What is Android?

Despite how it is commonly described, Android is more than just an operating System (OS), it is actually a Software Stack. A software stack is a set of compatible components which, when used together, provide a service or solution. Android is made up of the OS, middleware (which connects the OS to various applications) and key applications.

Android’s mobile operating system is based on the Linux Kernel and has been developed as an Open Source Project. The AOSP (Android Open Source Project) is tasked with maintaining and updating Android.

Android Inc and the OHA

Google were not the masterminds behind Android. The initial development of Android was by Android Inc, which Google bought for $50m in 2005. This was just two years after Android Inc was originally founded.

The development of Android really took off after the formation of the Open Handset Alliance. The OHA is made up of some hugely influential and successful companies including Google, HTC, Intel, Motorola, LG, Samsung, Arm Holdings, Garmin and Vodafone to name just a few.

Android’s First Appearance

Android first appeared commercially on the HTC Dream (or T-Mobile G1), released on the 22^nd October 2008. The first App developed for Android was Snake, a version of the hugely popular mobile phone game.

Android in Numbers

Android has only been around for a few years, yet it is hard to imagine the smartphone market without it. In those few short years, Google and Android have really racked up some impressive numbers.

550,000
The number of new Android devices being activated every day.

44
The percentage share of the smartphone market that Android holds.

16 Million
The estimated number of Android apps downloaded every day.

695,000
The estimated number of Android apps downloaded every hour.

11,500
The estimated number of Android apps downloaded every minute.

193
The estimated number of Android apps downloaded every second.

10 Million
The number of Android devices sold per month.

230,000+
The number of Apps available on Android Market.

2005
The year that Google bought the company (Android, Inc) who initially developed Android.

4.0
The version number of Ice Cream Sandwich, the Android OS update due out in 2011.

73
The percentage of Android smartphone users that are male.

400+
The number of devices available which run Android.