bootloaders |archivedate=February 10, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

== {{Anchor|APP-OPS}}Security and privacy ==
{{See also|Mobile security|WARRIOR PRIDE}}

=== Scope of surveillance by public institutions ===
As part of the broader [[2013 mass surveillance disclosures]] it was revealed in September 2013 that the American and British intelligence agencies, the [[National Security Agency]] (NSA) and [[Government Communications Headquarters]] (GCHQ), respectively, have access to the user data on iPhone, BlackBerry, and Android devices. They are reportedly able to read almost all smartphone information, including SMS, location, emails, and notes.<ref name="spiegel20130907">{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/a-920971.html|title=Privacy Scandal: NSA Can Spy on Smart Phone Data|date=September 7, 2013|accessdate=September 7, 2013|author=Staff}}</ref> In January 2014, further reports revealed the intelligence agencies' capabilities to intercept the personal information transmitted across the Internet by social networks and other popular applications such as ''[[Angry Birds]]'', which collect personal information of their users for advertising and other commercial reasons. GCHQ has, according to ''The Guardian'', a [[wiki]]-style guide of different apps and advertising networks, and the different data that can be siphoned from each.<ref name="angrybirdsatgchq">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/27/nsa-gchq-smartphone-app-angry-birds-personal-data|title=Angry Birds and 'leaky' phone apps targeted by NSA and GCHQ for user data &#124; World news|date=|publisher=theguardian.com|author=James Ball|accessdate=February 2, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302173109/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/27/nsa-gchq-smartphone-app-angry-birds-personal-data|archivedate=March 2, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Later that week, the Finnish Angry Birds developer [[Rovio Entertainment|Rovio]] announced that it was reconsidering its relationships with its advertising platforms in the light of these revelations, and called upon the wider industry to do the same.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/28/angry-birds-rovio-respond-nsa-spying-revelations|title=Angry Birds firm calls for industry to respond to NSA spying revelations &#124; World news|date=January 28, 2014|publisher=theguardian.com|author=James Ball|accessdate=February 2, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140130104652/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/28/angry-birds-rovio-respond-nsa-spying-revelations|archivedate=January 30, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

The documents revealed a further effort by the intelligence agencies to intercept Google Maps searches and queries submitted from Android and other smartphones to collect location information in bulk.<ref name="angrybirdsatgchq" /> The NSA and GCHQ insist their activities are in compliance with all relevant domestic and international laws, although the Guardian stated "the latest disclosures could also add to mounting public concern about how the technology sector collects and uses information, especially for those outside the US, who enjoy fewer privacy protections than Americans."<ref name="angrybirdsatgchq" />

Leaked documents published by WikiLeaks, codenamed [[Vault 7]] and dated from 2013–2016, detail the capabilities of the [[Central Intelligence Agency]] (CIA) to perform electronic surveillance and [[cyber warfare]], including the ability to compromise the operating systems of most smartphones (including Android).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computing.co.uk/ctg/news/3006021/vault-7-wikileaks-reveals-details-of-cias-hacks-of-android-iphone-windows-linux-macos-and-even-samsung-tvs|title=Vault 7: Wikileaks reveals details of CIA's hacks of Android, iPhone Windows, Linux, MacOS, and even Samsung TVs|website=[[Computing (magazine)|Computing]]|date=7 March 2017|access-date=November 17, 2018|archive-date=February 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210114426/http://www.computing.co.uk/ctg/news/3006021/vault-7-wikileaks-reveals-details-of-cias-hacks-of-android-iphone-windows-linux-macos-and-even-samsung-tvs|dead-url=yes}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wired.com/2017/03/cia-can-hack-phone-pc-tv-says-wikileaks/|title=How the CIA Can Hack Your Phone, PC, and TV (Says WikiLeaks)|last=Greenberg|first=Andy|date=2017-03-07|work=[[WIRED]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Common security threats ===
Research from security company [[Trend Micro]] lists premium service abuse as the most common type of Android malware, where text messages are sent from infected phones to [[premium-rate telephone number]]s without the consent or even knowledge of the user. Other malware displays unwanted and intrusive advertisements on the device, or sends personal information to unauthorised third parties.<ref>{{cite web |first=Emil |last=Protalinski |title=Android malware numbers explode to 25,000 in June 2012 |url=http://www.zdnet.com/article/android-malware-numbers-explode-to-25000-in-june-2012/ |website=ZDNet |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=July 17, 2012 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012044759/http://www.zdnet.com/article/android-malware-numbers-explode-to-25000-in-june-2012/ |archivedate=October 12, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Security threats on Android are reportedly growing exponentially; however, Google engineers have argued that the malware and virus threat on Android is being [[Fear, uncertainty and doubt|exaggerated]] by security companies for commercial reasons,<ref name="exaggeration">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/network-wifi/3320818/mobile-malware-exaggerated-by-charlatan-vendors-says-google-engineer/|title=Mobile malware exaggerated by "charlatan" vendors, says Google engineer|date=November 24, 2011|publisher=PC Advisor|accessdate=November 9, 2012|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308075557/http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/network-wifi/3320818/mobile-malware-exaggerated-by-charlatan-vendors-says-google-engineer/|archivedate=March 8, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="extremely">{{cite web |first=Jerry |last=Hildenbrand |title=Android 4.2 brings new security features to scan sideloaded apps |url=http://www.androidcentral.com/android-42-brings-new-security-features-scan-sideloaded-apps |website=Android Central |publisher=Mobile Nations |date=November 2, 2012 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408194541/http://www.androidcentral.com/android-42-brings-new-security-features-scan-sideloaded-apps |archivedate=April 8, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and have accused the security industry of playing on fears to sell virus protection software to users.<ref name="exaggeration" /> Google maintains that dangerous malware is actually extremely rare,<ref name="extremely" /> and a survey conducted by [[F-Secure]] showed that only 0.5% of Android malware reported had come from the Google Play store.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.phonearena.com/news/Android-malware-perspective-only-0.5-comes-from-the-Play-Store_id36696|title=Android malware perspective: only 0.5% comes from the Play Store|date=|publisher=Phonearena.com|accessdate=March 14, 2013|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509190547/http://www.phonearena.com/news/Android-malware-perspective-only-0.5-comes-from-the-Play-Store_id36696|archivedate=May 9, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

In August 2015, Google announced that devices in the Google Nexus series would begin to receive monthly security patches. Google also wrote that "Nexus devices will continue to receive major updates for at least two years and security patches for the longer of three years from initial availability or 18 months from last sale of the device via the [[Google Store]]."<ref>{{cite web |first1=Adrian |last1=Ludwig |first2=Venkat |last2=Rapaka |title=An Update to Nexus Devices |url=https://android.googleblog.com/2015/08/an-update-to-nexus-devices.html |website=Official Android Blog |publisher=Google |date=August 5, 2015 |accessdate=March 16, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318164542/https://android.googleblog.com/2015/08/an-update-to-nexus-devices.html |archivedate=March 18, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Ryan |last=Whitwam |title=Google Announces New Update Policy For Nexus Devices Including Monthly Security Patches For 3 Years And Major OTAs For 2 Years From Release |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2015/08/05/google-announces-new-update-policy-for-nexus-devices-including-monthly-security-patches-for-3-years-and-major-otas-for-2-years-from-release/ |website=Android Police |date=August 5, 2015 |accessdate=March 16, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126054028/http://www.androidpolice.com/2015/08/05/google-announces-new-update-policy-for-nexus-devices-including-monthly-security-patches-for-3-years-and-major-otas-for-2-years-from-release/ |archivedate=January 26, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Brandon |last=Chester |title=Google Commits To Monthly Security Updates For Nexus Devices |url=http://www.anandtech.com/show/9496/google-commits-to-monthly-security-updates-for-nexus-devices |website=[[AnandTech]] |publisher=[[Purch Group]] |date=August 5, 2015 |accessdate=March 16, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317054707/http://www.anandtech.com/show/9496/google-commits-to-monthly-security-updates-for-nexus-devices |archivedate=March 17, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The following October, researchers at the [[University of Cambridge]] concluded that 87.7% of Android phones in use had known but unpatched [[security vulnerabilities]] due to lack of updates and support.<ref>{{cite web |title=87% of Android devices insecure |url=http://androidvulnerabilities.org/press/2015-10-08 |website=Android Vulnerabilities |publisher=University of Cambridge |date=October 8, 2015 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222080441/http://www.androidvulnerabilities.org/press/2015-10-08 |archivedate=February 22, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first1=Daniel R. |last1=Thomas |first2=Alastair R. |last2=Beresford |first3=Andrew |last3=Rice |title=Security Metrics for the Android Ecosystem |url=https://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/~drt24/papers/spsm-scoring.pdf |publisher=[[Libraries of the University of Cambridge|Computer Laboratory]], University of Cambridge |accessdate=March 16, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222134830/https://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/~drt24/papers/spsm-scoring.pdf |archivedate=February 22, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Ron |last=Amadeo |title=University of Cambridge study finds 87% of Android devices are insecure |url=https://arstechnica.com/security/2015/10/university-of-cambridge-study-finds-87-of-android-devices-are-insecure/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=October 14, 2015 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312063812/https://arstechnica.com/security/2015/10/university-of-cambridge-study-finds-87-of-android-devices-are-insecure/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Ron Amadeo of ''Ars Technica'' wrote also in August 2015 that "Android was originally designed, above all else, to be widely adopted. Google was starting from scratch with zero percent market share, so it was happy to give up control and give everyone a seat at the table in exchange for adoption. [...] Now, though, Android has around 75–80 percent of the worldwide smartphone market—making it not just the world's most popular mobile operating system but arguably the most popular operating system, period. As such, security has become a big issue. Android still uses a software update chain-of-command designed back when the Android ecosystem had zero devices to update, and it just doesn't work".<ref>{{cite web |first=Ron |last=Amadeo |title=Waiting for Android’s inevitable security Armageddon |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/08/waiting-for-androids-inevitable-security-armageddon/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=August 6, 2015 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312065601/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/08/waiting-for-androids-inevitable-security-armageddon/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Following news of Google's monthly schedule, some manufacturers, including Samsung and LG, promised to issue monthly security updates,<ref>{{cite web |first=Liam |last=Tung |title=After Stagefright, Samsung and LG join Google with monthly Android patches |url=http://www.zdnet.com/article/after-stagefright-samsung-and-lg-join-google-with-monthly-android-patches/ |website=ZDNet |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=August 6, 2015 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312051109/http://www.zdnet.com/article/after-stagefright-samsung-and-lg-join-google-with-monthly-android-patches/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> but, as noted by Jerry Hildenbrand in ''Android Central'' in February 2016, "instead we got a few updates on specific versions of a small handful of models. And a bunch of broken promises".<ref>{{cite web |first=Jerry |last=Hildenbrand |title=Monthly security patches are the most important updates you'll never get |url=http://www.androidcentral.com/monthly-security-patches-are-most-important-updates-youll-never-get |website=Android Central |publisher=Mobile Nations |date=February 19, 2016 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170115232057/http://www.androidcentral.com/monthly-security-patches-are-most-important-updates-youll-never-get |archivedate=January 15, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

In a March 2017 post on Google's Security Blog, Android security leads Adrian Ludwig and Mel Miller wrote that "More than 735 million devices from 200+ manufacturers received a platform security update in 2016" and that "Our carrier and hardware partners helped expand deployment of these updates, releasing updates for over half of the top 50 devices worldwide in the last quarter of 2016". They also wrote that "About half of devices in use at the end of 2016 had not received a platform security update in the previous year", stating that their work would continue to focus on streamlining the security updates program for easier deployment by manufacturers.<ref>{{cite web |first1=Adrian |last1=Ludwig |first2=Mel |last2=Miller |title=Diverse protections for a diverse ecosystem: Android Security 2016 Year in Review |url=https://security.googleblog.com/2017/03/diverse-protections-for-diverse.html |quote=<!--More than 735 million devices from 200+ manufacturers received a platform security update in 2016. [..]-->We released monthly Android security updates throughout the year for devices running Android 4.4.4 and up—that accounts for 86.3 percent of all active Android devices worldwide. |website=Google Security Blog |publisher=Google |date=March 22, 2017 |accessdate=March 22, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322141254/http://security.googleblog.com/2017/03/diverse-protections-for-diverse.html |archivedate=March 22, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Furthermore, in a comment to ''TechCrunch'', Ludwig stated that the wait time for security updates had been reduced from "six to nine weeks down to just a few days", with 78% of flagship devices in North America being up-to-date on security at the end of 2016.<ref>{{cite web |first=Kate |last=Conger |title=Android plans to improve security update speed this year |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/22/security-updates-are-still-slow-for-android-users/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=March 22, 2017 |accessdate=March 22, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322144352/https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/22/security-updates-are-still-slow-for-android-users/ |archivedate=March 22, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Patches to bugs found in the core operating system often do not reach users of older and lower-priced devices.<ref>{{cite web |first=Lorenzo |last=Franceschi-Bicchierai |title=Goodbye, Android |url=https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/goodbye-android |website=Motherboard |publisher=[[Vice Media]] |date=July 29, 2015 |accessdate=March 16, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316205243/https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/goodbye-android |archivedate=March 16, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Adrian |last=Kingsley-Hughes |title=The Android 'toxic hellstew' survival guide |url=http://www.zdnet.com/article/the-android-toxic-hellstew-survival-guide/ |website=ZDNet |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=June 9, 2014 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327220116/http://www.zdnet.com/article/the-android-toxic-hellstew-survival-guide/ |archivedate=March 27, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> However, the open-source nature of Android allows security contractors to take existing devices and adapt them for highly secure uses. For example, Samsung has worked with General Dynamics through their [[Open Kernel Labs]] acquisition to rebuild ''Jelly Bean'' on top of their hardened microvisor for the "Knox" project.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/02/28/general_dynamics/|title=Air-to-ground rocket men flog top-secret mobe-crypto to Brad in accounts|date=February 28, 2013|publisher=The Register|accessdate=August 8, 2013|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728215538/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/02/28/general_dynamics/|archivedate=July 28, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/28/technology/samsung-armors-android-to-take-on-blackberry.html|title=Samsung Armors Android to Take On BlackBerry|date=February 28, 2013|work=The New York Times|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623171457/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/28/technology/samsung-armors-android-to-take-on-blackberry.html|archivedate=June 23, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Android smartphones have the ability to report the location of [[Wi-Fi]] access points, encountered as phone users move around, to build databases containing the physical locations of hundreds of millions of such access points. These databases form electronic maps to locate smartphones, allowing them to run apps like [[Foursquare]], [[Google Latitude]], [[Facebook Places]], and to deliver location-based ads.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/09/technology/09google.html|title=Suit Opens a Window Into Google|date=May 8, 2011|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|author=Steve Lohr|accessdate=February 16, 2012|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116095159/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/09/technology/09google.html|archivedate=November 16, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Third party monitoring software such as TaintDroid,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://appanalysis.org/faq.html|title=AppAnalysis.org: Real Time Privacy Monitoring on Smartphones|last=|first=|date=March 15, 2018|website=|archivedate=March 15, 2012|accessdate=October 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315153458/http://appanalysis.org/faq.html|dead-url=yes}}</ref> an academic research-funded project, can, in some cases, detect when personal information is being sent from applications to remote servers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/09/data-collection-android/|title=Study Shows Some Android Apps Leak User Data Without Clear Notifications &#124; Gadget Lab|last=Ganapati|first=Priya|date=September 30, 2010|publisher=Wired.com|accessdate=January 30, 2012|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004011111/http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/09/data-collection-android/|archivedate=October 4, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

=== Technical security features ===
Android applications run in a [[Sandbox (computer security)|sandbox]], an isolated area of the system that does not have access to the rest of the system's resources, unless access permissions are explicitly granted by the user when the application is installed, however this may not be possible for pre-installed apps. It is not possible, for example, to turn off the microphone access of the pre-installed camera app without disabling the camera completely. This is valid also in Android versions 7 and 8.<ref>{{cite web |first=Gary |last=Sims |title=How secure is Android? |url=http://www.androidauthority.com/secure-android-90523/ |website=Android Authority |date=May 30, 2012 |accessdate=March 15, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316024406/http://www.androidauthority.com/secure-android-90523/ |archivedate=March 16, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Since February 2012, Google has used its [[Google Bouncer]] malware scanner to watch over and scan apps available in the Google Play store.<ref>{{cite web |first=Hiroshi |last=Lockheimer |title=Android and Security |url=http://googlemobile.blogspot.no/2012/02/android-and-security.html |website=Google Mobile Blog |publisher=Google |date=February 2, 2012 |accessdate=March 22, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227062701/http://googlemobile.blogspot.no/2012/02/android-and-security.html |archivedate=February 27, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Chloe |last=Albanesius |title=Google 'Bouncer' Now Scanning Android Market for Malware |url=http://uk.pcmag.com/apps/66697/news/google-bouncer-now-scanning-android-market-for-malware |website=[[PC Magazine]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=February 2, 2012 |accessdate=March 22, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227160213/http://uk.pcmag.com/apps/66697/news/google-bouncer-now-scanning-android-market-for-malware |archivedate=February 27, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> A "Verify Apps" feature was introduced in November 2012, as part of the Android 4.2 "Jelly Bean" operating system version, to scan all apps, both from Google Play and from third-party sources, for malicious behavior.<ref>{{cite web |first=JR |last=Raphael |title=Exclusive: Inside Android 4.2's powerful new security system |url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/2473570/android/exclusive--inside-android-4-2-s-powerful-new-security-system.html |website=Computerworld |publisher=International Data Group |date=November 1, 2012 |accessdate=March 22, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317162810/http://www.computerworld.com/article/2473570/android/exclusive--inside-android-4-2-s-powerful-new-security-system.html |archivedate=March 17, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Originally only doing so during installation, Verify Apps received an update in 2014 to "constantly" scan apps, and in 2017 the feature was made visible to users through a menu in Settings.<ref>{{cite web |first=Ryan |last=Whitwam |title=Google's Verify Apps now shows apps that it has recently scanned |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/02/13/googles-verify-apps-now-shows-apps-recently-scanned/ |website=Android Police |date=February 13, 2017 |accessdate=March 15, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316025715/http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/02/13/googles-verify-apps-now-shows-apps-recently-scanned/ |archivedate=March 16, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Kyle |last=Wiggers |title=Google's virus-scanning Verify Apps feature for Android now reveals its secrets |url=http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/verify-apps-list-update/ |website=[[Digital Trends]] |date=February 15, 2017 |accessdate=March 15, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316025235/http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/verify-apps-list-update/ |archivedate=March 16, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Before installing an application, the Google Play store displays a list of the requirements an app needs to function. After reviewing these permissions, the user can choose to accept or refuse them, installing the application only if they accept.<ref>{{cite web |title=Review app permissions thru Android 5.9 |url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/6014972 |website=Google Play Help |publisher=Google |accessdate=March 15, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316025438/https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/6014972 |archivedate=March 16, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In [[Android Marshmallow|Android 6.0 "Marshmallow"]], the permissions system was changed; apps are no longer automatically granted all of their specified permissions at installation time. An opt-in system is used instead, in which users are prompted to grant or deny individual permissions to an app when they are needed for the first time. Applications remember the grants, which can be revoked by the user at any time. Pre-installed apps, however, are not always part of this approach. In some cases it may not be possible to deny certain permissions to pre-installed apps, nor be possible to disable them. The Google Play Services app cannot be uninstalled, nor disabled. Any force stop attempt, result in the app restarting itself.<ref>{{cite web |first=Nick |last=Mediati |title=How to toggle app permissions in Android Marshmallow |url=http://www.greenbot.com/article/2990078/android/how-to-toggle-app-permissions-in-android-marshmallow.html |website=Greenbot |publisher=International Data Group |date=October 12, 2015 |accessdate=March 15, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307045224/http://www.greenbot.com/article/2990078/android/how-to-toggle-app-permissions-in-android-marshmallow.html |archivedate=March 7, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Dan |last=Seifert |title=Google announces Android M, available later this year |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/5/28/8675257/android-m-os-update-google-io-2015 |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=May 28, 2015 |accessdate=March 15, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328095646/http://www.theverge.com/2015/5/28/8675257/android-m-os-update-google-io-2015 |archivedate=March 28, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The new permissions model is used only by applications developed for Marshmallow using its [[software development kit]] (SDK), and older apps will continue to use the previous all-or-nothing approach. Permissions can still be revoked for those apps, though this might prevent them from working properly, and a warning is displayed to that effect.<ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Hoffman |title=How to Manage App Permissions on Android 6.0 |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/230683/how-to-manage-app-permissions-on-android-6.0/ |publisher=How-To Geek |date=October 11, 2015 |accessdate=March 6, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307045557/https://www.howtogeek.com/230683/how-to-manage-app-permissions-on-android-6.0/ |archivedate=March 7, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Ara |last=Wagoner |title=How to take advantage of the new App Permissions in Marshmallow |url=http://www.androidcentral.com/how-take-advantage-new-app-permissions-marshmallow |website=Android Central |publisher=Mobile Nations |date=November 1, 2015 |accessdate=March 6, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519132425/http://www.androidcentral.com/how-take-advantage-new-app-permissions-marshmallow |archivedate=May 19, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

In September 2014, Jason Nova of ''Android Authority'' reported on a study by the German security company Fraunhofer AISEC in [[antivirus software]] and malware threats on Android. Nova wrote that "The Android operating system deals with software packages by sandboxing them; this does not allow applications to list the directory contents of other apps to keep the system safe. By not allowing the antivirus to list the directories of other apps after installation, applications that show no inherent suspicious behavior when downloaded are cleared as safe. If then later on parts of the app are activated that turn out to be malicious, the antivirus will have no way to know since it is inside the app and out of the antivirus’ jurisdiction". The study by Fraunhofer AISEC, examining antivirus software from [[Avast Software|Avast]], [[AVG AntiVirus|AVG]], [[Bitdefender]], [[ESET]], F-Secure, [[Kaspersky Lab|Kaspersky]], [[Lookout (company)|Lookout]], [[McAfee|McAfee (formerly Intel Security)]], [[Norton (Symantec)|Norton]], [[Sophos]], and Trend Micro, revealed that "the tested antivirus apps do not provide protection against customized malware or targeted attacks", and that "the tested antivirus apps were also not able to detect malware which is completely unknown to date but does not make any efforts to hide its malignity".<ref>{{cite web |first=Jason |last=Nova |title=The State of Antivirus for Android |url=http://www.androidauthority.com/state-antivirus-android-523684/ |website=Android Authority |date=September 14, 2014 |accessdate=March 22, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621003547/http://www.androidauthority.com/state-antivirus-android-523684/ |archivedate=June 21, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

In August 2013, Google announced Android Device Manager (renamed Find My Device in May 2017),<ref>{{cite web |first=Ryne |last=Hager |title=Android Device Manager updated for the first time in two years and renamed to Find My Device [APK Download] |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/05/17/android-device-manager-updated-first-time-two-years-renamed-find-device-apk-download/ |website=Android Police |date=May 17, 2017 |accessdate=May 17, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517190445/http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/05/17/android-device-manager-updated-first-time-two-years-renamed-find-device-apk-download/ |archivedate=May 17, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Welch |title=Google’s app for lost Android phones is now called Find My Device |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/17/15654160/google-android-device-manager-app-renamed-find-my-device |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=May 17, 2017 |accessdate=May 17, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517190755/https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/17/15654160/google-android-device-manager-app-renamed-find-my-device |archivedate=May 17, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> a service that allows users to remotely track, locate, and wipe their Android device,<ref>{{cite web |first=Emil |last=Protalinski |title=Google announces Android Device Manager coming later this month, an app that helps you find your lost phone |url=https://thenextweb.com/google/2013/08/02/google-announces-android-device-manager-coming-later-this-month-an-app-that-helps-you-find-your-lost-phone/ |website=The Next Web |date=August 2, 2013 |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314064010/https://thenextweb.com/google/2013/08/02/google-announces-android-device-manager-coming-later-this-month-an-app-that-helps-you-find-your-lost-phone/ |archivedate=March 14, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Jacob |last=Kastrenakes |title=Google announces tool to track lost Android phones |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/8/2/4582892/android-lost-device-recovery-tools-device-manager |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=August 2, 2013 |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210030930/http://www.theverge.com/2013/8/2/4582892/android-lost-device-recovery-tools-device-manager |archivedate=February 10, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> with an Android app for the service released in December.<ref>{{cite web |first=Brian |last=Heater |title=Android Device Manager now available for your downloading pleasure on Google Play |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/12/11/android-device-manager/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=December 11, 2013 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602021841/https://www.engadget.com/2013/12/11/android-device-manager/ |archivedate=June 2, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Ryan |last=Whitwam |title=[New App] Google Releases Android Device Manager App In Play Store |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/12/11/new-app-google-releases-android-device-manager-app-in-play-store/ |website=Android Police |date=December 11, 2013 |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314064741/http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/12/11/new-app-google-releases-android-device-manager-app-in-play-store/ |archivedate=March 14, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In December 2016, Google introduced a Trusted Contacts app, letting users request location-tracking of loved ones during emergencies.<ref>{{cite web |first=Natt |last=Garun |title=Google’s new Trusted Contacts app lets you share your location during emergencies |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/12/5/13842058/google-trusted-contacts-personal-safety-android-app |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=December 5, 2016 |accessdate=April 4, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404220136/http://www.theverge.com/2016/12/5/13842058/google-trusted-contacts-personal-safety-android-app |archivedate=April 4, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Frederic |last=Lardinois |title=Google’s new Trusted Contacts app lets you share your location in emergencies |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/12/05/googles-new-trusted-contacts-app-lets-you-share-your-location-in-emergencies/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=December 5, 2016 |accessdate=April 4, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622135622/https://techcrunch.com/2016/12/05/googles-new-trusted-contacts-app-lets-you-share-your-location-in-emergencies/ |archivedate=June 22, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

=== Blocked installation of old apps on Android 14 onwards ===
In Android 14 onwards, the installation of old apps that target an older version of the android SDK and have not received any updates (e.g abandonware, legacy apps/games) is blocked by default and triggers a warning message, due to increased security enforced in newer versions of Android.<ref>[https://9to5google.com/2023/01/23/android-14-block-install-outdated-apps/ Android 14 set to block certain outdated apps from being installed]</ref>

For example, Android 14 requires apps to have minimum API Level 23 {targeting ''Android 6 Marshmallow''}, Android 15 requires apps to have minimum API Level 24 {targeting ''Android 7 Nougat''} etc.

Older apps have to be installed through adb commands to work around this restriction.

*'''adb without PC method:''' <ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/androidapps/comments/1iebpjd/is_there_a_way_to_install_and_use_old_apks_that/ Is there a way to install and use old APKs, that Android 15 refused to install?]</ref><ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/androidapps/comments/1ii4bge/any_solution_to_installing_old_android_apps_on/ Any solution to installing old android apps on Android 15]</ref>
You need the apps: <br> - [https://shizuku.rikka.app/download/ Shizuku] (available for free thru '''[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=moe.shizuku.privileged.api Play Store]''', [https://github.com/RikkaApps/Shizuku/releases GitHub Releases Section] or external APK installer) <br> - [https://github.com/zacharee/InstallWithOptions Install With Options] (available for free thru '''[https://github.com/zacharee/InstallWithOptions/releases GitHub Releases Section]''')

Open Settings on the phone, go to Developer Settings ([https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/mobile-devices/how-do-i-turn-on-the-developer-options-menu-on-my-samsung-galaxy-device/ enable it] if you haven't done it previously) -> enable USB debugging, and Wireless debugging.

As you open the Shizuku app, you can see "Shizuku is not running". Select "Pairing", and enable notification access. (You will see the notification pop-up "Searching for pairing service"; this is to enter the 6-digit code, don't mind that right now, we will use that later)

On the Shizuku Pairing screen, select Developer Options again, go to Wireless debugging, select "Pair device with pairing code". A 6-digit code will be generated.

You will see the notification pop-up "Pairing service found". Swipe down on the status bar to access notifications, locate that notification and select "Enter pairing code". Enter the 6-digit code and submit, it will say "Pairing successful".

Now go back to Shizuku main screen and select "Start". After some commands are executed, you can see that Shizuku is changed to "Shizuku is running".

Finally, we can use the app called "Install With Options"

In that "Install With Options" app, grant permission to allow "Install With Options" to access Shizuku. 
Select "Bypass low target sdk block", then choose the apk you want to install. 

Now you can finally enjoy your old games.

To stop Shizuku, go to Shizuku main screen, tap on the 3 dots on the top-right, select "Stop Shizuku"
<br>'''# adb without PC method instructions end here #'''

*'''adb with PC method:''' <ref>[https://liliputing.com/how-to-install-old-apps-on-android-14/ How to install old apps on Android 14 - Liliputing]</ref>
Open Settings on the phone, go to Developer Settings ([https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/mobile-devices/how-do-i-turn-on-the-developer-options-menu-on-my-samsung-galaxy-device/ enable it] if you haven't done it previously) -> enable USB debugging.

Connect the phone to your computer with a USB cable and allow USB debugging. [https://www.xda-developers.com/install-adb-windows-macos-linux/ Install adb] on your computer (if you don't already have it), open a Command Prompt in that adb folder and run the command <code>adb devices</code> to launch the ADB daemon.

On your phone's screen, you should see a prompt to allow or deny USB Debugging access. Tap allow. If everything was successful, you should now see your device's serial number in the Command Prompt.

Run this command to install apps with an outdated SDK on Android 14:<br>
<code>adb install --bypass-low-target-sdk-block "FILENAME-OF-OLD-APP.apk"</code>
<br>'''# adb with PC method instructions end here #'''

== Licensing ==
The source code for Android is [[open-source]]: it is developed in private by Google, with the source code released publicly when a new version of Android is released. Google publishes most of the code (including network and telephony [[solution stack|stacks]]) under the [[non-copyleft]] Apache License version 2.0. which allows modification and redistribution.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Mobile-and-Wireless/Google-Open-Sources-Android-on-Eve-of-G1-Launch/ |work=[[eWeek]] |title=Google Open-Sources Android on Eve of G1 Launch |first=Clint |last=Boulton |date=October 21, 2008 |accessdate=February 17, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Ryan |last=Paul |title=Why Google chose the Apache Software License over GPLv2 for Android |url=https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2007/11/why-google-chose-the-apache-software-license-over-gplv2/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=November 6, 2007 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312063844/https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2007/11/why-google-chose-the-apache-software-license-over-gplv2/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The license does not grant rights to the "Android" trademark, so device manufacturers and wireless carriers have to license it from Google under individual contracts. Associated Linux kernel changes are released under the [[copyleft]] [[GNU General Public License]] version 2, developed by the Open Handset Alliance, with the source code publicly available at all times. Typically, Google collaborates with a hardware manufacturer to produce a flagship device (part of the Nexus series) featuring the new version of Android, then makes the source code available after that device has been released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://source.android.com/faqs.html#what-is-involved-in-releasing-the-source-code-for-a-new-android-version |title=Frequently Asked Questions: What is involved in releasing the source code for a new Android version? |work=Android Open Source Project |accessdate=February 16, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100803005840/http://source.android.com/faqs.html |archivedate=August 3, 2010 |df= }}</ref> The only Android release which was not immediately made available as source code was the tablet-only 3.0 ''Honeycomb'' release. The reason, according to Andy Rubin in an official Android blog post, was because ''Honeycomb'' was rushed for production of the [[Motorola Xoom]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Bray |first=Tim |url=http://android-developers.blogspot.com/2011/04/i-think-im-having-gene-amdahl-moment.html |title=Android Developers Blog: I think I'm having a Gene Amdahl moment |publisher=Android-developers.blogspot.com |date=April 6, 2011 |accessdate=February 16, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120103150422/http://android-developers.blogspot.com/2011/04/i-think-im-having-gene-amdahl-moment.html |archivedate=January 3, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and they did not want third parties creating a "really bad user experience" by attempting to put onto smartphones a version of Android intended for tablets.<ref>{{cite web |author=Jerry Hildenbrand |url=http://www.androidcentral.com/google-not-open-sourcing-honeycomb-says-bloomberg |title=Honeycomb won't be open-sourced? Say it ain't so! |publisher=Androidcentral.com |date=March 24, 2011 |accessdate=February 16, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201151102/http://www.androidcentral.com/google-not-open-sourcing-honeycomb-says-bloomberg |archivedate=February 1, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Only the base Android operating system (including some applications) is open-source software, whereas most Android devices ship with a substantial amount of proprietary software, such as Google Mobile Services, which includes applications such as Google Play Store, Google Search, and Google Play Services{{snd}} a software layer that provides APIs for the integration with Google-provided services, among others. These applications must be licensed from Google by device makers, and can only be shipped on devices which meet its compatibility guidelines and other requirements.<ref name="geek-poweredby">{{cite web|title=Google mandates ‘Powered by Android’ branding on new devices|url=http://www.geek.com/android/google-mandates-powered-by-android-branding-on-new-devices-1589253/|work=Geek.com|accessdate=March 28, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328203431/http://www.geek.com/android/google-mandates-powered-by-android-branding-on-new-devices-1589253/|archivedate=March 28, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Custom, certified distributions of Android produced by manufacturers (such as [[TouchWiz]] and [[HTC Sense]]) may also replace certain stock Android apps with their own proprietary variants and add additional software not included in the stock Android operating system.<ref name="ars-irongrip" /> There may also be "[[binary blob]]" [[Driver (software)|drivers]] required for certain hardware components in the device.<ref name="ars-irongrip" /><ref name="Building for devices" />

[[Richard Stallman]] and the [[Free Software Foundation]] have been critical of Android and have recommended the usage of alternatives such as [[Replicant (operating system)|Replicant]], because drivers and firmware vital for the proper functioning of Android devices are usually proprietary, and because the Google Play Store application can forcibly install or uninstall applications and, as a result, invite non-free software; although the Free Software Foundation has not found Google to use it for malicious reasons.<ref name="stallman2011">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2011/sep/19/android-free-software-stallman |publisher=The Guardian |title=Is Android really free software? |first=Richard |last=Stallman |date=September 19, 2011 |accessdate=September 9, 2012 |location=London |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926172133/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2011/sep/19/android-free-software-stallman |archivedate=September 26, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/android-and-users-freedom.html|title=Android and Users' Freedom – Support the Free Your Android campaign|first=Richard|last=Stallman|publisher=Free Software Foundation|work=GNU.org|date=August 5, 2012|accessdate=September 9, 2012|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905074919/http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/android-and-users-freedom.html|archivedate=September 5, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

=== Leverage over manufacturers ===
Google licenses their Google Mobile Services software, along with Android trademarks, only to hardware manufacturers for devices that meet Google's compatibility standards specified in the Android Compatibility Program document.<ref name=AndroidCompatibility>{{cite book |title=Android Compatibility Definition Document |publisher=Google |publication-date=January 11, 2015 |edition=5.0 |format=PDF |access-date=March 3, 2015 |url=http://static.googleusercontent.com/media/source.android.com/en/us/compatibility/android-cdd.pdf |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304103236/http://static.googleusercontent.com/media/source.android.com/en/us/compatibility/android-cdd.pdf |archivedate=March 4, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Thus, forks of Android that make major changes to the operating system itself do not include any of Google's non-free components, stay incompatible with applications that require them, and must ship with an alternative software marketplace in lieu of Google Play Store.<ref name="ars-irongrip" /> Examples of such Android forks are Amazon's Fire OS (which is used on the [[Kindle Fire]] line of tablets, and oriented toward Amazon services), the [[Nokia X Software Platform]] (a fork used by the [[Nokia X family]], oriented primarily toward Nokia and [[Microsoft]] services), and other forks that exclude Google apps due to the general unavailability of Google services in certain regions (such as [[Internet censorship in the People's Republic of China|China]]).<ref>{{cite web |first=Tom |last=Warren |title=This is Nokia X: Android and Windows Phone collide |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/2/24/5440498/nokia-x-android-phone-hands-on |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=February 24, 2014 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212003044/http://www.theverge.com/2014/2/24/5440498/nokia-x-android-phone-hands-on |archivedate=February 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Liau Yun |last=Qing |title=Phonemakers make Android China-friendly |url=http://www.zdnet.com/article/phonemakers-make-android-china-friendly/ |website=ZDNet |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=October 15, 2012 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013024718/http://www.zdnet.com/article/phonemakers-make-android-china-friendly/ |archivedate=October 13, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In 2014, Google also began to require that all Android devices which license the Google Mobile Services software display a prominent "Powered by Android" logo on their boot screens.<ref name="geek-poweredby" /> Google has also enforced preferential bundling and placement of Google Mobile Services on devices, including mandated bundling of the entire main suite of Google applications, and that shortcuts to Google Search and the Play Store app must be present on or near the main home screen page in its default configuration.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/02/new-android-oem-licensing-terms-leak-open-comes-with-restrictions/|title=New Android OEM licensing terms leak; "Open" comes with a lot of restrictions|work=Ars Technica|access-date=2018-03-26|language=en-us|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326161103/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/02/new-android-oem-licensing-terms-leak-open-comes-with-restrictions/|archivedate=March 26, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Some stock applications and components in AOSP code that were formerly used by earlier versions of Android, such as Search, Music, Calendar, and the location API, were abandoned by Google in favor of non-free replacements distributed through Play Store (Google Search, Google Play Music, and Google Calendar) and Google Play Services, which are no longer open-source. Moreover, open-source variants of some applications also exclude functions that are present in their non-free versions, such as Photosphere panoramas in Camera, and a [[Google Now]] page on the default home screen (exclusive to the proprietary version "Google Now Launcher", whose code is embedded within that of the main Google application).<ref name="ars-irongrip" /><ref>{{cite web |first=Ron |last=Amadeo |title="Google Now Launcher" hits Play Store, brings Google homescreen to GPE & Nexus devices |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/02/google-now-launcher-hits-play-store-brings-google-homescreen-to-gpe-nexus-devices/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=February 26, 2014 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312064123/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/02/google-now-launcher-hits-play-store-brings-google-homescreen-to-gpe-nexus-devices/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.anandtech.com/show/7516/android-44-factory-images-now-available-for-nexus-4-7-2012-and-2013-and-10
 |title       = Android 4.4 Factory Images Now Available for Nexus 4, 7 (2012 and 2013), and 10
 |date        = November 14, 2013
 |accessdate  = November 19, 2013
 |author      = Brian Klug
 |publisher   = AnandTech
 |deadurl     = no
 |archiveurl  = https://web.archive.org/web/20131119003547/http://www.anandtech.com/show/7516/android-44-factory-images-now-available-for-nexus-4-7-2012-and-2013-and-10
 |archivedate = November 19, 2013
 |df          = mdy-all
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Ron |last=Amadeo |title=The Nexus 5’s "exclusive" launcher suspiciously receives support for other devices |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/11/the-nexus-5s-exclusive-launcher-suspiciously-receives-support-for-other-devices/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=November 14, 2013 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312063635/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/11/the-nexus-5s-exclusive-launcher-suspiciously-receives-support-for-other-devices/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> These measures are likely intended to discourage forks and encourage commercial licensing in line with Google requirements, as the majority of the operating system's core functionality (and in turn, third-party software), are dependent on proprietary components licensed exclusively by Google, and it would take significant development resources to develop an alternative suite of software and APIs to replicate or replace them. Apps that do not use Google components would also be at a functional disadvantage, as they can only use APIs contained within the OS itself.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/02/neither-microsoft-nokia-nor-anyone-else-should-fork-android-its-unforkable/|title=Neither Microsoft, Nokia, nor anyone else should fork Android. It’s unforkable.|website=Ars Technica|publisher=Condé Nast|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en-us|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313092126/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/02/neither-microsoft-nokia-nor-anyone-else-should-fork-android-its-unforkable/|archivedate=March 13, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

In March 2018, it was reported that Google had begun to block "uncertified" Android devices from using Google Mobile Services software, and display a warning indicating that "the device manufacturer has preloaded Google apps and services without certification from Google". Users of custom ROMs are able to register their device ID to their Google account to remove this block.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2018/03/google-starts-blocking-uncertified-android-devices-from-logging-in/|title=Google starts blocking "uncertified" Android devices from logging in|work=Ars Technica|access-date=2018-03-26|language=en-us|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326161228/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2018/03/google-starts-blocking-uncertified-android-devices-from-logging-in/|archivedate=March 26, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Members of the Open Handset Alliance, which include the majority of Android OEMs, are also contractually forbidden from producing Android devices based on forks of the OS;<ref name="ars-irongrip" /><ref name="Compatibility_FAQ">{{cite web|url=http://source.android.com/faqs.html#compatibility |title=Android Open Source Project Frequently Asked Questions: Compatibility |work=source.android.com |accessdate=March 13, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100803005840/http://source.android.com/faqs.html |archivedate=August 3, 2010 |df= }}</ref> in 2012, [[Acer Inc.]] was forced by Google to halt production on a device powered by [[Alibaba Group]]'s [[Aliyun OS]] with threats of removal from the OHA, as Google deemed the platform to be an incompatible version of Android. Alibaba Group defended the allegations, arguing that the OS was a distinct platform from Android (primarily using [[HTML5]] apps), but incorporated portions of Android's platform to allow backwards compatibility with third-party Android software. Indeed, the devices did ship with an application store which offered Android apps; however, the majority of them were [[Software piracy|pirated]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Edward |last=Moyer |title=Alibaba: Google just plain wrong about our OS |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/alibaba-google-just-plain-wrong-about-our-os/ |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=September 15, 2012 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312072844/https://www.cnet.com/news/alibaba-google-just-plain-wrong-about-our-os/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Jon |last=Brodkin |title=Google blocked Acer’s rival phone to prevent Android "fragmentation" |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2012/09/google-blocked-acers-rival-phone-to-prevent-android-fragmentation/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=September 15, 2012 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312063238/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2012/09/google-blocked-acers-rival-phone-to-prevent-android-fragmentation/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Jon |last=Brodkin |title=Pirated Android apps featured prominently on Aliyun app store |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2012/09/pirated-android-apps-featured-prominently-on-aliyun-app-store/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=September 17, 2012 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312064327/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2012/09/pirated-android-apps-featured-prominently-on-aliyun-app-store/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

== Reception ==

Android received a lukewarm reaction when it was unveiled in 2007. Although analysts were impressed with the respected technology companies that had partnered with Google to form the Open Handset Alliance, it was unclear whether mobile phone manufacturers would be willing to replace their existing operating systems with Android.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7080758.stm |title=Technology &#124; Q&A: Google's Android |publisher=BBC News |date=November 6, 2007 |accessdate=November 9, 2012}}</ref> The idea of an open-source, Linux-based [[Computing platform|development platform]] sparked interest,<ref>{{cite web |first=Marguerite |last=Reardon |title=Google Android prototypes debut at MWC |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/google-android-prototypes-debut-at-mwc/ |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=February 11, 2008 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312072814/https://www.cnet.com/news/google-android-prototypes-debut-at-mwc/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> but there were additional worries about Android facing strong competition from established players in the smartphone market, such as Nokia and Microsoft, and rival Linux mobile operating systems that were in development.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/biztech/androids-outing-at-barcelona/2008/02/12/1202760277773.html |title=Android's outing at Barcelona – BizTech – Technology |publisher=[[Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=February 12, 2008 |accessdate=November 9, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308205217/http://www.smh.com.au/news/biztech/androids-outing-at-barcelona/2008/02/12/1202760277773.html |archivedate=March 8, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> These established players were skeptical: Nokia was quoted as saying "we don't see this as a threat," and a member of Microsoft's Windows Mobile team stated "I don't understand the impact that they are going to have."<ref>{{cite web |first=Paul |last=Miller |title=Symbian, Nokia, Microsoft and Apple downplay Android relevance |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/11/05/symbian-nokia-microsoft-and-apple-downplay-android-relevance/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=November 5, 2007 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419084812/https://www.engadget.com/2007/11/05/symbian-nokia-microsoft-and-apple-downplay-android-relevance/ |archivedate=April 19, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Since then Android has grown to become the most widely used smartphone operating system<ref name="ars5th">{{cite web |first=Jon |last=Brodkin |title=On its 5th birthday, 5 things we love about Android |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2012/11/on-androids-5th-birthday-5-things-we-love-about-android/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=November 5, 2012 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312063315/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2012/11/on-androids-5th-birthday-5-things-we-love-about-android/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="reisinger2015">{{cite news | author=Reisinger, Don | date=January 16, 2015 | title=Driverless Cars and Green Tech: What Google Is Doing Outside of Search | at=slide 2 | work=eWeek | url=http://www.eweek.com/mobile/slideshows/driverless-cars-and-green-tech-what-google-is-doing-outside-of-search.html }}</ref> and "one of the fastest mobile experiences available".<ref name="syrup">{{cite web |url=http://mobilesyrup.com/2012/11/05/on-its-fifth-birthday-android-is-closer-to-our-actual-vision-for-mobile-supremacy/ |title=On its fifth birthday, Android is "closer to our actual vision" for mobile supremacy |publisher=MobileSyrup.com |date= |accessdate=November 9, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109090340/http://mobilesyrup.com/2012/11/05/on-its-fifth-birthday-android-is-closer-to-our-actual-vision-for-mobile-supremacy/ |archivedate=November 9, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Reviewers have highlighted the open-source nature of the operating system as one of its defining strengths, allowing companies such as Nokia (Nokia X family),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-selling-nokia-x-android-phones-2014-4 |title=Microsoft Selling Nokia X Android Phones |publisher=Business Insider |date=April 28, 2014 |accessdate=May 26, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504050655/http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-selling-nokia-x-android-phones-2014-4 |archivedate=May 4, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Amazon (Kindle Fire), [[Barnes & Noble]] ([[Barnes & Noble Nook|Nook]]), [[Ouya]], [[Baidu]] and others to [[Fork (software development)|fork]] the software and release hardware running their own customised version of Android. As a result, it has been described by technology website ''Ars Technica'' as "practically the default operating system for launching new hardware" for companies without their own mobile platforms.<ref name="ars5th" /> This openness and flexibility is also present at the level of the end user: Android allows extensive customisation of devices by their owners and apps are freely available from non-Google app stores and third party websites. These have been cited as among the main advantages of Android phones over others.<ref name="ars5th" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.androidauthority.com/best-apps-customizing-personalizing-android-phones-100685/ |title=Best Android apps for personalizing and customizing your phone |publisher=Androidauthority.com |date=July 13, 2012 |accessdate=November 9, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112021822/http://www.androidauthority.com/best-apps-customizing-personalizing-android-phones-100685/ |archivedate=November 12, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Despite Android's popularity, including an activation rate three times that of iOS, there have been reports that Google has not been able to leverage their other products and web services successfully to turn Android into the money maker that analysts had expected.<ref>{{cite web |first=Adrianne |last=Jeffries |title=Disconnect: why Andy Rubin and Android called it quits |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/3/19/4120208/why-andy-rubin-android-called-it-quits |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=March 19, 2013 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://archive.is/20130411231825/http://www.theverge.com/2013/3/19/4120208/why-andy-rubin-android-called-it-quits |archivedate=April 11, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> ''The Verge'' suggested that Google is losing control of Android due to the extensive customization and proliferation of non-Google apps and services{{snd}} Amazon's Kindle Fire line uses Fire OS, a heavily modified fork of Android which does not include or support any of Google's proprietary components, and requires that users obtain software from its competing Amazon Appstore instead of Play Store.<ref name="ars-irongrip" /><!-- Google SVP Andy Rubin, who was replaced as head of the Android division in March 2013, has been blamed for failing to establish a lucrative partnership with cell phone makers. The chief beneficiary of Android has been Samsung, whose [[Samsung Galaxy|Galaxy]] brand has surpassed that of Android in terms of brand recognition since 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slashgear.com/watch-out-google-samsungs-galaxy-brand-has-eclipsed-android-05268159/ |title=Watch out Google: Samsung’s Galaxy brand has eclipsed Android |publisher=SlashGear |date=February 5, 2013 |accessdate=April 3, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Eran |first=Daniel |url=http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/03/15/samsungs-galaxy-s4-distracts-attention-away-from-android |title=Samsung's Galaxy S4 distracts attention away from Android |publisher=Appleinsider.com |date=March 15, 2013 |accessdate=April 3, 2013}}</ref> Meanwhile other Android manufacturers have struggled since 2011, such as LG, HTC, and Google's own Motorola Mobility (whose partnership with Verizon Wireless to push the "DROID" brand has faded since 2010).--> In 2014, in an effort to improve prominence of the Android brand, Google began to require that devices featuring its proprietary components display an Android logo on the boot screen.<ref name="geek-poweredby" />

Android has suffered from "fragmentation",<ref>{{cite web |author=Steve Kovach |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/android-fragmentation-report-2013-7 |title=Android Fragmentation Report |publisher=Business Insider |date=July 30, 2013 |accessdate=October 19, 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007085442/http://www.businessinsider.com/android-fragmentation-report-2013-7 |archivedate=October 7, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> a situation where the variety of Android devices, in terms of both hardware variations and differences in the software running on them, makes the task of developing applications that work consistently across the ecosystem harder than rival platforms such as iOS where hardware and software varies less. For example, according to data from [[OpenSignal]] in July 2013, there were 11,868 models of Android device, numerous different screen sizes and eight Android OS versions simultaneously in use, while the large majority of iOS users have upgraded to the latest iteration of that OS.<ref name="guardianfrag">{{cite web|last=Arthur|first=Charles|title=Android fragmentation 'worse than ever' – but OpenSignal says that's good|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/jul/30/android-fragmentation-visualised-opensignal|publisher=The Guardian|accessdate=August 1, 2013|date=July 30, 2013|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801214513/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/jul/30/android-fragmentation-visualised-opensignal|archivedate=August 1, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Critics such as [[Apple Insider]] have asserted that fragmentation via hardware and software pushed Android's growth through large volumes of low end, budget-priced devices running older versions of Android. They maintain this forces Android developers to write for the "lowest common denominator" to reach as many users as possible, who have too little incentive to make use of the latest hardware or software features only available on a smaller percentage of devices.<ref>{{cite web |last=Eran |first=Daniel |url=http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/10/16/strong-demand-of-apples-iphone-5-series-driving-an-anti-fragmentation-of-ios |title=Strong demand of Apple's iPhone 5 series driving an "anti-fragmentation" of iOS |publisher=Appleinsider.com |date=October 16, 2013 |accessdate=October 19, 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20131021063440/http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/10/16/strong-demand-of-apples-iphone-5-series-driving-an-anti-fragmentation-of-ios |archivedate=October 21, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> However, OpenSignal, who develops both Android and iOS apps, concluded that although fragmentation can make development trickier, Android's wider global reach also increases the potential reward.<ref name="guardianfrag" />

=== Market share ===
{{Main|Usage share of operating systems}}

Research company Canalys estimated in the second quarter of 2009, that Android had a 2.8% share of worldwide smartphone shipments.<ref name="Insider_1">{{cite news |title=Canalys: iPhone outsold all Windows Mobile phones in Q2 2009 |url=http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/08/21/canalys_iphone_outsold_all_windows_mobile_phones_in_q2_2009.html |first=Prince |last=McLean |newspaper=[[AppleInsider]] |date=August 21, 2009 |accessdate=February 16, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117031702/http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/08/21/canalys_iphone_outsold_all_windows_mobile_phones_in_q2_2009.html |archivedate=January 17, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> By May 2010, Android had a 10% worldwide smartphone market share, overtaking Windows Mobile,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/c055479e-6342-11df-99a5-00144feab49a|title=Subscribe to read|website=Financial Times|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818004521/https://www.ft.com/content/c055479e-6342-11df-99a5-00144feab49a|archivedate=August 18, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref> whilst in the US Android held a 28% share, overtaking [[iPhone OS]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tugagency.com/blog/2010/05/11/android-overtakes-iphone-market-share-in-the-us/|title=Android Overtakes iPhone Market Share in the US – Tug Agency|website=www.tugagency.com|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817204501/https://www.tugagency.com/blog/2010/05/11/android-overtakes-iphone-market-share-in-the-us/|archivedate=August 17, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref> By the fourth quarter of 2010, its worldwide share had grown to 33% of the market becoming the top-selling smartphone platform,<ref name="canalysQ42010">{{cite web |url=http://www.canalys.com/newsroom/google%E2%80%99s-android-becomes-world%E2%80%99s-leading-smart-phone-platform |title=Google's Android becomes the world's leading smart phone platform |work=Canalys |date=January 31, 2011 |accessdate=February 15, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225091704/http://www.canalys.com/newsroom/google%E2%80%99s-android-becomes-world%E2%80%99s-leading-smart-phone-platform |archivedate=February 25, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> overtaking Symbian.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.phonearena.com/news/Android-steals-Symbians-Top-Smartphone-OS-crown_id16332 |title=Android steals Symbian's top smartphone OS crown |publisher=Phone arena |accessdate=May 14, 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509190009/http://www.phonearena.com/news/Android-steals-Symbians-Top-Smartphone-OS-crown_id16332 |archivedate=May 9, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In the US it became the top-selling platform in April 2011, overtaking [[BlackBerry OS]] with a 31.2% smartphone share, according to ''comScore''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://money.cnn.com/2011/03/07/technology/android/index.htm|title=Android surpasses BlackBerry as No. 1 U.S. smartphone OS – Mar. 7, 2011|first=By David Goldman, staff|last=writer|website=money.cnn.com|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818004354/http://money.cnn.com/2011/03/07/technology/android/index.htm|archivedate=August 18, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

By the third quarter of 2011, [[Gartner]] estimated that more than half (52.5%) of the smartphone sales belonged to Android.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gartner.com/it/page.jsp?id=1848514 |title=Gartner Says Sales of Mobile Devices Grew 5.6 Percent in Third Quarter of 2011; Smartphone Sales Increased 42 Percent |website=gartner.com |publisher=Gartner |date=November 15, 2011 |accessdate=February 16, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120516181608/http://www.gartner.com/it/page.jsp?id=1848514 |archivedate=May 16, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> By the third quarter of 2012 Android had a 75% share of the global smartphone market according to the research firm IDC.<ref name="idcQ3" />

In July 2011, Google said that 550,000 Android devices were being activated every day,<ref name="a550">{{cite web |first=Greg |last=Kumparak |title=Android Now Seeing 550,000 Activations Per Day |url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/07/14/android-now-seeing-550000-activations-per-day/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=July 14, 2011 |accessdate=June 25, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707145053/https://techcrunch.com/2011/07/14/android-now-seeing-550000-activations-per-day/ |archivedate=July 7, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> up from 400,000 per day in May,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.yahoo.com/google-activates-500-000-android-devices-day-may-145858294.html |title=Google activates 500,000 Android devices a day, may reach 1 million in October |work=Yahoo News |first=Jeffrey |last=Van Camp |date=June 28, 2011 |accessdate=February 16, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225233608/http://news.yahoo.com/google-activates-500-000-android-devices-day-may-145858294.html |archivedate=December 25, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and more than 100 million devices had been activated<ref name="i/o 2011 stats">{{cite web |url=http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/android-momentum-mobile-and-more-at.html |title=Android: momentum, mobile and more at Google I/O |first=Hugo |last=Barra |work=The Official Google Blog |date=May 10, 2011 |accessdate=February 16, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130052353/http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/android-momentum-mobile-and-more-at.html |archivedate=January 30, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> with 4.4% growth per week.<ref name="a550" /> In September 2012, 500 million devices had been activated with 1.3 million activations per day.<ref name="Google Team">{{cite web|title=500 million devices activated globally, and over 1.3 million added every single day |publisher=official Android Engineering teams |date=September 12, 2012 |url=https://plus.google.com/u/0/110023707389740934545/posts/R5YdRRyeTHM |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005054446/https://plus.google.com/u/0/110023707389740934545/posts/R5YdRRyeTHM |archivedate=October 5, 2012 |df=mdy }}</ref><ref name="Eric Schmidt" /> In May 2013, at Google I/O, Sundar Pichai announced that 900 million Android devices had been activated.<ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Welch |title=Google: 900 million Android activations to date, 48 billion app installs |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/15/4333584/total-android-activations-900-million |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=May 15, 2013 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210041749/http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/15/4333584/total-android-activations-900-million |archivedate=February 10, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Android market share varies by location. In July 2012, "mobile subscribers aged 13+"<!-- seems to be "installed base" although article says "market share"--> in the United States using Android were up to 52%,<ref>{{cite web |first=Jon |last=Fingas |title=ComScore: Android tops 52 percent of US smartphone share, iPhone cracks the 33 percent mark |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/09/04/comscore-android-tops-52-percent-of-us-smartphone-share/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=September 4, 2012 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312063535/https://www.engadget.com/2012/09/04/comscore-android-tops-52-percent-of-us-smartphone-share/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and rose to 90% in China.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.techinasia.com/android-market-share-china-2012/ |title=Report: Android Rises to 90% of Smartphone Market in China |publisher=Techinasia.com |date= |accessdate=November 24, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122010703/http://www.techinasia.com/android-market-share-china-2012/ |archivedate=November 22, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> During the third quarter of 2012, Android's worldwide smartphone shipment market share was 75%,<ref name="idcQ3">{{cite web|url=http://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS23771812 |title=Android Marks Fourth Anniversary Since Launch with 75.0% Market Share in Third Quarter, According to IDC – prUS23771812 |publisher=Idc.com |date= |accessdate=November 3, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103041944/http://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS23771812 |archivedate=November 3, 2012 }}</ref> with 750 million devices activated in total. In April 2013 Android had 1.5 million activations per day.<ref name="Eric Schmidt">{{cite web |first=Donald |last=Melanson |title=Eric Schmidt: Google now at 1.5 million Android activations per day |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/04/16/eric-schmidt-google-now-at-1-5-million-android-activations-per/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=April 16, 2013 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312063459/https://www.engadget.com/2013/04/16/eric-schmidt-google-now-at-1-5-million-android-activations-per/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> {{As of|2013|5}}, 48 billion applications ("apps") have been installed from the Google Play store,<ref name="48bn">{{cite news|title=BBC Google activations and downloads update May 2013|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22542725|work=BBC News|accessdate=May 16, 2013|date=May 15, 2013|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516014337/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22542725|archivedate=May 16, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> and by September 2013, one billion Android devices have been activated.<ref name="1bn">{{cite web |url=http://plus.google.com/+VicGundotra/posts/8CVJ79nPQwN |first=Vic |last=Gundotra <!--work=? Google+ --> |title=Just back from a whirlwind trip to Asia visiting our… |publisher=Plus.google.com |date= |accessdate=September 3, 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003152939/https://plus.google.com/+VicGundotra/posts/8CVJ79nPQwN |archivedate=October 3, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

{{As of|2017|2}}, the Google Play store has over 2.7&nbsp;million Android applications published,<ref>{{cite web |title=Number of Android applications |url=https://www.appbrain.com/stats/number-of-android-apps |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210051327/https://www.appbrain.com/stats/number-of-android-apps |website=AppBrain |date=February 9, 2017 |archivedate=February 10, 2017 |accessdate=March 12, 2017}}</ref> and {{as of|2016|5}}, apps have been downloaded more than 65&nbsp;billion times.<ref>{{cite web |first=Nick |last=Statt |title=Android users have installed more than 65 billion apps from Google Play in the last year |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/5/18/11673942/google-users-number-2016-android-auto-wear-tv-io |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=May 18, 2016 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313041742/http://www.theverge.com/2016/5/18/11673942/google-users-number-2016-android-auto-wear-tv-io |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The operating system's success has made it a target for patent litigation as part of the so-called "[[Smartphone patent wars|smartphone wars]]" between technology companies.<ref>{{cite web |first=Marguertite |last=Reardon |title=Google just bought itself patent protection |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/google-just-bought-itself-patent-protection/ |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=August 15, 2011 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312072823/https://www.cnet.com/news/google-just-bought-itself-patent-protection/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Douglas |last=Perry |title=Google Android Now on 135 Million Devices |url=http://www.tomsguide.com/us/google-android-installations-app-downloads,news-11861.html |website=Tom's Guide |publisher=Purch Group |date=July 16, 2011 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620072155/http://www.tomsguide.com/us/google-android-installations-app-downloads,news-11861.html |archivedate=June 20, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Android devices account for more than half of smartphone sales in most markets, including the US, while "only in Japan was Apple on top" (September–November 2013 numbers).<ref>{{cite web |first=Lance |last=Whitney |title=iPhone market share shrinks as Android, Windows Phone grow |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/iphone-market-share-shrinks-as-android-windows-phone-grow/ |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=January 6, 2014 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311021646/https://www.cnet.com/news/iphone-market-share-shrinks-as-android-windows-phone-grow/ |archivedate=March 11, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> At the end of 2013, over 1.5 billion Android smartphones have been sold in the four years since 2010,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statista.com/statistics/266219/global-smartphone-sales-since-1st-quarter-2009-by-operating-system/|title=Global smartphone sales by operating system 2009–2016, by quarter|work=Statista|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817063252/http://www.statista.com/statistics/266219/global-smartphone-sales-since-1st-quarter-2009-by-operating-system/|archivedate=August 17, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref><!--219.6 (estimate confirmed by Gartner's full year results)+205.02+177.9+156.19)+144.72+124.55+98.66+83.68+77.05+60.49+46.78+36.35+30.8+20.54+10.65+5.23=1498.21.--><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2665715|title=Gartner Says Annual Smartphone Sales Surpassed Sales of Feature Phones for the First Time in 2013|publisher=|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214043007/http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2665715|archivedate=February 14, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref> making Android the most sold phone and tablet OS. Three billion Android smartphones are estimated to be sold by the end of 2014 (including previous years). According to Gartner research company, Android-based devices outsold all contenders, every year since 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2645115|title=Gartner Says Worldwide Traditional PC, Tablet, Ultramobile and Mobile Phone Shipments On Pace to Grow 7.6 Percent in 2014|publisher=|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619072505/http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2645115|archivedate=June 19, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In 2013, it outsold Windows 2.8:1 or by 573 million.<ref name="more than Windows">{{cite press |url=http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2875017 |title=Gartner Says Sales of Tablets Will Represent Less Than 10 Percent of All Devices in 2014: Smartphones to Represent 71 Percent of the Global Mobile Phone Market in 2014: Android Device Shipments to Reach One Billion in Emerging Markets in 2015 |publisher=Gartner |date=October 15, 2014 |accessdate=October 19, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017151529/http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2875017 |archivedate=October 17, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Ingrid |last=Lunden |title=Tablet Sales Growth Plummets In 2014 As Android Smartphones Continue To Soar: Gartner |url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/10/15/tablet-sales-growth-plummets-in-2014-as-android-smartphones-continue-to-soar-gartner/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=October 15, 2014 |accessdate=June 25, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127095547/https://techcrunch.com/2014/10/15/tablet-sales-growth-plummets-in-2014-as-android-smartphones-continue-to-soar-gartner/ |archivedate=November 27, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS25187214 |title=Global PC Shipments Exceed Forecast with Mild Improvement in Consumer Demand, While Apple Moves to #5 Spot, According to IDC |work=www.idc.com |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011215307/http://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS25187214 |archivedate=October 11, 2014 }}</ref> {{As of|2015}}, Android has the largest installed base of all operating systems;<ref name="Murky road despite dominance" /> Since 2013, devices running it also sell more than Windows, iOS and Mac OS&nbsp;X devices combined.<ref name="best_selling" />

According to [[StatCounter]], which tracks only the use for browsing the web, Android is the most popular mobile operating system since August 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gs.statcounter.com/#mobile+tablet-os-ww-monthly-201208-201509 |title=Mobile/Tablet Browser Market Share by OS |accessdate=September 13, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://archive.is/20120526/http://gs.statcounter.com/%23mobile_browser-ww-monthly-201012-201111-bar#mobile+tablet-os-ww-monthly-201208-201509 |archivedate=May 26, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Android is the most popular operating system for web browsing in India and several other countries (e.g. virtually all of Asia, with Japan and North Korea exceptions). According to StatCounter, Android is most used on mobile in all African countries, and it stated "mobile usage has already overtaken desktop in several countries including India, South Africa and Saudi Arabia",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gs.statcounter.com/press/mobile-internet-usage-soars-by-67-perc |title=Mobile internet usage soars by 67% |accessdate=October 21, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013223930/http://gs.statcounter.com/press/mobile-internet-usage-soars-by-67-perc |archivedate=October 13, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> with virtually all countries in Africa having done so already (except for seven countries, including Egypt), such as Ethiopia and Kenya in which mobile (including tablets) usage is at 90.46% (Android only, accounts for 75.81% of all use there).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gs.statcounter.com/#all-os-KE-monthly-201401-201608|title=StatCounter Global Stats – Browser, OS, Search Engine including Mobile Usage Share|first=|last=StatCounter|publisher=|accessdate=November 30, 2016|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://archive.is/20120526/http://gs.statcounter.com/%23mobile_browser-ww-monthly-201012-201111-bar#all-os-KE-monthly-201401-201608|archivedate=May 26, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://gs.statcounter.com/#all-comparison-KE-monthly-201401-201608 |publisher=StatCounter |title=Global Stats – Browser, OS, Search Engine including Mobile Usage Share |accessdate=September 23, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://archive.is/20120526/http://gs.statcounter.com/%23mobile_browser-ww-monthly-201012-201111-bar#all-comparison-KE-monthly-201401-201608 |archivedate=May 26, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

While Android phones in the [[Western world]] commonly include Google's proprietary add-ons (such as Google Play) to the otherwise open-source operating system, this is increasingly not the case in emerging markets; "ABI Research claims that 65 million devices shipped globally with open-source Android in the second quarter of [2014], up from 54 million in the first quarter"; depending on country, percent of phones estimated to be based only on AOSP source code, forgoing the Android trademark: Thailand (44%), Philippines (38%), Indonesia (31%), India (21%), Malaysia (24%), Mexico (18%), Brazil (9%).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.androidauthority.com/google-certification-over-aosp-541700 |title=Google hoping to lure smaller manufacturers to Google’s Android, over AOSP |first=Andrew |last=Grush |date=October 21, 2014 |work=Android Authority |accessdate=October 22, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022015948/http://www.androidauthority.com/google-certification-over-aosp-541700/ |archivedate=October 22, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}/</ref>

According to a January 2015 Gartner report, "Android surpassed a billion shipments of devices in 2014, and will continue to grow at a double-digit pace in 2015, with a 26 percent increase year over year." This made it the first time that any general-purpose operating system has reached more than one billion end users within a year: by reaching close to 1.16 billion end users in 2014, Android shipped over four times more than iOS and [[OS&nbsp;X]] combined, and over three times more than [[Microsoft Windows]]. Gartner expected the whole mobile phone market to "reach two billion units in 2016", including Android.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2954317 |publisher=Gartner |title=Tablet Sales Continue to Be Slow in 2015: Tablet Sales to Reach 8 Percent Growth in 2015 While PC Market to Grow 1 Percent |date=January 5, 2015 |accessdate=January 23, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208082554/http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2954317 |archivedate=February 8, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Describing the statistics, Farhad Manjoo wrote in ''The New York Times'' that "About one of every two computers sold today is running Android. [It] has become Earth's dominant computing platform."<ref name="Murky road despite dominance"/>

According to a [[Statistica]]'s estimate, Android smartphones had an installed base of 1.8 billion units in 2015, which was 76% of the estimated total number of smartphones worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.statista.com/statistics/385001/smartphone-worldwide-installed-base-operating-systems/ |title=Installed base of smartphones by operating system in 2015 (in million units) |publisher=Statistica |accessdate=November 1, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012045013/https://www.statista.com/statistics/385001/smartphone-worldwide-installed-base-operating-systems/ |archivedate=October 12, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.statista.com/statistics/385022/smartphone-worldwide-installed-base-operating-systems-share/ |title=Market share of smartphone OS of total smartphone installed base in 2013 and 2014 |publisher=Statistica |accessdate=February 18, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218183636/http://www.statista.com/statistics/385022/smartphone-worldwide-installed-base-operating-systems-share/ |archivedate=February 18, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>{{Efn|To put the Statistica's numbers in context: by Strategy Analytics estimates, [[Windows]] the most popular "desktop" operating system, has an estimated installed base of about 1.3 billion at best;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.strategyanalytics.com/default.aspx?mod=pressreleaseviewer&a0=5608 |title=Replacement Demand to Boost PC Sales in 2015, says Strategy Analytics: More than 70 percent of Developed Market Households Will Continue to Own PCs through 2018 |publisher=Strategy Analytics |accessdate=February 18, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218191002/https://www.strategyanalytics.com/default.aspx?mod=pressreleaseviewer&a0=5608 |archivedate=February 18, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> they also estimate the overall tablet installed base to be already of comparable size to the PC market and predict tablets will have surpassed them by 2018.}} Android has the largest installed base of any mobile operating system and, since 2013, the highest-selling operating system overall<ref name="more than Windows" /><ref name="best_selling">{{cite news |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/androids-share-of-the-computing-market-2014-3 |title=This Chart Shows Google's Incredible Domination Of The World's Computing Platforms |first=Jay |last=Yarow |date=March 28, 2014 |accessdate=April 23, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140425031734/http://www.businessinsider.com/androids-share-of-the-computing-market-2014-3 |archivedate=April 25, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="mahapatra1">{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/android-vs-ios-whats-most-popular-mobile-operating-system-your-country-1464892 |title=Android Vs. iOS: What’s The Most Popular Mobile Operating System In Your Country? |first=Lisa |last=Mahapatra |date=November 11, 2013 |accessdate=January 30, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222195559/http://www.ibtimes.com/android-vs-ios-whats-most-popular-mobile-operating-system-your-country-1464892 |archivedate=February 22, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="elmer1">{{cite news|url=http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2014/01/10/apple-android-kantar-comscore/ |title=Don't mistake Apple's market share for its installed base |publisher=CNN |first=Philip |last=Elmer-DeWitt |date=January 10, 2014 |accessdate=January 30, 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140130052343/http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2014/01/10/apple-android-kantar-comscore/ |archivedate=January 30, 2014 }}</ref><ref name="sammobile1">{{cite web|url=http://www.sammobile.com/2014/05/01/samsung-sells-more-smartphones-than-all-major-manufacturers-combined-in-q1/|title=Samsung sells more smartphones than all major manufacturers combined in Q1|accessdate=May 12, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512215847/http://www.sammobile.com/2014/05/01/samsung-sells-more-smartphones-than-all-major-manufacturers-combined-in-q1/|archivedate=May 12, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref> with sales in 2012, 2013 and 2014<ref>{{cite news |url=http://mobithinking.com/mobile-marketing-tools/latest-mobile-stats/a |title=Global mobile statistics 2014 Part A: Mobile subscribers; handset market share; mobile operators |publisher=mobiThinking |date=May 2014 |accessdate=September 9, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906115310/http://mobithinking.com/mobile-marketing-tools/latest-mobile-stats/a |archivedate=September 6, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><!--950.5 (2014) + 793.6 (2013) + 500.1 (2012) + 121.0 (2013 tablet) + 53.3 (2012 tablet) = 2,418.5 millions (1,468&nbsp;m excluding the 2014 estimate)--> close to the installed base of all PCs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://readwrite.com/2013/12/10/smartphone-pcs-install-base-2014 |title=The Post-PC Era Begins In Earnest Next Year: In 2014, smartphones will most likely eclipse PCs in terms of the number of devices in use around the world |first=Dan |last=Rowinski |publisher=readwrite |date=December 10, 2013 |accessdate=September 9, 2014 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140909043835/http://readwrite.com/2013/12/10/smartphone-pcs-install-base-2014 |archivedate=September 9, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

In the second quarter of 2014, Android's share of the global smartphone shipment market was 84.7%, a new record.<ref>{{cite web |first=Juan |last=Martinez |title=84.7% of all global smartphone shipments run Android |url=http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/84-7-of-all-global-smartphone-shipments-feature-the-android-platform-1261548 |website=TechRadar |publisher=Future plc |date=August 14, 2014 |accessdate=October 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011181332/http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/84-7-of-all-global-smartphone-shipments-feature-the-android-platform-1261548 |archivedate=October 11, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=David |last=Ruddock |title=IDC: Android Now Accounts For 84.7% Of All Smartphone Shipments, Grew 33.3% Year-Over-Year This Quarter |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/08/14/idc-android-now-accounts-for-84-7-of-all-smartphone-shipments-grew-33-3-year-over-year-this-quarter/ |website=Android Police |publisher=Illogical Robot |date=August 14, 2014 |accessdate=October 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011181910/http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/08/14/idc-android-now-accounts-for-84-7-of-all-smartphone-shipments-grew-33-3-year-over-year-this-quarter/ |archivedate=October 11, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> This had grown to 87.5% worldwide market share by the third quarter of 2016,<ref>{{cite web |first=Derek |last=Walter |title=Report: Nearly 90 percent of smartphones worldwide run Android |url=https://www.greenbot.com/article/3138394/android/report-nearly-90-percent-of-smartphones-worldwide-run-android.html |website=Greenbot |publisher=International Data Group |date=November 3, 2016 |accessdate=October 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011232456/https://www.greenbot.com/article/3138394/android/report-nearly-90-percent-of-smartphones-worldwide-run-android.html |archivedate=October 11, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> leaving main competitor iOS with 12.1% market share.<ref>{{cite web |first=Ananya |last=Bhattacharya |title=Android just hit a record 88% market share of all smartphones |url=https://qz.com/826672/android-goog-just-hit-a-record-88-market-share-of-all-smartphones/ |website=[[Quartz (publication)|Quartz]] |publisher=[[Atlantic Media]] |date=November 3, 2016 |accessdate=October 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011182249/https://qz.com/826672/android-goog-just-hit-a-record-88-market-share-of-all-smartphones/ |archivedate=October 11, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

According to an April 2017 StatCounter report, Android overtook Microsoft Windows to become the most popular operating system for total Internet usage.<ref>{{cite web |first=Jon |last=Russell |title=Report: Android overtakes Windows as the internet’s most used operating system |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/04/03/statcounter-android-windows/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=April 3, 2017 |accessdate=September 3, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903165410/https://techcrunch.com/2017/04/03/statcounter-android-windows/ |archivedate=September 3, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Emil |last=Protalinski |title=StatCounter: Android overtakes Windows as world’s most-used operating system |url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/04/03/statcounter-android-overtakes-windows-as-worlds-most-used-operating-system/ |website=[[VentureBeat]] |date=April 3, 2017 |accessdate=September 3, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903170152/https://venturebeat.com/2017/04/03/statcounter-android-overtakes-windows-as-worlds-most-used-operating-system/ |archivedate=September 3, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> It has maintained the plurality since then.<ref>{{cite web |title=Operating System Market Share Worldwide |url=http://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share#monthly-201701-201708 |website=StatCounter |accessdate=September 3, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831021037/http://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share#monthly-201701-201708 |archivedate=August 31, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

In September 2015, Google announced that Android had 1.4&nbsp;billion monthly active users.<ref>{{cite web |first=James |last=Vincent |title=Android is now used by 1.4 billion people |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/9/29/9409071/google-android-stats-users-downloads-sales |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=September 29, 2015 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170114223942/http://www.theverge.com/2015/9/29/9409071/google-android-stats-users-downloads-sales |archivedate=January 14, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Natasha |last=Lomas |title=Android Now Has 1.4 Billion 30-Day Active Users Globally |url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/09/29/android-now-has-1-4bn-30-day-active-devices-globally/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=September 29, 2015 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313124212/https://techcrunch.com/2015/09/29/android-now-has-1-4bn-30-day-active-devices-globally/ |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> This changed to 2&nbsp;billion monthly active users in May 2017.<ref>{{cite web |first=Emil |last=Protalinski |title=Android passes 2 billion monthly active devices |url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/05/17/android-passes-2-billion-monthly-active-devices/ |website=VentureBeat |date=May 17, 2017 |accessdate=May 17, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517174144/https://venturebeat.com/2017/05/17/android-passes-2-billion-monthly-active-devices/ |archivedate=May 17, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Alfred |last=Ng |title=Google's Android now powers more than 2 billion devices |url=https://www.cnet.com/au/news/google-boasts-2-billion-active-android-devices/ |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=May 17, 2017 |accessdate=May 17, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517183448/https://www.cnet.com/au/news/google-boasts-2-billion-active-android-devices/ |archivedate=May 17, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

=== Adoption on tablets ===
[[File:Front view of Nexus 7 (cropped).png|thumb|150px|The [[Nexus 7 (2012 version)|first-generation Nexus 7]] tablet, running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean]]

Despite its success on smartphones, initially Android tablet adoption was slow.<ref>{{cite web |author=Wilson Rothman |url=http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/technolog/why-ipad-stomping-android-tabs-24-1-121875 |title=Why iPad is stomping Android tabs 24 to 1 – Technology on |publisher=Nbcnews.com |date=October 24, 2012 |accessdate=November 9, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126130856/http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/technolog/why-ipad-stomping-android-tabs-24-1-121875 |archivedate=January 26, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> One of the main causes was the [[chicken or the egg]] situation where consumers were hesitant to buy an Android tablet due to a lack of high quality tablet applications, but developers were hesitant to spend time and resources developing tablet applications until there was a significant market for them.<ref>{{cite web |author=Kevin C. Tofel |url=http://gigaom.com/mobile/what-devs-say-about-ipad-but-not-android-tablets/ |title=What devs say about iPad (but not Android tablets) |publisher=Gigaom.com |date=March 19, 2012 |accessdate=November 9, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815095230/http://gigaom.com/mobile/what-devs-say-about-ipad-but-not-android-tablets/ |archivedate=August 15, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="tabs">{{cite web |first=James |last=Kendrick |title=Why there aren't more Android tablet apps, by the numbers |url=http://www.zdnet.com/article/why-there-arent-more-android-tablet-apps-by-the-numbers/ |website=ZDNet |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=March 21, 2012 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312051107/http://www.zdnet.com/article/why-there-arent-more-android-tablet-apps-by-the-numbers/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The content and app "ecosystem" proved more important than hardware [[Specification (technical standard)|specs]] as the selling point for tablets. Due to the lack of Android tablet-specific applications in 2011, early Android tablets had to make do with existing smartphone applications that were ill-suited to larger screen sizes, whereas the dominance of Apple's [[iPad]] was reinforced by the large number of tablet-specific iOS applications.<ref name="tabs" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2412997,00.asp |first=Damon |last=Poeter |date=December 7, 2012 |title=Goldman Highlights Microsoft's Shrinking Market Share |publisher=PC Magazine |accessdate=December 10, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121212080514/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2412997,00.asp |archivedate=December 12, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}
* [https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2413605,00.asp Damon Poeter (December 27, 2012) "Non-Apple Tablets Making Small Gains on iPad" ''PC Magazine''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605213319/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0%2C2817%2C2413605%2C00.asp |date=June 5, 2013 }}
* [http://business.financialpost.com/2011/12/24/massacre-of-the-tablets/ Matt Hartley (December 24 2011) "Massacre of the Tablets" ''Financial Post''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619060321/http://business.financialpost.com/2011/12/24/massacre-of-the-tablets/ |date=June 19, 2013 }}</ref>

Despite app support in its infancy, a considerable number of Android tablets, like the Barnes & Noble Nook (alongside those using other operating systems, such as the HP TouchPad and [[BlackBerry PlayBook]]) were rushed out to market in an attempt to capitalize on the success of the iPad.<ref name="tabs" /> ''InfoWorld'' has suggested that some Android manufacturers initially treated their first tablets as a "Frankenphone business", a short-term low-investment opportunity by placing a smartphone-optimized Android OS (before Android 3.0 ''Honeycomb'' for tablets was available) on a device while neglecting user interface. This approach, such as with the [[Dell Streak]], failed to gain market traction with consumers as well as damaging the early reputation of Android tablets.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gruman |first=Galen |url=http://www.infoworld.com/d/mobile-technology/googles-tighter-control-over-android-good-thing-845 |title=Why Google's tighter control over Android is a good thing &#124; Mobile Technology |publisher=InfoWorld |date=April 5, 2011 |accessdate=March 14, 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603113731/http://www.infoworld.com/d/mobile-technology/googles-tighter-control-over-android-good-thing-845 |archivedate=June 3, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gruman |first=Galen |url=http://www.macworld.com/article/1159578/anatomy_of_failure_rim_microsoft_nokia.html |title=Anatomy of failure: Mobile flops from RIM, Microsoft, and Nokia |publisher=Macworld |date= |accessdate=May 14, 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501133704/http://www.macworld.com/article/1159578/anatomy_of_failure_rim_microsoft_nokia.html |archivedate=May 1, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Furthermore, several Android tablets such as the Motorola Xoom were priced the same or higher than the iPad, which hurt sales. An exception was the Amazon Kindle Fire, which relied upon lower pricing as well as access to Amazon's ecosystem of applications and content.<ref name="tabs" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Hiner |first=Jason |url=http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/hiner/why-android-tablets-failed-a-postmortem/10011 |title=Why Android tablets failed: A postmortem |publisher=TechRepublic |date=January 5, 2012 |accessdate=November 9, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017042333/http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/hiner/why-android-tablets-failed-a-postmortem/10011 |archivedate=October 17, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

This began to change in 2012, with the release of the affordable Nexus&nbsp;7 and a push by Google for developers to write better tablet applications.<ref>{{cite web |first=Andrew |last=Cunningham |title=Google to Android devs: make nicer tablet apps, pretty please? |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2012/10/google-to-android-devs-make-nicer-tablet-apps-pretty-please/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=October 8, 2012 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312064956/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2012/10/google-to-android-devs-make-nicer-tablet-apps-pretty-please/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> According to International Data Corporation, shipments of Android-powered tablets surpassed iPads in Q3 2012.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kovach|first=Steve|title=Android Now Ahead Of Apple's iOS In Tablet Market Share|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/android-ahead-of-ios-tablet-market-share-2013-5|publisher=Business Insider|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503053105/http://www.businessinsider.com/android-ahead-of-ios-tablet-market-share-2013-5|archivedate=May 3, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

[[File:Nook Color Showing Wikipedia Index On Dolphin Browser HD.jpg|150px|left|thumb|Barnes & Noble Nook running Android]]
As of the end of 2013, over 191.6 million Android tablets had sold in three years since 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2674215|title=Gartner Says Worldwide Tablet Sales Grew 68 Percent in 2013, With Android Capturing 62 Percent of the Market|publisher=|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417073251/http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2674215|archivedate=April 17, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/1980115|title=Gartner Says Worldwide Media Tablets Sales to Reach 119 Million Units in 2012|publisher=|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524004147/http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/1980115|archivedate=May 24, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref> This made Android tablets the most-sold type of tablet in 2013, surpassing iPads in the second quarter of 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.abiresearch.com/press/android-ecosystem-takes-the-baton-from-apple-ipad- |title=Android Ecosystem Takes the Baton from Apple iPad in the Tablet Race |publisher=ABIresearch |date=September 27, 2013 |accessdate=September 10, 2014 }}</ref>

According to StatCounter's web use statistics, as of August 15, 2017, Android tablets represent the majority of tablet devices used in [[South America]] (57.46%)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/tablet/south-america/#monthly-201504-201708|title=Tablet Operating System Market Share in South America|work=statcounter.com|accessdate=August 15, 2017|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816063639/http://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/tablet/south-america/#monthly-201504-201708|archivedate=August 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref> and [[Africa]] (69.08%),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/tablet/africa/#monthly-201504-201708|title=Tablet Operating System Market Share in Africa|accessdate=August 15, 2017|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816063959/http://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/tablet/africa/#monthly-201504-201708|archivedate=August 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref> while being a distant second to iOS in North America (25.29%) and Europe (32.64%), despite having sizeable majorities in many [[Central America]]n, [[Caribbean]], and [[Eastern Europe]]an states.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/tablet/north-america/#monthly-201708-201708-map|title=Tablet Operating System Market Share in North America (map)|work=statcounter.com|accessdate=August 15, 2017|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816063025/http://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/tablet/north-america/#monthly-201708-201708-map|archivedate=August 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}}<br>{{cite web|url=http://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/tablet/north-america/#monthly-201504-201708|title=Tablet Operating System Market Share in North America|work=statcounter.com|accessdate=August 15, 2017|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816063025/http://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/tablet/north-america/#monthly-201504-201708|archivedate=August 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref>) and representing the majority in Asia (51.25%)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/tablet/asia/#monthly-201504-201708|title=Tablet Operating System Market Share in Asia|work=statcounter.com|accessdate=August 15, 2017|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816063113/http://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/tablet/asia/#monthly-201504-201708|archivedate=August 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref> notably in India (65.98%)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/tablet/india/#monthly-201403-201708|title=Tablet Operating System Market Share in India|work=statcounter.com|accessdate=August 15, 2017|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816064053/http://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/tablet/india/#monthly-201403-201708|archivedate=August 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref> and [[Indonesia]] (82.18%).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/tablet/indonesia/#monthly-201403-201708|title=Tablet Operating System Market Share in Indonesia|work=statcounter.com|accessdate=August 15, 2017|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816064028/http://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/tablet/indonesia/#monthly-201403-201708|archivedate=August 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Android is an extremely distant second at 11.93% in [[Oceania]] as well, mostly due to [[Australia]] (10.71%) and [[New Zealand]] (16.9%), while in some countries such as [[Nauru]] over 80% of tablets are believed to use Android.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/tablet/oceania/#monthly-201708-201708-map|title=Tablet Operating System Market Share in Oceania|work=statcounter.com|accessdate=August 15, 2017|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816063116/http://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/tablet/oceania/#monthly-201708-201708-map|archivedate=August 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref> As well, Android is more often than not used by the minority of web users in [[Antarctica]], which has no permanent population.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/tablet/antarctica/#monthly-201504-201708|title=Tablet Operating System Market Share in Antarctica|work=statcounter.com|accessdate=August 15, 2017|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816062428/http://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/tablet/antarctica/#monthly-201504-201708|archivedate=August 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

In March 2016, Galen Gruman of ''[[InfoWorld]]'' stated that Android devices could be a "real part of your business [..] there's no longer a reason to keep Android at arm's length. It can now be as integral to your mobile portfolio as Apple's iOS devices are".<ref>{{cite web |first=Galen |last=Gruman |title=How to make Android a real part of your business |url=http://www.infoworld.com/article/3045234/android/how-to-make-android-a-real-part-of-your-business.html |website=InfoWorld |publisher=International Data Group |date=March 24, 2016 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223103528/http://www.infoworld.com/article/3045234/android/how-to-make-android-a-real-part-of-your-business.html |archivedate=February 23, 2017 |df=mdy-all }} {{registration required}}</ref> A year earlier, Gruman had stated that Microsoft's own [[Microsoft Office mobile apps|mobile Office apps]] were "better on iOS and Android" than on Microsoft's own [[Windows 10]] devices.<ref>{{cite web |first=Galen |last=Gruman |title=Office Mobile: Better on iPads than on Windows 10 tablets |url=http://www.infoworld.com/article/2960784/office-software/office-mobile-better-on-ipads-than-on-windows-10-tablets.html |website=InfoWorld |publisher=International Data Group |date=August 7, 2015 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211173124/http://www.infoworld.com/article/2960784/office-software/office-mobile-better-on-ipads-than-on-windows-10-tablets.html |archivedate=February 11, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

{{-}}

=== Platform usage ===
{{Pie chart
 | thumb  = right
 | label1 = Oreo
 | value1 = 21.5
 | color1 = #295055
 | label2 = Nougat
 | value2 = 28.2
 | color2 = #FFEDD1
 | label3 = Marshmallow
 | value3 = 21.3
 | color3 = #FFD6F9
 | label4 = Lollipop
 | value4 = 17.9
 | color4 = #E3FF9E
 | label5 = KitKat
 | value5 = 7.6
 | color5 = #774121
 | label6 = Jelly Bean
 | value6 = 3.0
 | color6 = #95F200
 | label7 = Ice Cream Sandwich
 | value7 = 0.3
 | color7 = #51311F
 | label8 = Gingerbread
 | value8 = 0.2
 | color8 = #AF7A5B
}}

Charts in this section provide breakdowns of Android versions, based on devices accessing the Google Play Store in a seven-day period ending on October 26, 2018.<ref name="android-dev-dashboard">{{cite web|url=http://developer.android.com/about/dashboards/index.html|title=Dashboards|work=Android Developers|accessdate=October 28, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref>{{Efn|Versions accounting for less than 0.1% are not included.}} Therefore, these statistics exclude devices running various Android forks that do not access the Google Play Store, such as Amazon's Fire tablets.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Version
! Code name
! Release date
! API level
! Runtime
! Distribution
! First devices to run version
|-
| style="text-align:center; |'''9'''
| Pie
| {{dts|2018|08|06}}
| {{Version |c |28 |sortKey=9.0}}
| ART
| < 0.1%
| [[Essential Products#Essential Phone|Essential Phone]], Pixel, Pixel XL, [[Pixel 2| Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL]], [[Nokia 7 Plus]], [[OnePlus 6]], [[Oppo R15 Pro]], [[Sony Xperia XZ2]], [[Vivo X21UD]], [[Vivo X21]], [[Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S|Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S]] <ref>{{cite web |title=Android P Beta Devices |url=https://developer.android.com/preview/devices/ |website=Android Developers |publisher=Google}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" |'''8.1'''
| rowspan="2" | Oreo
| {{dts|2017|12|05}}
| {{Version|co |27|sortKey=8.1}}
| ART
| style="text-align: right;" | 7.5%
| Pixel, [[Pixel XL]], [[Nexus 6P]], [[Nexus 5X]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;" |'''8.0'''
| {{dts|2017|08|21}}
| {{Version |co |26|sortKey=8.0}}
| ART
| style="text-align: right;" | 14.0%
| N/A
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | '''7.1'''
| rowspan="2" | [[Android Nougat|Nougat]]
| {{dts|2016|10|04}}
| {{Version |co |25|sortKey=7.1}}
| ART
| style="text-align: right;" | 10.1%
| Pixel, Pixel XL
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | '''7.0'''
| {{dts|2016|8|22}}
| {{Version |co |24|sortKey=7.0}}
| ART
| style="text-align: right;" | 18.1%
| rowspan="2" | Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | '''6.0'''
| Marshmallow
| {{dts|2015|10|5}}
| {{Version |o |23|sortKey=6.0}}
| ART
| style="text-align: right;" | 21.3%
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | '''5.1'''
| rowspan="2" | [[Android Lollipop|Lollipop]]
| {{dts|2015|3|9}}
| {{Version |o |22|sortKey=5.1}}
| ART
| style="text-align: right;" | 14.4%
| Android One
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | '''5.0'''
| {{dts|2014|11|3}}
| {{Version |o |21|sortKey=5.0}}
| ART 2.1.0
| style="text-align: right;" | 3.5%
| [[Nexus 6]], [[Nexus 9]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | '''4.4'''
| KitKat
| {{dts|2013|10|31}}
| {{Version |o |19|sortKey=4.4}}
| Dalvik (and ART&nbsp;1.6.0)
| style="text-align: right;" | 7.6%
| [[Nexus 5]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | '''4.3'''
| rowspan="3" | Jelly Bean
| {{dts|2013|7|24}}
| {{Version |o |18|sortKey=4.3}}
| Dalvik
| style="text-align: right;" | 0.4%
| [[Nexus 7 (2013)|Nexus 7 2013]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | '''4.2'''
| {{dts|2012|11|13}}
| {{Version |o |17|sortKey=4.2}}
| Dalvik
| style="text-align: right;" | 1.5%
| [[Nexus 4]], [[Nexus 10]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | '''4.1'''
| {{dts|2012|7|9}}
| {{Version |o |16|sortKey=4.1}}
| Dalvik
| style="text-align: right;" | 1.1%
| [[Nexus 7 (2012)|Nexus 7]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | '''4.0'''
| [[Android Ice Cream Sandwich|Ice Cream Sandwich]]
| {{dts|2011|10|19}}
| {{Version |o |15|sortKey=4.0}}
| Dalvik
| style="text-align: right;" | 0.3%
| [[Galaxy Nexus]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | '''2.3'''
| [[Android Gingerbread|Gingerbread]]
| {{dts|2011|2|9}}
| {{Version |o |10|sortKey=2.3}}
| Dalvik 1.4.0
| style="text-align: right;" | 0.2%
| [[Nexus S]]
|-
| colspan="7" |{{Version |l |show=111111|sortKey=0.1}}
|}

{{As of|October 2018}}, 78.9% of devices have [[OpenGL ES 3.0]] or higher.

=== Application piracy ===
In general, paid Android applications can easily be [[Copyright infringement of software|pirated]].<ref name="piracy">{{cite news |author=Wired UK |url=https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2012/05/wired-uk-android-game-piracy/ |title=Op-Ed: Android Piracy Is Huge Problem for Game Devs &#124; Game&#124;Life |publisher=Wired.com |date=May 3, 2012 |accessdate=September 15, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120906232033/http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2012/05/wired-uk-android-game-piracy |archivedate=September 6, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In a May 2012 interview with [[Eurogamer]], the developers of ''[[Football Manager]]'' stated that the ratio of pirated players vs legitimate players was 9:1 for their game ''Football Manager Handheld''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Yin |first=Wesley |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-04-24-football-manager-dev-hopes-to-stick-with-android-despite-9-1-piracy-rate |title=Football Manager dev hopes to stick with Android despite 9:1 piracy rate |publisher=Eurogamer.net |date=April 24, 2012 |accessdate=September 15, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916013703/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-04-24-football-manager-dev-hopes-to-stick-with-android-despite-9-1-piracy-rate |archivedate=September 16, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> However, not every developer agreed that piracy rates were an issue; for example, in July 2012 the developers of the game ''[[Wind-up Knight]]'' said that piracy levels of their game were only 12%, and most of the piracy came from China, where people cannot purchase apps from Google Play.<ref>{{cite web |last=Armasu |first=Lucian |url=http://www.androidauthority.com/piracy-rates-are-higher-ios-android-wind-up-knight-developer-104305/ |title=Wind-up Knight developer: Piracy rates on iOS and Android are comparable, China is the main source |publisher=Androidauthority.com |date=July 30, 2012 |accessdate=October 6, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020200141/http://www.androidauthority.com/piracy-rates-are-higher-ios-android-wind-up-knight-developer-104305/ |archivedate=October 20, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

In 2010, Google released a tool for validating authorized purchases for use within apps, but developers complained that this was insufficient and trivial to [[Software cracking|crack]]. Google responded that the tool, especially its initial release, was intended as a sample framework for developers to modify and build upon depending on their needs, not as a finished piracy solution.<ref>{{cite web |first=Ryan |last=Paul |title=Android antipiracy cracked, Google says devs used it wrong |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2010/08/google-cracked-android-anti-piracy-system-used-wrong-by-devs/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=August 25, 2010 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312064841/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2010/08/google-cracked-android-anti-piracy-system-used-wrong-by-devs/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Android "Jelly Bean" introduced the ability for paid applications to be encrypted, so that they may work only on the device for which they were purchased.<ref>{{cite web |first=Ron |last=Amadeo |title=Update: Google posts DRM workaround for paid Android Wear apps |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/07/google-drm-bug-blocks-paid-android-wear-apps/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=July 9, 2014 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210102605/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/07/google-drm-bug-blocks-paid-android-wear-apps/ |archivedate=February 10, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=McAllister |first=Neil |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/08/08/android_drm_disabled/ |title=Android app DRM quietly disabled due to bug |publisher=The Register |date=August 8, 2012 |accessdate=June 10, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120811005729/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/08/08/android_drm_disabled/ |archivedate=August 11, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

== Legal issues ==
{{Further|Smartphone wars|Patent troll}}
The success of Android has made it a target for patent and copyright litigation between technology companies, both Android and Android phone manufacturers having been involved in numerous patent lawsuits and other legal challenges.

=== Patent lawsuit with Oracle ===
{{main|Oracle v. Google}}
On August 12, 2010, [[Oracle Corporation|Oracle]] sued Google over claimed infringement of copyrights and patents related to the Java programming language.<ref name="computerworld">{{cite web |url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9180678/Update_Oracle_sues_Google_over_Java_use_in_Android |title=Update: Oracle sues Google over Java use in Android |first=James |last=Niccolai |date=August 12, 2010 |work=Computerworld |publisher=IDG |accessdate=February 16, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106140213/http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9180678/Update_Oracle_sues_Google_over_Java_use_in_Android |archivedate=January 6, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Oracle originally sought damages up to $6.1 billion,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/18/us-oracle-google-lawsuit-idUSTRE75H0FP20110618|title=Oracle seeks up to $6.1 billion in Google lawsuit|publisher=Reuters|date=June 18, 2011|accessdate=September 7, 2011|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902164626/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/18/us-oracle-google-lawsuit-idUSTRE75H0FP20110618|archivedate=September 2, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref> but this valuation was rejected by a United States federal judge who asked Oracle to revise the estimate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_18532705|title=Judge tosses Oracle's $6.1 billion damage estimate in claim against Google|publisher=MercuryNews.com|date=July 22, 2011|accessdate=September 7, 2011|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118213044/http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_18532705|archivedate=January 18, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In response, Google submitted multiple lines of defense, counterclaiming that Android did not infringe on Oracle's patents or copyright, that Oracle's patents were invalid, and several other defenses. They said that Android's Java runtime environment is based on Apache Harmony, a [[clean room design|clean room]] implementation of the Java class libraries, and an independently developed virtual machine called Dalvik.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wired.com/epicenter/2010/10/google-oracle-android/ |title=Calling Oracle Hypocritical, Google Denies Patent Infringement |first=Ryan |last=Singel |date=October 5, 2010 |work=Wired |accessdate=February 16, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111128003845/http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2010/10/google-oracle-android/ |archivedate=November 28, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In May 2012, the jury in this case found that Google did not infringe on Oracle's patents, and the trial judge ruled that the structure of the Java APIs used by Google was not copyrightable.<ref>{{cite web |first=Josh |last=Lowensohn |title=Jury clears Google of infringing on Oracle patents |url=http://www.zdnet.com/article/jury-clears-google-of-infringing-on-oracle-patents/ |website=ZDNet |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=May 23, 2012 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423231925/http://www.zdnet.com/article/jury-clears-google-of-infringing-on-oracle-patents/ |archivedate=April 23, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Joe |last=Mullin |title=Google wins crucial API ruling, Oracle’s case decimated |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/05/google-wins-crucial-api-ruling-oracles-case-decimated/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=May 31, 2012 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312065520/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/05/google-wins-crucial-api-ruling-oracles-case-decimated/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The parties agreed to zero dollars in [[statutory damages]] for a small amount of copied code.<ref name="damages">{{cite web
 |title       = Oracle agrees to 'zero' damages in Google lawsuit, eyes appeal
 |url         = http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9228298/Oracle_agrees_to_zero_damages_in_Google_lawsuit_eyes_appeal
 |accessdate  = June 23, 2012
 |first       = James
 |last        = Niccolai
 |date        = June 20, 2012
 |deadurl     = no
 |archiveurl  = https://web.archive.org/web/20121117001109/http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9228298/Oracle_agrees_to_zero_damages_in_Google_lawsuit_eyes_appeal
 |archivedate = November 17, 2012
 |df          = mdy-all
}}</ref> On May 9, 2014, the [[Federal Circuit]] partially reversed the district court ruling, ruling in Oracle's favor on the copyrightability issue, and [[Remand (court procedure)|remanding]] the issue of [[fair use]] to the district court.<ref>{{cite web |first=Seth |last=Rosenblatt |title=Court sides with Oracle over Android in Java patent appeal |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/court-sides-with-oracle-over-android-in-java-patent-appeal/ |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=May 9, 2014 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419063834/https://www.cnet.com/news/court-sides-with-oracle-over-android-in-java-patent-appeal/ |archivedate=April 19, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="cafc 13-1021">{{cite web|url=http://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/images/stories/opinions-orders/13-1021.Opinion.5-7-2014.1.PDF |title=ORACLE AMERICA, INC., Plaintiff – Appellant, v. GOOGLE INC., Defendant – Cross – Appellant. |publisher=Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit |date=May 9, 2014 |accessdate=May 10, 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601064614/http://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/images/stories/opinions-orders/13-1021.Opinion.5-7-2014.1.PDF |archivedate=June 1, 2014 |df= }}</ref>

In December 2015, Google announced that the next major release of Android (Android Nougat) would switch to OpenJDK, which is the official open-source implementation of the Java platform, instead of using the now-discontinued Apache Harmony project as its runtime. Code reflecting this change was also posted to the AOSP source repository.<ref name="ars-njdk"/> In its announcement, Google claimed this was part of an effort to create a "common code base" between Java on Android and other platforms.<ref name="vb-openjdk" /> Google later admitted in a court filing that this was part of an effort to address the disputes with Oracle, as its use of OpenJDK code is governed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) with a [[GPL linking exception|linking exception]], and that "any damages claim associated with the new versions expressly licensed by Oracle under OpenJDK would require a separate analysis of damages from earlier releases".<ref name="ars-njdk">{{cite web |first=Ron |last=Amadeo |title=Android N switches to OpenJDK, Google tells Oracle it is protected by the GPL |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/01/android-n-switches-to-openjdk-google-tells-oracle-it-is-protected-by-the-gpl/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=January 6, 2012 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312065019/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/01/android-n-switches-to-openjdk-google-tells-oracle-it-is-protected-by-the-gpl/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In June 2016, a United States federal court ruled in favor of Google, stating that its use of the APIs was fair use.<ref>{{cite web |first=Joe |last=Mullin |title=Google beats Oracle—Android makes "fair use" of Java APIs |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/05/google-wins-trial-against-oracle-as-jury-finds-android-is-fair-use/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=May 26, 2016 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20170118095427/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/05/google-wins-trial-against-oracle-as-jury-finds-android-is-fair-use/ |archivedate=January 18, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

=== Anti-competitive challenges in Europe ===
{{main|European Union vs. Google}}
In 2013, [[FairSearch]], a lobbying organization supported by Microsoft, Oracle and others, filed a complaint regarding Android with the [[European Commission]], alleging that its free-of-charge distribution model constituted anti-competitive [[predatory pricing]]. The [[Free Software Foundation Europe]], whose donors include Google, disputed the Fairsearch allegations.<ref name="fsfe">{{cite web|url=http://fsfe.org/activities/policy/eu/20130729.EC.Fairsearch.letter.en.html|title=FSFE objects to claims of 'predatory pricing' in Free Software|publisher=Free Software Foundation Europe|accessdate=September 28, 2013|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002030346/http://fsfe.org/activities/policy/eu/20130729.EC.Fairsearch.letter.en.html|archivedate=October 2, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> On April 20, 2016, the EU filed a formal antitrust complaint against Google based upon the FairSearch allegations, arguing that its leverage over Android vendors, including the mandatory bundling of the entire suite of proprietary Google software, hindering the ability for competing search providers to be integrated into Android, and barring vendors from producing devices running forks of Android, constituted anti-competitive practices.<ref name="bbc-euandroidantitrust">{{cite web|title=Google faces EU charge over Android 'abuse of dominance'|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-36092441|website=BBC News|accessdate=April 20, 2016|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420114627/http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-36092441|archivedate=April 20, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In August 2016, Google was fined US$6.75 million by the Russian [[Federal Antimonopoly Service]] (FAS) under similar allegations by [[Yandex]].<ref name="verge-russiafine">{{cite web|title=Russia fines Google $6.75 million for preinstalling apps on Android|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/8/12/12450192/russia-google-antitrust-fine-android|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media|accessdate=March 23, 2017|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324084204/http://www.theverge.com/2016/8/12/12450192/russia-google-antitrust-fine-android|archivedate=March 24, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The European Commission issued its decision on July 18, 2018, determining that Google had conduct three antitrust operations related to Android: bundling Google's search and Chrome as part of Android, blocking phone manufacturers from using forked versions of Android, and established deals with phone manufacturers and network provides to exclusively bundle the Google search application on handsets (a practice Google ended by 2014). The EU fined Google for {{€|4.3 billion}} (about {{USD|5 billion}}) and required the company to end this conduct within 90 days.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/18/17580694/google-android-eu-fine-antitrust | title = Google fined a record $5 billion by the EU for Android antitrust violations | first = Tom | last = Warren | date = July 18, 2018 | accessdate = July 18, 2018 | work =The Verge }}</ref> Google filed its appeal of the ruling in October 2018, though will not ask for any interim measures to delay the onset of conduct requirements.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/google-appeals-5-billion-eu-fine-in-android-case-1539109713 | title=  Google Appeals $5 Billion EU Fine in Android Case | first = Sam | last = Schechner | date = October 9, 2018 | accessdate = October 9, 2018 | work = The Wall Street Journal }}</ref>

On October 16, 2018, Google announced that it would change its distribution model for Google Mobile Services in the EU, since part of its revenues streams for Android which came through use of Google Search and Chrome were now prohibited by the EU's ruling. While the core Android system remains free, OEMs in Europe would be required purchase a paid license to the core suite of Google applications, such as Gmail, Google Maps and the Google Play Sore. Google Search will be licensed separately, with an option to include Google Chrome at no additional cost atop Search. European OEMs are able to bundle third-party alternatives on phones and devices sold to customers, if they so choose. OEMs will no longer be barred from selling any device running incompatible versions of Android in Europe.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/16/17984074/google-eu-android-licensing-bundle-chrome-search|title=Google will start charging Android device makers a fee for using its apps in Europe|work=The Verge|date =October 16, 2018 | accessdate = October 17, 2018 | first1= Jacob |last1 = Kastrenakes | first2 = Nilay | last2 = Patel }}</ref>

=== Others ===
In addition to lawsuits against Google directly, various [[proxy war]]s have been waged against Android indirectly by targeting manufacturers of Android devices, with the effect of discouraging manufacturers from adopting the platform by increasing the costs of bringing an Android device to market.<ref name="pcworld">{{cite web |last=Newman |first=Jared |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/240783/microsoftsamsung_patent_deal_great_news_for_windows_phones.html |title=Microsoft-Samsung Patent Deal: Great News for Windows Phones |publisher=PCWorld |date=September 28, 2011 |accessdate=September 15, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129124406/http://www.pcworld.com/article/240783/microsoftsamsung_patent_deal_great_news_for_windows_phones.html |archivedate=January 29, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Both Apple and Microsoft have sued several manufacturers for patent infringement, with Apple's ongoing [[Apple Inc. v. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.|legal action against Samsung]] being a particularly high-profile case. In January 2012, Microsoft said they had signed patent license agreements with eleven Android device manufacturers, whose products account for "70 percent of all Android smartphones" sold in the US<ref>{{cite press |title=Microsoft and LG Sign Patent Agreement Covering Android and Chrome OS Based Devices |date=January 12, 2012 |url=http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/2012/jan12/01-12lgpr.aspx |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420221321/http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/2012/jan12/01-12lgpr.aspx |archivedate=April 20, 2012}}</ref> and 55% of the worldwide revenue for Android devices.<ref>{{cite web |first=Jon |last=Brodkin |title=Microsoft collects license fees on 50% of Android devices, tells Google to "wake up" |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2011/10/microsoft-collects-license-fees-on-50-of-android-devices-tells-google-to-wake-up/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=October 23, 2011 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312063637/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2011/10/microsoft-collects-license-fees-on-50-of-android-devices-tells-google-to-wake-up/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> These include Samsung and HTC.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9220357/Microsoft_signs_Android_licensing_deal_with_Samsung |title=Microsoft signs Android licensing deal with Samsung |author=Mikael Ricknäs |work=Computerworld |date=September 28, 2011 |accessdate=February 16, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107001830/http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9220357/Microsoft_signs_Android_licensing_deal_with_Samsung |archivedate=January 7, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Samsung's patent settlement with Microsoft included an agreement to allocate more resources to developing and marketing phones running Microsoft's Windows Phone operating system.<ref name="pcworld" /> Microsoft has also [[Tying (commerce)|tied]] its own Android software to patent licenses, requiring the bundling of [[Microsoft Office Mobile]] and [[Skype]] applications on Android devices to subsidize the licensing fees, while at the same time helping to promote its software lines.<ref name="supersite-androidpatents">{{cite web|last1=Trent|first1=Rod|title=Microsoft Inside: 20 New Android Device Manufacturers Sign-on to Pre-Install Office and Skype|url=http://winsupersite.com/mobile/microsoft-inside-20-new-android-device-manufacturers-sign-pre-install-office-and-skype|website=SuperSite for Windows|publisher=Penton|accessdate=August 23, 2016|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828093727/http://winsupersite.com/mobile/microsoft-inside-20-new-android-device-manufacturers-sign-pre-install-office-and-skype|archivedate=August 28, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Tom |last=Warren |title=Xiaomi will bundle Microsoft’s Office and Skype apps on its Android devices |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/6/1/11827268/microsoft-xiaomi-skype-office-android-apps-patent-deal |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=June 1, 2016 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216110327/http://www.theverge.com/2016/6/1/11827268/microsoft-xiaomi-skype-office-android-apps-patent-deal |archivedate=February 16, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Google has publicly expressed its frustration for the current patent landscape in the United States, accusing Apple, Oracle and Microsoft of trying to take down Android through patent litigation, rather than innovating and competing with better products and services.<ref>{{cite web |first=Jacqui |last=Cheng |title=Google publicly accuses Apple, Microsoft, Oracle of patent bullying |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2011/08/google-publicly-accuses-apple-microsoft-oracle-of-patent-bullying/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=August 3, 2011 |accessdate=June 14, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226190237/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2011/08/google-publicly-accuses-apple-microsoft-oracle-of-patent-bullying/ |archivedate=February 26, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In August 2011, Google purchased Motorola Mobility for US$12.5 billion, which was viewed in part as a defensive measure to protect Android, since Motorola Mobility held more than 17,000 patents.<ref>{{cite web |first=Casey |last=Johnston |title=Google, needing patents, buys Motorola wireless for $12.5 billion |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2011/08/google-to-buy-motorola-in-effort-to-defend-itself-from-patent-bullies/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=August 15, 2011 |accessdate=June 14, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920174502/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2011/08/google-to-buy-motorola-in-effort-to-defend-itself-from-patent-bullies/ |archivedate=September 20, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Robin |last=Wauters |title=Google Buys Motorola Mobility For $12.5B, Says "Android Will Stay Open" |url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/08/15/breaking-google-buys-motorola-for-12-5-billion/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=August 15, 2011 |accessdate=June 14, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609042131/https://techcrunch.com/2011/08/15/breaking-google-buys-motorola-for-12-5-billion/ |archivedate=June 9, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In December 2011, Google bought over a thousand patents from [[IBM]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Ryan |last=Paul |title=Google buys another round of IBM patents as its Oracle trial nears |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2012/01/google-buys-another-round-of-ibm-patents-as-oracle-trial-nears/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=January 4, 2012 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312064232/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2012/01/google-buys-another-round-of-ibm-patents-as-oracle-trial-nears/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

== Other uses ==
[[File:OUYA-Console-set-h.jpg|thumb|right|Ouya, a video game console which runs Android]]
Google has developed several variations of Android for specific use cases, including Android Wear, later renamed Wear OS, for wearable devices such as wrist watches,<ref>{{cite web |first=Dante |last=D'Orazio |title=Google reveals Android Wear, an operating system for smartwatches |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/3/18/5522226/google-reveals-android-wear-an-operating-system-designed-for |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=March 18, 2014 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210034323/http://www.theverge.com/2014/3/18/5522226/google-reveals-android-wear-an-operating-system-designed-for |archivedate=February 10, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Brad |last=Molen |title=Google announces Android Wear, a Nexus-like platform for wearables |url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/03/18/google-android-wear/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=March 18, 2014 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313124744/https://www.engadget.com/2014/03/18/google-android-wear/ |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Android TV for televisions,<ref>{{cite web |first=Kwame |last=Opam |title=Google officially unveils Android TV |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/6/25/5840424/google-announces-android-tv |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=June 25, 2014 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207134816/http://www.theverge.com/2014/6/25/5840424/google-announces-android-tv |archivedate=December 7, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Josh |last=Ong |title=Google announces Android TV to bring ‘voice input, user experience and content’ to the living room |url=https://thenextweb.com/google/2014/06/25/android-tv-google-io-2014/ |website=The Next Web |date=June 25, 2014 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313130445/https://thenextweb.com/google/2014/06/25/android-tv-google-io-2014/ |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and [[Android Things]] for smart devices and [[Internet of things]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Jacob |last=Kastrenakes |title=Android Things is Google’s new OS for smart devices |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/12/13/13924996/android-things-announced-smart-home-iot-operating-system |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=December 13, 2016 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217131058/http://www.theverge.com/2016/12/13/13924996/android-things-announced-smart-home-iot-operating-system |archivedate=February 17, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Frederic |last=Lardinois |title=Google launches first developer preview of Android Things, its new IoT platform |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/12/13/google-launches-developer-preview-of-android-things-its-new-iot-platform/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=December 13, 2016 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313041206/https://techcrunch.com/2016/12/13/google-launches-developer-preview-of-android-things-its-new-iot-platform/ |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Additionally, by providing infrastructure that combines dedicated hardware and dedicated applications running on regular Android, Google have opened up the platform for its use in particular usage scenarios, such as Android Auto for cars,<ref>{{cite web |first=Alex |last=Wilhelm |title=Google Announces Android Auto, Promises Enabled Cars By The End Of 2014 |url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/06/25/google-announces-android-auto-promises-enabled-cars-by-end-of-2014/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=June 25, 2014 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622135917/https://techcrunch.com/2014/06/25/google-announces-android-auto-promises-enabled-cars-by-end-of-2014/ |archivedate=June 22, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Tim |last=Moynihan |title=Google Announces Android Auto, Its Answer to Apple’s CarPlay |url=https://www.wired.com/2014/06/android-auto/ |website=Wired |publisher=Condé Nast |date=June 25, 2014 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313213830/https://www.wired.com/2014/06/android-auto/ |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and [[Google Daydream|Daydream]], a Virtual Reality platform.<ref name=daydream/>

The open and customizable nature of Android allows device makers to use it on other electronics as well, including laptops, [[netbook]]s,<ref>{{cite web |first=John |last=Herrman |title=Acer Planning an Android Netbook For Q3 of This Year |url=https://gizmodo.com/5275329/acer-planning-an-android-netbook-for-q3-of-this-year |website=[[Gizmodo]] |publisher=Univision Communications |date=June 2, 2009 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313130724/http://gizmodo.com/5275329/acer-planning-an-android-netbook-for-q3-of-this-year |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Paul |last=Boutin |title=HP announces Android netbook |url=https://venturebeat.com/2010/02/12/hp-android-netbook/ |website=VentureBeat |date=February 12, 2010 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313133135/http://venturebeat.com/2010/02/12/hp-android-netbook/ |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and desktop computers,<ref>{{cite web |first=Michael |last=Brown |title=Android on the big screen: We chew up and spit out three Jelly Bean all-in-one PCs |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2152540/android-on-the-big-screen-we-chew-up-and-spit-out-three-jelly-bean-all-in-one-pcs.html |website=PC World |publisher=International Data Group |date=May 8, 2014 |accessdate=December 4, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808120332/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2152540/android-on-the-big-screen-we-chew-up-and-spit-out-three-jelly-bean-all-in-one-pcs.html |archivedate=August 8, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> cameras,<ref>{{cite web |first=Vlad |last=Savov |title=Samsung Galaxy Camera announced: 16 megapixels, 21x optical zoom, and Android 4.1 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/8/29/3276302/samsung-galaxy-camera-announcement |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=August 29, 2012 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313131334/http://www.theverge.com/2012/8/29/3276302/samsung-galaxy-camera-announcement |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> headphones,<ref>{{cite web |first=Rik |last=Myslewski |title=Android-powered touchscreen Wi-Fi headphones offered |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/01/12/now_audio_admiral_touch |website=The Register |date=January 12, 2011 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313125329/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/01/12/now_audio_admiral_touch |archivedate=March 13, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> home automation systems, game consoles,<ref name="Mirror">{{cite web |first=Bogdan |last=Petrovan |title=Android Everywhere: 10 Types of Devices That Android Is Making Better |url=http://www.androidauthority.com/android-everywhere-10-types-of-devices-that-android-is-making-better-57012/ |website=Android Authority |date=February 26, 2012 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501215537/http://www.androidauthority.com/android-everywhere-10-types-of-devices-that-android-is-making-better-57012 |archivedate=May 1, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> media players,<ref>{{cite web |first=Will |last=G. |title=Top Android MP3 Players for 2011 |url=http://www.androidauthority.com/top-android-mp3-players-for-2011-36523/ |website=Android Authority |date=December 1, 2011 |accessdate=March 12, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620192147/http://www.androidauthority.com/top-android-mp3-players-for-2011-36523/ |archivedate=June 20, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> satellites,<ref>{{cite web |first=Leah |last=Yamshon |title=Android Phones Will Power NASA's New Fleet of Mini-Satellites |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/261331/android_phones_will_power_nasas_new_fleet_of_mini_satellites.html |website=PC World |publisher=International Data Group |date=August 23, 2012 |accessdate=December 4, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515123802/http://www.pcworld.com/article/261331/android_phones_will_power_nasas_new_fleet_of_mini_satellites.html |archivedate=May 15, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> [[router (computing)|router]]s,<ref>{{cite web |first=Bertel |last=King Jr. |title=Soap Android-Powered Smart Router With Touch Display Surpasses 80k Kickstarter Funding Goal |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/03/03/soap-android-powered-smart-router-with-touch-display-surpasses-80k-kickstarter-funding-goal/ |website=Android Police |date=March 3, 2014 |accessdate=December 4, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111042229/http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/03/03/soap-android-powered-smart-router-with-touch-display-surpasses-80k-kickstarter-funding-goal/ |archivedate=November 11, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> [[printer (computing)|printer]]s,<ref>{{cite web |first=John |last=Callaham |title=Samsung announces first Android-based printers for businesses |url=https://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-announces-first-android-based-printers |website=Android Central |date=September 4, 2014 |accessdate=December 4, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111094716/https://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-announces-first-android-based-printers |archivedate=November 11, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> [[payment terminal]]s,<ref>{{cite web |first=Pan |last=Yue |title=Xiaomi-Backed Smart POS Terminal Developer Sunmi Raises New Funding Round |url=https://www.chinamoneynetwork.com/2017/09/06/xiaomi-backed-smart-pos-terminal-developer-sunmi-raises-new-funding-round |website=China Money Network |date=September 6, 2017 |accessdate=December 4, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111100139/https://www.chinamoneynetwork.com/2017/09/06/xiaomi-backed-smart-pos-terminal-developer-sunmi-raises-new-funding-round |archivedate=November 11, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> [[automated teller machine]]s,<ref>{{cite web |first=Larry |last=Dignan |title=NCR launches Kalpana, an Android, cloud ATM |url=http://www.zdnet.com/article/ncr-launches-kalpana-an-android-cloud-atm/ |website=ZDNet |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=April 15, 2015 |accessdate=December 4, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103224508/http://www.zdnet.com/article/ncr-launches-kalpana-an-android-cloud-atm/ |archivedate=January 3, 2018 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and [[robot]]s.<ref>{{cite web |first=Thuy |last=Ong |title=Sony's Xperia Hello robotic assistant can now be an expensive member of your family |url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/10/24/16533086/sonys-xperia-hello-home-robot-assistant |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=October 24, 2017 |accessdate=December 4, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205194638/https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/10/24/16533086/sonys-xperia-hello-home-robot-assistant |archivedate=December 5, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Additionally, Android has been installed and run on a variety of less-technical objects, including calculators,<ref>{{cite web |first=Ricardo |last=Trevizo |title=Android Ported Into TI Nspire CX Calculator |url=https://www.androidheadlines.com/2015/06/android-ported-ti-nspire-cx-calculator.html |website=Android Headlines |date=June 23, 2015 |accessdate=December 4, 2017}}</ref> [[single-board computer]]s,<ref>{{cite web |first=Christian |last=Cawley |title=10 Operating Systems You Can Run With Raspberry Pi |url=http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/7-operating-systems-you-can-run-with-raspberry-pi/ |website=MakeUseOf |date=August 14, 2017 |accessdate=December 4, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205042235/http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/7-operating-systems-you-can-run-with-raspberry-pi/ |archivedate=December 5, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> [[feature phone]]s,<ref>{{cite web |title=This debit card-sized feature phone runs on Android; charges wirelessly |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/technology/in-other-news/071117/this-debit-card-sized-feature-phone-runs-on-android-charges-wirelessly.html |website=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |date=November 7, 2017 |accessdate=December 4, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171127050715/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/technology/in-other-news/071117/this-debit-card-sized-feature-phone-runs-on-android-charges-wirelessly.html |archivedate=November 27, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> [[electronic dictionary|electronic dictionaries]],<ref>{{cite web |first=Christian |last=Crisostomo |title=Japan's magnificent electronic dictionary |url=https://vrworld.com/2015/01/19/japans-magnificent-electronic-dictionary/ |website=VRWorld |date=January 19, 2015 |accessdate=December 4, 2017 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111043529/https://vrworld.com/2015/01/19/japans-magnificent-electronic-dictionary/ |archivedate=November 11, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> [[alarm clock]]s,<ref>{{cite web |first=Joe |last=Sirianni |title=Archos Shows Off Their Android Based Home Connect Alarm Clock and Internet Radio Device |url=http://www.talkandroid.com/83542-archos-shows-off-their-android-based-home-connect-alarm-clock-and-internet-radio-device/ |website=Talk Android |date=January 13, 2012 |accessdate=December 4, 2017}}</ref> refrigerators,<ref>{{cite web |first=Dean |last=Takahashi |title=Samsung smart fridge: It runs Android apps like Evernote (video demo) |url=https://venturebeat.com/2013/01/11/samsung-smart-fridge-it-runs-android-apps-like-evernote-video-demo/ |website=VentureBeat |date=January 11, 2013 |accessdate=December 4, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122164714/https://venturebeat.com/2013/01/11/samsung-smart-fridge-it-runs-android-apps-like-evernote-video-demo/ |archivedate=November 22, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> [[landline]] telephones,<ref>{{cite web |first=Richard |last=Devine |title=Archos Smart Home Phone now available – get Android on your landline |url=http://www.androidcentral.com/archos-smart-home-phone-now-available-get-android-your-landline |website=Android Central |publisher=Mobile Nations |date=January 19, 2012 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408185335/http://www.androidcentral.com/archos-smart-home-phone-now-available-get-android-your-landline |archivedate=April 8, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> coffee machines,<ref>{{cite web |first=Al |last=Sacco |title=The Android-Powered Coffee Machine for Java Aficionados (UPDATED) |url=https://www.cio.com/article/2370080/android-os/the-android-powered-coffee-machine-for-java-aficionados--updated-.html |website=[[CIO magazine|CIO]] |publisher=International Data Group |date=March 24, 2014 |accessdate=December 4, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111042434/https://www.cio.com/article/2370080/android-os/the-android-powered-coffee-machine-for-java-aficionados--updated-.html |archivedate=November 11, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> [[bicycle]]s,<ref>{{cite web |first=Sean |last=O'Kane |title=LeEco’s new Android-powered smart bikes are coming to the US |url=https://www.theverge.com/ces/2017/1/3/14148308/leeco-android-smart-road-bike-mountain-bikeos-ces-2017 |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=January 3, 2017 |accessdate=December 4, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111042141/https://www.theverge.com/ces/2017/1/3/14148308/leeco-android-smart-road-bike-mountain-bikeos-ces-2017 |archivedate=November 11, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and mirrors.<ref name="Mirror" />

Ouya, a video game console running Android, became one of the most successful [[Kickstarter]] campaigns, [[crowdfunding]] US$8.5m for its development,<ref name="ouya">{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/ouya-interview-julie-uhrman-tackles-consoles-critics-231474.phtml |title=OUYA interview: Julie Uhrman tackles consoles & critics |publisher=Destructoid |date= |accessdate=November 2, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020042149/http://www.destructoid.com/ouya-interview-julie-uhrman-tackles-consoles-critics-231474.phtml |archivedate=October 20, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Erik Kain |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2012/07/16/an-interview-with-ouya-founder-julie-uhrman-on-a-new-breed-of-video-game-console/ |title=An Interview With 'Ouya' Founder Julie Uhrman On A New Breed Of Video Game Console |publisher=Forbes |date=April 18, 2012 |accessdate=November 2, 2012 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104162920/http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2012/07/16/an-interview-with-ouya-founder-julie-uhrman-on-a-new-breed-of-video-game-console/ |archivedate=November 4, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and was later followed by other Android-based consoles, such as [[Nvidia]]'s [[Shield Portable]]{{snd}} an Android device in a [[video game controller]] form factor.<ref>{{cite web |first=Sean |last=Buckley |title=NVIDIA Shield ships July 31st, barely meets delayed launch window |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/07/21/nvidia-shield-ships-july-31st/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=July 21, 2013 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708002014/http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/21/nvidia-shield-ships-july-31st/ |archivedate=July 8, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

In 2011, Google demonstrated "Android@Home", a home automation technology which uses Android to control a range of household devices including light switches, power sockets and thermostats.<ref>{{cite web |first=Thomas |last=Ricker |title=Editorial: Android@Home is the best worst thing that could happen to home automation |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/editorial-android-home-is-the-best-worst-thing-that-could-happe/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=May 11, 2011 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312063241/https://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/editorial-android-home-is-the-best-worst-thing-that-could-happe/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Prototype light bulbs were announced that could be controlled from an Android phone or tablet, but Android head Andy Rubin was cautious to note that "turning a lightbulb on and off is nothing new", pointing to numerous failed home automation services. Google, he said, was thinking more ambitiously and the intention was to use their position as a [[cloud computing|cloud]] services provider to bring Google products into customers' homes.<ref>{{cite web |first=Nilay |last=Patel |title=Home in the clouds: Google's home automation platform to have major services integration |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/2/27/2827615/android-home-automation-cloud-services-andy-rubin |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=February 27, 2012 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312061301/http://www.theverge.com/2012/2/27/2827615/android-home-automation-cloud-services-andy-rubin |archivedate=March 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gigaom.com/2013/05/07/why-the-time-has-come-for-android-home-to-finally-make-a-splash/|title=Why the time has come for Android @Home to finally make a splash by Janko Roettgers|publisher=|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907222859/http://gigaom.com/2013/05/07/why-the-time-has-come-for-android-home-to-finally-make-a-splash/|archivedate=September 7, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

[[File:Android x86 on EeePC 701 4G.jpg|thumb|right|Android-x86 running on an ASUS [[Asus Eee PC|Eee PC]] netbook]]
[[Parrot SA|Parrot]] unveiled an Android-based [[automotive head unit|car stereo]] system known as Asteroid in 2011,<ref>{{cite web |first=Paul |last=Miller |title=Parrot Asteroid car receiver packs Android and apps into your dash |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/parrot-asteroid-car-receiver-packs-android-and-apps-into-your-da/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=January 4, 2011 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616214243/https://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/parrot-asteroid-car-receiver-packs-android-and-apps-into-your-da/ |archivedate=June 16, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> followed by a successor, the touchscreen-based Asteroid Smart, in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |first=Michael |last=Gorman |title=Parrot unveils Asteroid Smart, Tablet and Mini car infotainment systems, we go hands-on |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/10/04/parrot-asteroid-smart-tablet-and-mini-car-infotainment-system/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=October 4, 2012 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616214905/https://www.engadget.com/2012/10/04/parrot-asteroid-smart-tablet-and-mini-car-infotainment-system/ |archivedate=June 16, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In 2013, [[Clarion (company)|Clarion]] released its own Android-based car stereo, the AX1.<ref>{{cite web |first=Aloysius |last=Low |title=Clarion launches new Android-based AX1 car stereo |url=http://asia.cnet.com/clarion-launches-new-android-based-ax1-car-stereo-62222376.htm |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914202847/http://asia.cnet.com/clarion-launches-new-android-based-ax1-car-stereo-62222376.htm |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=September 13, 2013 |archivedate=September 14, 2013 |accessdate=March 11, 2017}}</ref> In January 2014, at the [[Consumer Electronics Show]] (CES), Google announced the formation of the [[Open Automotive Alliance]], a group including several major automobile makers ([[Audi]], [[General Motors]], [[Hyundai]], and [[Honda]]) and Nvidia, which aims to produce Android-based [[in-car entertainment]] systems for automobiles, "[bringing] the best of Android into the automobile in a safe and seamless way."<ref>{{cite web |first=Aaron |last=Souppouris |title=Google launches the Android-based Open Automotive Alliance with Audi, Honda, GM, and more |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/1/6/5279116/google-open-automotive-alliance-android-car-announcement |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=January 6, 2014 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210042240/http://www.theverge.com/2014/1/6/5279116/google-open-automotive-alliance-android-car-announcement |archivedate=February 10, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

{{Anchor|DESKTOP}}
Android comes preinstalled on a few laptops (a similar functionality of running Android applications is also available in Google's [[Chrome&nbsp;OS]]) and can also be installed on personal computers by end users.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.android-x86.org/|title=Android-x86 – Porting Android to x86|work=android-x86.org|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106043632/http://www.android-x86.org/|archivedate=January 6, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> On those platforms Android provides additional functionality for physical keyboards<ref name=keyboard>{{cite web |url=https://source.android.com/devices/input/keyboard-devices.html |title=Keyboard Devices |work=developer.android.com |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121112754/https://source.android.com/devices/input/keyboard-devices.html |archivedate=January 21, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and [[Mouse (computing)|mice]], together with the "[[Alt-Tab]]" key combination for switching applications quickly with a keyboard. In December 2014, one reviewer commented that Android's notification system is "vastly more complete and robust than in most environments" and that Android is "absolutely usable" as one's primary desktop operating system.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.networkworld.com/article/2851031/opensource-subnet/the-linux-desktop-a-week-review-android-as-a-desktop-environment.html |first=Bryan |last=Lunduke |title=The Linux desktop-a-week review: Android as a desktop environment |date=December 1, 2014 |accessdate=March 24, 2015 |work=Network World |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402152701/http://www.networkworld.com/article/2851031/opensource-subnet/the-linux-desktop-a-week-review-android-as-a-desktop-environment.html |archivedate=April 2, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

In October 2015, ''The Wall Street Journal'' reported that Android will serve as Google's future main laptop operating system, with the plan to fold Chrome&nbsp;OS into it by 2017.<ref name=chromeconfusion>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/article_email/alphabets-google-to-fold-chrome-operating-system-into-android-1446151134-lMyQjAxMTA1NzIxOTAyMzk4Wj|title=Alphabet’s Google to Fold Chrome Operating System Into Android|author=Alistair Barr|date=October 30, 2015|work=WSJ|accessdate=November 5, 2015|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106221435/http://www.wsj.com/article_email/alphabets-google-to-fold-chrome-operating-system-into-android-1446151134-lMyQjAxMTA1NzIxOTAyMzk4Wj|archivedate=November 6, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="samtran">{{cite web|url=http://www.omgchrome.com/chrome-os-will-be-merged-into-android/|title=Chrome OS Will Be Merged Into Android – OMG! Chrome!|author=Sam Tran|work=OMG! Chrome!|accessdate=November 14, 2015|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117020231/http://www.omgchrome.com/chrome-os-will-be-merged-into-android/|archivedate=November 17, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Google's Sundar Pichai, who led the development of Android, explained that "mobile as a computing paradigm is eventually going to blend with what we think of as desktop today."<ref name=chromeconfusion /> Also, back in 2009, Google co-founder Sergey Brin himself said that Chrome&nbsp;OS and Android would "likely converge over time."<ref>{{cite web |first=Sam |last=Byford |title=Google is 'very committed' to Chrome OS after Android merger reports |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/10/30/9641952/google-chrome-os-not-dead-hiroshi-lockheimer |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=October 30, 2015 |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210041201/http://www.theverge.com/2015/10/30/9641952/google-chrome-os-not-dead-hiroshi-lockheimer |archivedate=February 10, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Lockheimer, who replaced Pichai as head of Android and Chrome&nbsp;OS, responded to this claim with an official Google blog post stating that "While we've been working on ways to bring together the best of both operating systems, there's no plan to phase out Chrome&nbsp;OS [which has] guaranteed auto-updates for five years".<ref name="Google: Chrome OS here to stay">{{cite news|last=Lockheimer|first=Hiroshi|title=Chrome OS is here to stay|url=http://chrome.blogspot.com/2015/11/chrome-os-is-here-to-stay.html|accessdate=November 27, 2015|date=November 2, 2015|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126181844/http://chrome.blogspot.com/2015/11/chrome-os-is-here-to-stay.html|archivedate=November 26, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref> <!--note, new sentence, not [[WP:SYNTH]]:-->That is unlike Android where support is shorter with "[[End-of-life (product)|EOL]] dates [being..] at least 3 years [into the future] for Android tablets for education".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/6220366?|title=Android End of Life policy – Chrome for Work and Education Help|last=|first=|date=|website=Google Help Center|access-date=March 12, 2017|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170310091733/https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/6220366?|archivedate=March 10, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

At Google I/O in May 2016, Google announced Daydream,<!--Gizmag says "built-in VR component", needs confirmation--> a [[virtual reality]] platform that relies on a smartphone and provides VR capabilities through a [[virtual reality headset]] and controller designed by Google itself.<ref name=daydream>{{cite web |url=https://www.yahoo.com/tech/Android-will-offer-virtual-reality-205210468.html |title=New Google Virtual Reality |last=Howley |first=Daniel |date=May 18, 2016 |website=[[YahooTech]] |access-date=May 19, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519152304/https://www.yahoo.com/tech/Android-will-offer-virtual-reality-205210468.html |archivedate=May 19, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The platform is built into Android starting with Android Nougat, differentiating from standalone support for VR capabilities. The software is available for developers, and was released in 2016.

== Mascot ==
[[File:Android-robot-googleplex-2008.jpg|thumb|150px|A giant Android mascot at [[Googleplex]] in 2008]]
The mascot of Android is a green [[Android (robot)|android robot]], as related to the software's name. Although it has no official name, the Android team at Google reportedly call it "Bugdroid".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.neatorama.com/2012/11/29/8-Famous-Mascots-Whose-Names-You-Didnt-Know/ |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2017-12-31 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101082254/http://www.neatorama.com/2012/11/29/8-Famous-Mascots-Whose-Names-You-Didnt-Know/ |archivedate=January 1, 2018 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Due to Android's high popularity in the 2010s, it has become one of the most recognizable icons in the technology world.

It was designed by then-Google graphic designer [[Irina Blok]] on November 5, 2007 when Android was announced. Contrary to reports that she was tasked with a project to create an icon,<ref>{{cite web |first=Pagan |last=Kennedy |title=Who Made That Android Logo? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/13/magazine/who-made-that-android-logo.html |website=The New York Times |date=October 11, 2013 |accessdate=March 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314064717/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/13/magazine/who-made-that-android-logo.html |archivedate=March 14, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Blok confirmed in an interview that she independently developed it and made it open source. The robot design was initially not presented to Google, but it quickly became commonplace in the Android development team, with various different variations of it created by the developers there who liked the figure, as it was free under a [[Creative Commons]] license.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.businessinsider.com/where-the-green-android-robot-came-from-2015-5?r=US&IR=T |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2017-12-31 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101135319/http://uk.businessinsider.com/where-the-green-android-robot-came-from-2015-5?r=US&IR=T |archivedate=January 1, 2018 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Brand Guidelines |title=Android Open Source Project |url=https://source.android.com/setup/start/brands#logo-android |website=Android Open Source Project |language=en}}</ref> Its popularity amongst the development team eventually led to Google adopting it as an official icon as part of the Android logo when it launched to consumers in 2008.

== See also ==
* [[Comparison of mobile operating systems]]
* [[Index of Android OS articles]]
* [[List of Android smartphones]]
* [[List of features removed from Android]]
{{Portal bar|Android (operating system)|Alphabet|Free software|Google}}

== Notes ==
{{Notelist|40em}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Android (operating system)}}
* {{Official website|http://www.android.com/}}
* [https://developer.android.com/ Android Developers]
* [https://source.android.com/ Android Open Source Project]

{{Android}}
{{Android devices}}
{{Google Inc.}}
{{Alphabet Inc.}}
{{Mobile operating systems}}
{{Linux}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Android (operating system)| ]]
[[Category:2008 software]]
[[Category:Alphabet Inc.]]
[[Category:ARM operating systems]]
[[Category:Cloud clients]]
[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 2008]]
[[Category:Computing platforms]]
[[Category:Embedded Linux distributions]]
[[Category:Free mobile software]]
[[Category:Google acquisitions]]
[[Category:Google software]]
[[Category:Mobile Linux]]
[[Category:Operating system families]]
[[Category:Smartphones]]
[[Category:Software using the Apache license]]
[[Category:Tablet operating systems]]
[[Category:Linux distributions without systemd]]