Android

Android originated with a mobile-software company founded in 2003 to develop an operating system for mobile devices. Google acquired Android in 2005 and incorporated the project into its broader product organization. In 2007, Google and a group of technology companies formed the Open Handset Alliance, helping establish Android as a broadly adaptable mobile platform. Commercial Android smartphones began reaching the market in 2008. The platform subsequently became one of the world's most widely used mobile operating systems, supported by its ability to run across diverse hardware configurations, a large developer ecosystem, and software-distribution services such as Google Play. Android has expanded beyond phones and tablets into televisions, automotive infotainment, and wearable devices. These categories may use different system variants, interfaces, and service packages, while manufacturers commonly add their own software layers. The Android Open Source Project, or AOSP, provides the open-source core, but Google Mobile Services, app distribution, and other proprietary components are separate from AOSP. Android's commercial importance mainly comes from its operating-system ecosystem, services, and relationships with device makers and carriers rather than from direct sales of Android-branded hardware.

The Android project began with an independent mobile-software company. Founded in 2003 by Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, and Chris White, the company initially focused on developing an operating system for mobile devices. Google acquired Android in 2005 and continued the project as a platform intended for device manufacturers and software developers. In 2007, Google and several technology companies formed the Open Handset Alliance and publicly introduced the Android platform and its collaborative model. Compared with more closed mobile systems, Android offered substantial flexibility in hardware adaptation and manufacturer customization, while its open-source foundation was developed through the Android Open Source Project. The first commercial Android phones reached consumers in 2008. The platform then attracted phone makers, chip companies, carriers, and developers, and expanded from smartphones into tablets, televisions, cars, and wearable devices. Google continued to provide system updates, developer tools, and services such as Google Play, although the available service package varies by device and region. Manufacturers often build their own interfaces and services on top of AOSP, resulting in differences in appearance, features, and update timing among Android devices. Android therefore functions simultaneously as an operating system, a development platform, and a branded ecosystem. Its core open-source project is distinct from Google's proprietary mobile services: AOSP supplies code that can be developed and ported, while Google Mobile Services and related applications are used under separate licensing and compatibility arrangements.

• 2008

  First commercial Android phones launched

  Commercial phones running Android entered the consumer market.

• 2007

  Open Handset Alliance formed

  Google and several companies formed the Open Handset Alliance and promoted Android as an industry-wide mobile platform.

• 2005

  Google acquires Android

  Google acquired Android Inc. and continued to advance its mobile operating system project.

• 2003

  Android Inc. founded

  The early Android development team was established to research an operating system for mobile devices.

A mobile operating system and software ecosystem platform for multiple device form factors, emphasizing hardware adaptability, developer ecosystem, and open-source foundation.

• Mobile operating system · 2008

  Android operating system

  The Android operating system is the brand's core product, primarily used on smartphones and tablets and adapted to other device categories. It is built around the open-source AOSP project and may be combined with Google Mobile Services and manufacturer software.

• TV operating system · 2014

  Android TV

  Android TV is an Android platform variant for televisions and streaming devices, providing application support, content discovery, and television-oriented interaction. Features vary by manufacturer and service configuration.

• Automotive operating system · 2017

  Android Automotive

  Android Automotive is an in-vehicle operating-system platform that runs directly on automotive hardware and supports infotainment, applications, and selected vehicle-related functions. Its implementation is determined by each automaker.

• Enterprise mobile management platform · 2014

  Android Enterprise

  Android Enterprise provides organizations with device management, security configuration, work-profile separation, and deployment capabilities for managed mobile devices.

• 2018

  European Commission fines Google over Android practices

  The European Commission found that Google had imposed unlawful restrictions connected with Android device distribution and search competition, and issued a competition-law fine.

  Source

• 2018

  European Commission Android antitrust decision

  The European Commission ruled that Google had imposed restrictions on Android device manufacturers and mobile network operators that unlawfully reinforced Google Search’s dominant position. The decision concerned preinstallation and licensing practices and resulted in a competition-law fine.

  Source

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• 2024

  Google changes Android choice-screen and billing practices in Europe[5]Google changes Android choice-screen and billing practices in Europeblog.google

  Regulation

  Google announced changes to parts of its Android and Google Play practices in response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act.

• 2008

  Android 1.0 launches on the T-Mobile G1[6]Android 1.0 launches on the T-Mobile G1en.wikipedia.org

  Product launch · Product generation

  The first commercial Android release shipped on the HTC Dream, establishing the platform in the smartphone market.

• 2005

  Google acquires Android Inc.[7]Google acquires Android Inc.arstechnica.com

  M&A

  Google acquired the privately held Android startup and incorporated its team into Google’s mobile software effort.

1. 1Android官方网站android.com
2. 2Android Open Source Projectsource.android.com
3. 3Google关于Android的介绍about.google
4. 4European Commission fines Google over Android practicesec.europa.eu
5. 5Google changes Android choice-screen and billing practices in Europeblog.google
6. 6Android 1.0 launches on the T-Mobile G1en.wikipedia.org
7. 7Google acquires Android Inc.arstechnica.com
8. 8谷歌发布12月安全更新补丁 封堵安卓10关键漏洞finance.sina.com.cn
9. 9谷歌已发布 19年12月 Android 安全补丁news.zol.com.cn
10. 10轻量系统！谷歌正式发布Android 10 Go版本tech.sina.com.cn
11. 11Google 推出防暈車神功能「Motion Assist」，Pixel 手機搶先推送cdn.technews.tw
12. 12Google is launching a new 'Focus Mode' feature for Android devices to help break our smartphone addictionbusinessinsider.com
13. 13Google's Motion Assist Rolls Out on Android 17 to Combat Car Sickness With Moving Screen Dots Like Apple's iOSibtimes.com.au
14. 14Just one tap: Google rolls out 'ambient mode' that comes to life when your phone battery is chargingeconomictimes.indiatimes.com
15. 15Lock It Up: Android 17’s Latest QPR2 Beta Introduces a Built-In App Lock - CNETcnet.com
16. 16Nokia 7.1 to receive Android 10 next week: HMD Global rolls out software update in 5 more smartphonesindiatoday.in
17. 17Sony announces Android 10 roadmap for 8 smartphones - OrissaPOSTorissapost.com
18. 18Sony announces Android 10 roadmap for eight smartphonesthehindu.com