An Overview of Android

Android is an open source operating system for mobile phones and other devices with a generally small form factor which is managed by the Open Handset Alliance. Android utilizes the Linux kernel and a fully featured set of libraries and services.

The Android software stack can be summarized as follows:

• • The Linux kernel—where the software meets the hardware.

    • Hardware abstraction layer.

    • Core services such as process, memory, and file system.

    • Hardware-specific drivers such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, touchscreens, cameras, GPS receivers, and accelerometers.

  • Code libraries.

    • WebKit browser technology.

    • SQLite database.

    • Advanced graphics: 2D, 3D, SGL animation, OpenGL ES.

    • Packet Video’s OpenCore audio and video media support.

    • Apache SSL.

  • Services

    • Activities and views.

    • Telephony.

    • Windows.

    • Resources.

    • Location-based services.

  • Android run-time.

    • Core Java packages for a nearly full-featured Java programming environment (however, it is not quite a J2ME environment).

    • Dalvik virtual machine.

The Android platform, excluding the Linux kernel, is released under the Apache Software License (ASL).