Perhaps many Internet users are well aware of mobile devices and the companies that produce them. But not everyone knows about the operating systems (abbreviated OS or operating system, OS) of smartphones: what they are, how they work. This will be discussed in the article below.
Operating system: concept and varieties
The most popular computer OSs are Windows, macOS, and Linux. But this article will talk about the filling for mobile devices. As for phones and tablets, their OS represents a hybrid of PC OS functionality with options for handheld devices (camera, Bluetooth, NFC, and so on).
So, the operating system is understood as a set of programs that manage the resources of the device and provide interaction with the user. Operating systems differ from each other in many ways: the type of interface, multitasking, functionality, etc. Currently, the current OS among mobile devices is Windows 10 Mobile, Android, and iOS.
Android: what is it?
Android is currently the most popular platform for a variety of devices, whether it’s smartphones, e-books, laptops or tablets. Today, Google is supporting and developing this operating system. Android runs on the basis of the Linux kernel, which is the stuffing of the OS. In the fall of 2008, the world saw the first android device. They became a smartphone from HTC, which had OS version 1.0.
HTC Dream also had the following characteristics:
- the ability to upgrade OC to version 1.6;
- Bluetooth
- support for memory cards (with an internal 256 MB);
- 192 MB RAM;
- 3.2 megapixel camera;
- QWERTY keyboard.
The smartphone was made in the form of a slider, and its filling was so great that after the device was released, many manufacturers were in line for the opportunity to produce devices with the Android operating system.
After several updates in 2010, Google released OS 2.3. This update made it possible to improve control over programs, facilitate the use of the Copy and Paste functions, and also use several cameras on the device. It is noteworthy that on phones with a similar OS, some games and applications are still running today.
In the fall of 2013, an update was released - the version of the Android operating system 4.4 became available. It is this version of Android that is most optimized for using devices with 512 MB RAM (at least). The Nexus 5 smartphone was the first device with such an OS.
Currently, the latest version of Android OS is 9.0. Unlike previous versions, Android Pie has an improved user interface, new modes, support for screen cut-out and many other experimental functions.
By the way, the version of Android 5.0 announced at the end of 2014 marked the transition from Dalvik to the ART (Android Runtime) virtual machine. This affected the device’s workflow: now applications run faster. In addition, it became possible to switch between them much faster. But at the same time, the device itself starts more slowly, and applications are not installed as fast as before.
So, android phone - what is it? This is a mobile device with the popular operating system that Google is developing. The user has access to a huge set of applications, various types of interface and many interesting options.
So, this is not just a dialer. In fact, on a similar platform we get a mini-computer with a touch screen.
Software
On Android OS, there are many games and programs, android applications. What is it? These are programs in bytecode (that is, in a peculiar set of instructions) for the virtual machine that installs and runs them.
For games and programs on Android, the corresponding .APK installation package was provided. Many libraries are available for writing applications on devices with such an operating system: SSL, Bionic, OpenGL ES and various multimedia files. Program development can even be done in Java, but not lower than version 1.5. In fact, to create them, you do not need to have any additional devices besides the android device itself. Although many craftsmen can develop applications with the help of an emulator.
Android ZSD camera option: what is it?
As noted above, manufacturers of modern devices have made tremendous progress in the technical field, more and more improving their brainchildren. For example, devices on OS Android with two, three, and even four main cameras are already appearing. Also on some devices in the camera settings there is an option ZSD (Zero Shutter Delay). What is it for, how is this feature useful?
Zero Shutter Delay translates to “zero shutter delay." That is, this function helps to photograph the necessary moments and details without a pause. Unlike other devices with a second delay, here you will not lose the "important point". In this case, no focusing occurs. The device’s camera takes pictures immediately, and the pictures are quite clear and high quality.
So, what are these ZSD cameras on Android? Using a similar function, you will not wait one or two seconds when photographing (otherwise there will be a blur effect). This is the mode when shooting takes place at the same time as pressing the button. The option is very convenient. In the camera settings of your device, this function can be turned on or off as desired.
Total
In the presented article, it was said that this is “Android”, when the operating system appeared, what software is provided for these devices, and also the advantages of updating versions of Android OS were noted.
According to Google, in the history of OS Android, about 2.5 billion devices with this platform have been activated. Well, Android is the most popular operating system. And in the future, users with devices with this OS will also be pleased with new features and programs.