Getting started on AndroidOur quick guide to the Android software gives you a glimpse into the mobile operating system and what it can do for you.
Making the jump to an Android smartphoneThe Android platform was announced on November 5, 2007, along with the Open Handset Alliance. The latter is a consortium of hardware and software manufacturers, as well as telco operators committed to backing an open standard for mobile devices. The operating system runs on the Linux kernel and developers can write programs in Java with the software development kit.  On the software, the interface is based on a multiple home screen concept that lets users have quick access to installed widgets. There's also a default Google search bar on one of the three panels. Aside from the mini applications, users can add shortcuts, folders and switch wallpapers on these home screens. The notification area and main menu are designed like window shades where users "pull" down or "push" up on the capacitive touchscreen, respectively, to reveal more functions.   Currently, there are only two Android smartphones in Asia. These are the HTC Dream (also known at the T-Mobile G1 in the US) and the Magic. The biggest difference, aside from the software version, is that the physical QWERTY keyboard has been taken out in the Magic, resulting in a slimmer chassis. The physics of the interface are largely similar for the pair, although the software version 1.5 (Cupcake) brings an onscreen keyboard along with other enhancements. The upcoming Hero, on the other hand, features Sense UI. This is a customized interface which offers a radically different user experience over the standard Android version. A few other manufacturers have Android devices in their sights as well. Samsung has the I7500 (also known as the Galaxy), while LG has said it will release three Android models this year. OEM makers such as Huawei and Haier have showcased their prototype Android handsets at the Singapore-based CommunicAsia in June this year. Did you know?Google has been naming the various versions of the Android software after desserts. We've seen the Cupcake on version 1.5, while Donut, Éclair and Flan are next on the list.To get you started with your Android smartphone, we've compiled a quick checklist of five things to know about the software, along with details on how to install new applications, transfer multimedia content, surf the Web, send emails and work with office documents. For the purpose of this article, we used the HTC Magic based on software version 1.5 as reference. As such, there may be slight differences compared with other Android smartphones running on a different software version. Tags: Smart Phone, E-mail, Keyboard, multimedia, High Tech Computer Corp. |
- Talkback
-
pedrosantosjr says...
Hey guys, I really think you're mispelling the word 'dessert.' The Sahara is a desert while cupcake is a dessert.
Aug 08, 2009 04:04
Hey guys, I really think you're mispelling the word 'dessert.' The Sahara is a desert while cupcake is a dessert.
Aug 08, 2009 04:04
damiankoh says...
LOL, yes, of course we mean dessert and not desert.. Thanks for the spot!
Aug 08, 2009 12:43
LOL, yes, of course we mean dessert and not desert.. Thanks for the spot!
Aug 08, 2009 12:43
philferrar says...
I've been eagerly following Android development for months now and can't wait to get one later in the year when they hit the UK market in great numbers. I think the information you have provided here is an excellent start but could perhaps be expanded [if you have time and resources] to explain a little more about the 'buzz' words often used in news snippets concerning s/w and h/w features. Also maybe a table of all major models either planned or available, with their key features [including screen size / characteristics] listed would give perspective owners an 'at a glance' overview of what they deem most important to them.
Thanks
Phil
Aug 08, 2009 17:59
I've been eagerly following Android development for months now and can't wait to get one later in the year when they hit the UK market in great numbers. I think the information you have provided here is an excellent start but could perhaps be expanded [if you have time and resources] to explain a little more about the 'buzz' words often used in news snippets concerning s/w and h/w features. Also maybe a table of all major models either planned or available, with their key features [including screen size / characteristics] listed would give perspective owners an 'at a glance' overview of what they deem most important to them.
Thanks
Phil
Aug 08, 2009 17:59
aweysham says...
thanks for the informative article. Is there any comparison figures or data between the Android OS and Nokia's Maemo OS?
Nov 07, 2009 21:35
thanks for the informative article. Is there any comparison figures or data between the Android OS and Nokia's Maemo OS?
Nov 07, 2009 21:35
arvindelacruz says...
Does the Android platform have something comparable to WinMo Pocket Office? Am seriously looking to replace my HP iPaq (WinMo 6.1)!
Nov 12, 2009 15:55
Does the Android platform have something comparable to WinMo Pocket Office? Am seriously looking to replace my HP iPaq (WinMo 6.1)!
Nov 12, 2009 15:55
To post comments, you need to become a member. It's FREE.
