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Android
The antithesis to iOS
- Developer: Google, Open Handset Alliance
- Release Date: Founded in 2003, first phone released in October 21, 2008
- Twitter: Unknown
- Known For: Being open source, Fragmented
Summary
Android is the mobile "one-size-fits-all" OS (operating system) that's based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and was bought by Google in 2005. Unlike its biggest competitor, Apple's iOS, Android is an open source platform and isn't limited to just one manufacturer, meaning its users have more access to other phones and more freedom of usage compared to that of iOS, and what many deem "Apple's fascist regime". The first phone to be released running Android was the T-Mobile G1 in 2008. However, Android did not receive mainstream attention until Verizon Wireless released the Motorola Droid, which was a huge success and is considered Android's first venture of taking the number one spot (which it eventually did).
Android is very attractive to developers and hackers due to its accessibility and overall ease of modding. Its following and their dedication to hacking has given Android's userbase something of a "geeky" image. Because it is easy to mod and hack, some manufacturers have decided to lock the bootloader of their devices, which makes it much more difficult to add custom ROMs. Hence, those interested in hacking should look for an Android phone with an open bootloader. However, there are still those dedicated to finding a way into locked devices in order to open the bootloader. Alas, this is a difficult task indeed and is usually only a feasible option for the elite.
Android suffers from fragmentation, with many devices running different versions of the OS and some devices receiving updates very late or never getting them at all. One thing that prevents quicker updates is that many manufacturers (such as HTC and Motorola) insert proprietary user interfaces on their devices, which slows down the process of updating. Many developers have also refused to develop apps and games for Android due to the fragmentation problem and the fact that they have make more versions of the same application in order for it work on all Android phones, whereas this is not the case when developing for iOS.
Origins
Android, Inc. was founded in Palo Alto, California in October, 2003 by Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, and Chris White. The company was bough by Google in August of 2005 and with the help of the Open Handset Alliance in 2007, the original vision for Android began to kick off.
Current status
Latest version of Android is Jelly Bean (4.2)
Over a million Android devices are activated daily.
Facts
- The Android operating system is the world's best-selling Smartphone platform.
- Android is more lenient with apps as opposed to iOS.
- You can download Porn Apps on Android.
- You can download Adobe Flash 10.2 (on 2.2 and higher) .
- Use it as a vibrating sex toy or "dildroid"
- Install it on an iPhone
Images
 Unlike on iPhones, you can download porn apps on Android. |
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 ...somehow I feel this wasn't done on accident |
 Viewing Oh Internet in its full glory using Android. |
 Andy, the official Android mascot. |
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