What is android

Android is a Linux-based open source platform for mobile cellular handsets. Android was developed by Google and the Open Handset Alliance (OHA), a coalition of hardware, software and telecommunications companies oriented towards advancing mobile telephony standards.

Android platform includes an operating system based upon Linux, a GUI, a Web browser and many other applications considered key to a modern cellular handset. Android allows synchronization to a user's address book, calendar and other personal information management (PIM) programs, though individual software makers will have to customize their offerings.

Android will allow users to browse the Internet more easily, integrate mapping services with local business listings and use many other software features traditionally associated with personal computers rather than cellphones.

Android will run on both of the most widely deployed cellular standards, GSM/HSDPA and CDMA/EV-DO.

 Android will also support:

• Bluetooth
• EDGE
• 3G Communication Protocols, like EV-DO and HSDPA
• WiFi
• SMS messaging
• MMS
• Video/Still Digital Cameras
• Touchscreens
• GPS
• Compasses
• Accelerometers
• Accelerated 3D Graphics

         Android includes software built by many different entities. For instance, the default Android web browser will be based on Webkit, like Apple's Safari. Webkit was originally based on the Konquerer Web browser for Linux. Its music and video playback software was developed by PacketVideo. Applications are written using Java and are run on Dalvik, a virtual machine that runs on top of a Linux kernel.