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Android is addictive
But you might equally say that Android appeals to sweet-toothed users. Because the operating system from Google not only scores in terms of user-friendliness but also names its different versions after desserts. It is no wonder that more and more Smartphone manufacturers are subscribing to the operating system from Google. The HTC Dream, also known as the Google G1, was the first Android phone (Version 1.1), but it was followed relatively quickly by others from HTC as well as from Acer, LG, Motorola, Samsung, Sony Ericsson etc. Android launched a series of versions, each with a tasty name in alphabetical order (see box), to quickly establish a presence in the Smartphone market. Since October 2011, Version 4.0 with face recognition has been on general sale, incorporating a number of features that could previously only be found on Tablet PCs, e.g. the Google Android Tablet and Samsung Galaxy Tab. But what sets Android apart from the rest? First, it is ‘open source’, i.e. programmers can get involved in the development of the Google operating system. Additionally, there is plenty of scope for add-ons by means of applications such as games, navigation software etc, to satisfy even the most insatiable user. In the Android market, there are over 80,000 of these so-called ‘apps’, though most are English-language only and are not free of charge. They can be downloaded via a mobile network or Wi-Fi. Furthermore, users can surf the internet just like on their home PC, and since the launch of Version 2.2, even Flash-based websites are readily viewable. Users who already have a Google account with mail and calendar function can automatically synchronise their inbox, contacts and calendar events via Google whenever they choose. But as with all mobile phones, they need to be used with caution: for intensive surfing, an all-inclusive data package is to be recommended, and if you want to stop constant syncing, you will need to switch off data roaming, as this function is enabled by default at the factory. With so-called ‘widgets’, users can customise their Android home screen. Program shortcuts, animated backgrounds, the weather forecast or the user’s facebook/Twitter account can all be seen at a glance on the multi-touch screen (depending on manufacturer and model, some of which come with a slide-out keyboard) without even having to launch a program. Version 5.0 is expected to be out some time in 2012. Unfortunately, no details are available at the time of going to press. Anecdote: Android – Sweet temptation |