Android

Android is an operating system for mobile phones based on the Linux kernel. It was originally developed by Android Inc., which was then bought by Google. Subsequently, Google initiated the creation of the Open Handset Alliance (OHA), which is now engaged in supporting and further developing the platform. Android allows you to create Java applications that control your device through Google-developed libraries. It is also possible to write applications in C and other programming languages ​ ​ using the Android Native Development Kit.

Android for Work

Main article: Android for Work

At the end of February 2015, Google introduced the new Android for Work platform, with which the company should strengthen its position in the enterprise mobile device market.

Android app stores

Main article: Android app stores

Overview of stores for downloading applications running on the Android platform.

• App security in the Google Play Store

Android ecosystem

• Google secretly collects base station identifiers from Android phones.
• The information is collected even if the user disabled the geolocation and GPS services in the  device, did not install any applications, restored the factory settings, or even removed the SIM card.
• Information is transmitted  in encrypted form to Google servers every time the device falls into the range of another base station, writes Quartz

Android security

Main article: Android Security

Overview of information protection issues in Android devices.

Google's Android earnings

Main article: Google's Android revenue

How Google makes billions on free for users. operating system

Success rates

2019: Share of Android devices in countries around the world

2017: Android overtakes Windows in popularity for the first time

Independent analytical company StatCounter has released statistics on the use of operating systems. It turned out that for the first time Android overtook desktop Windows in the number of Internet users.

Users of laptops, tablets, desktop PCs and smartphones around the world were taken into account. It is worth saying that if the researchers took only desktop computers, then Windows would have 84%, and if only users from Europe and the USA, then Windows would also win (51.7% versus 23.6%): especially Android positions are strong in Asia, where 52.2% of Internet users use it. In America, Android overtakes even iOS by 4.5%.

Interestingly, 5 years ago, the share of Android was only 2.4%. This is a great success for a system that is practically not common on stationary devices - in honor of people now portability, when mobile Windows failed to win at least some significant share.

History

2024

Android 15 release

On February 16, 2024, the Android 15 operating system for mobile devices was released. The platform has received a number of changes and innovations aimed at further optimizing battery power consumption, improving the smoothness of applications, protecting confidential information, improving the user interface, etc.

1. Keyboard vibration

In the menu "Settings" - "Sound and vibration" - "Vibration and vibration response" the item "Keyboard vibration" appeared. It can be used to turn off or turn on vibration feedback when working with a virtual keyboard.

Android 15 operating system released

2. Notification volume

Android 15 implements the "Decrease notification volume" function. It makes it possible to control the volume of notifications that generate various applications. If any program sends many notifications in a row, the OS will gradually reduce their volume. This option can be completely disabled, activated for all applications or only for conversations.

3. Android Dynamic Performance Framework

A number of changes to Android 15 affect the Android Dynamic Performance Framework, which serves to control the interaction of energy-intensive applications with the power subsystem of a smartphone or tablet. In particular, the energy efficiency of applications with long background tasks has improved.

4. Privacy

The new version of the OS has enhanced security tools. Improved protection against malicious software intrusion into application files. An improved Privacy Sandbox module is used to identify schemes for using targeted ads by applications.

5. Camera

Android 15 has improved camera performance in third-party applications. Preview images in low light has become more convenient thanks to additional processing that increases brightness.^[1]

Almost 20% of libraries for Android applications in the popular repository are at risk of interception by attackers

Researchers at Oversecured, which creates tools for the secure development of mobile applications for iOS and Android, published a study in January 2024 on the security of open-source library dependencies for Java (Android)^[2] for^[3]. It turned out that in the Apache Maven repository, the most popular among developers of mobile applications for Android, about 18.18% of libraries can be intercepted by attackers.

The essence of the attack on the interception of orphaned libraries is as follows: if the library registered in the popular repository (Apache Maven or JitPack) is not supported by its developers, then it can be intercepted and embedded malicious code. To do this, it is enough to register the corresponding domain name, which the repository associates with the library developer, and embed a text field into the DNS record, supposedly to download new versions.

If the library registered in Apache Maven is not supported by its developers, then it can be intercepted and embedded malicious code

An alternative is to create a profile on GitHub with the appropriate name. For old and unsupported libraries, most likely such a name will be free, so attackers can register it for themselves.

Next, you need to inform the repository that a new version of the corresponding library has been released, and it will automatically pick up a new version of the code with built-in malware at the specified address, which will immediately be sent to subscribers. As a result, all users after automatically updating their application will receive Trojan functionality on their devices.

This classic attack on the supply chain even got its name - MavenGate. In some cases, the malware can be built so that it penetrates the development pipeline and will be launched by the developer.

Although there are a lot of repositories of various Java libraries, an analysis of such vulnerabilities of the largest of them - Apache Maven is indicative. Oversecured analyzed it and revealed that about 14.18% of the libraries in it are abandoned and can be intercepted through a DNS record. Analysis of names on GitHub shows that another 3.86% of libraries can be intercepted through this method of verifying library owners. In general, up to 18.18% of libraries can be intercepted in one way or another.

The researchers also analyzed dependencies of the following order - open source projects on GitHub, where these potentially dangerous libraries are used. It turned out that there are also many of them, but the company refused to publish statistics on them, since not all of them have yet fixed their applications. It turned out that the most popular ownerless libraries are com.mycila (used in 17.36% of projects), co.fs2 (9.9%), com.mycila.maven-license-plugin (5.26%), net.jpountz.lz4 (3.26%) and org.tpolecat (3.11%).

It can be noted that the secure development process should include, among other things, a procedure for identifying similar dependencies that can be transient when the dependency is not direct, but built into the library in use. It is quite difficult to trace them, but in the secure development pipeline, you need to use tools to analyze such hidden dependencies, which can turn into vulnerabilities at any time.

2023

Release of Android 14 mobile platform

On October 4, 2023, it became known that Google published the release of the open mobile platform Android 14. The source code associated with the release is located in the Git repository of the project (branch android-14.0.0_r1). Firmware updates have been prepared for Pixel devices. Later, it is planned to prepare firmware updates for smartphones manufactured by Samsung Galaxy, iQOO, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, vivo and Xiaomi. Additionally, universal GSI (Generic System Images) assemblies have been formed that are suitable for different devices based on ARM64 and x86_64 architectures.

As reported, the main changes affected the following:

• The main structure of the platform includes the Health Connect storage, previously delivered as a separate package through Google Play. Health Connect provides centralized storage of data from fitness bracelets and other devices related to user health, and organizes shared access of various applications to health data. Access to Health Connect settings will now be provided through the standard platform configurator, for example, through privacy settings, you can control which health data certain applications can access. In addition, Health Connect has added support for saving information about the route traveled during training (the user determines the period of time for which the list of waypoints will be saved). The route can be rendered on the map and, if desired, transferred for processing to other applications, after explicitly confirming the operation by the user.
• Enhanced options to customize the appearance of the interface. Simplified interface for choosing background images. Added the ability to place your shortcuts on the lock screen, for example, to quickly access the reader of QR codes. A set of screen lock interface design templates has been added, offering different fonts, widgets and colors, and supporting the use of AI to adapt the design to the current situation (for example, a widget with a weather forecast can be made more noticeable in the event of an upcoming sharp deterioration in weather). A background image generator has been added that uses machine learning to create images based on the user's text description. It is possible to include a monochrome theme.
• Enhanced means of confirming access to location information. A section has been added to the dialog asking for confirmation of access to the location with information about when the location data is transmitted to the application (access is prohibited, allow only once and allow every time the application is executed) and details where you can get additional information about access to transmitted data.
• Periodic (once a month) display of notifications with a warning about changes in applications that are given access to the location of data transfer methods to third parties (for example, it is displayed when the application begins to use location data when displaying ads).
• When working with applications, a more noticeable reverse arrow hint is implemented, displayed to understand the possibility of using a screen gesture to return back.
• The Sharesheet mechanism, which is used to send data (for example, an image or link) outside the application or to another user, implements the ability to add your own actions. For example, you can define your own list of ChooserAction handlers that show applications and users you can send. The spectrum of signals used to rank targets for direct data sending is further expanded.
• The ability to partially grant permissions to access only photos and videos selected by the user has been added (READ_MEDIA_VISUAL_USER_SELECTED, the files to which access is provided are selected by the user through the Photo picker interface during the appearance of the permission request dialog). After the application is put in the background or the program is terminated, the user-granted permission is automatically revoked. In the dialog for confirming the permissions of applications to access multimedia files, it became possible to provide access only to selected photos or videos.
• A section has been added to the configurator to override regional preference settings, such as temperature units, the first day of the week, and the number system. For example, a person living USA European in can set up use to display the temperature of a degree Celsius instead of a degree Fahrenheit and consider Monday the beginning of the week instead of Sunday.
• The options for scaling fonts have been expanded, the maximum level of scaling of the font has been increased from 130% to 200%, and so that the text does not look too large at high magnification, a nonlinear change in the level of scaling is now applied automatically (already large text does not increase as much as small text), which will allow you to achieve optimal text readability by people with impaired vision without the risk of distortion in the interface layout. A tool has been optimized to enlarge individual areas on the screen, allowing visually impaired people to better view small details.
• The support for recording video with a high dynamic brightness range (HDR), which appeared in the previous branch, has been expanded to receive additional information from the camera, which makes it possible to save images in Ultra HDR format, which uses 10 bits per channel to encode chrominance. The Ultra HDR format is fully compatible with JPEG, which allows applications to work with HDR images without changes and if you need to display them using the usual brightness range. HDR output is provided automatically by the platform when HDR support is activated in the application manifest or when Window.setColorMode is called. For individual drawing of Ultra HDR using OpenGL or Vulkan, the Gainmap class can be used.
• Buttons have been added to the quick settings drop-down block to quickly resize fonts and access Google Home settings.
• A setting has been added to enable flashing of the camera LED flash when notifications are received or along with warning beeps.
• When connecting the device via USB to a stationary computer, in addition to previously available interaction modes, such as file transfer, charging, distribution of boarding school, etc., it became possible to use a smartphone as a webcam (UVC mode, USB Video Class).
• More than one work profile is available. Switching between profiles is optimized. Added the ability to open links in other profiles (for example, from a work profile you can open a link in your home). The process of sharing the screen is optimized. Added the ability to search for profile-specific settings.
• There are limited types of applications that are allowed to display full-screen notifications when the screen is locked. Such notifications are designed to draw attention to information that requires an immediate response, such as an incoming call or an alarm, so the authority to output such notifications will now be limited to applications for making calls and outputting warning signals.
• Optimized control of animations that signal the transition between different screens (sheets) in the application with a sliding gesture that shifts the content. Added components to animate the switching of lower and side screens, as well as invoke the search. An API has been added to create your own transient effects in the application.
• The Camera Extensions set has been updated, which provides the ability to use longer-running algorithms that require intensive calculations for image processing, for example, to optimize the quality of images taken in low light. Added features to predict delays in processing a snapshot, get information about processing progress, and quickly get a draft snapshot before completing the final image. A more optimized and energy efficient SurfaceView preview mode has been implemented. During the use of extensions, touch support is provided for focusing and scaling.
• Support is provided for using the camera's built-in capabilities to scale and crop transmitted RAW images.
• For wired headphones connected via USB, the ability to use sound formats without loss of quality (lossless) has been added. The AudioMixerAttributes class has been added to the API, which allows you to directly send sound to the device, without mixing, adjusting the volume and processing effects.
• The graphics API implements the Mesh class, which allows you to create your own polygon mesh variants with vertex and fragment shaders written in AGSL.
• Added the possibility of hardware acceleration of rendering to the buffer, implemented through the HardwareBufferRenderer class.
• The Path class, which allows you to create vector graphics based on composite geometric contours, has added support for interpolation between contours with a similar structure to create a morphing effect and use the PathIterator iterator to sequentially search all contour segments.
• Enhanced the ability to bind individual language settings to different applications. It is possible to determine the list of languages ​ ​ that will be displayed in the Android configurator when choosing a language for a specific application.
• Expanded areas in which the system shows privacy-related information defined by the developer in the Play Console Form, such as a policy regarding the provision of data to third parties. For example, such information is now displayed in the authorization request dialog.
• In applications that use handlers running in the background, it is now mandatory to specify the type of background service. During operation, the system checks the compliance of the specified service type, the requested permissions and the API used. For example, if an application has specified a FOREGROUND_SERVICE_TYPE_LOCATION background service type, it is assumed that they may be requested ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION or ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION authority.
• Changes made to improve security: Applications cannot send intent requests to some internal platform components. Dynamically loaded code must now be marked with a read-only access attribute. ZipFile (String) and ZipInputStream.getNextEntry () functions prevent the processing of zip archives in which paths begin with the character "/" or contain the sequence "..." The start of work from background handlers is limited and restrictions in the area of ​ ​ calling APIs not provided in the SDK have been updated.
• The platform has continued to change its operation on tablets and devices with foldable screens. Libraries are provided to provide prediction of pointer movement events and provide low delay when working with styluses. Interface templates for large screens are provided, taking into account applications such as social networks, communications, multimedia content, reading and shopping.
• A separate permission has been added to allow applications to launch actions when the application is in the background. Activation while in the background is limited so as not to distract the user while working with the current application. Active applications are given more control over the activation of activities by other applications with which they interact.
• The memory management system was optimized to more efficiently allocate resources to applications running in the background. A few seconds after the application is put into a cached state, background work is limited to working with APIs that control the application lifecycle, such as the Foreground Services API, JobScheduler, and WorkManager.
• Notifications equipped with the FLAG_ONGOING_EVENT flag can now be rejected when displayed on a device with an unlocked screen. If the device is in screen lock mode, such notifications will remain unrecoverable. Notifications that are important for the operation of the system will also remain irreducible.
• The following methods have been added to the PackageInstaller API: requestUserPreliminary (), which allows the application directory to postpone loading APK packages until the user receives confirmation of the installation; setRequestUpdateOwnership (), which allows you to assign future application update operations to the installer; setDontKillApp (), which allows you to install additional features for the application while working with the program. In the InstallConstraints API, installers are provided with the ability to activate the installation of an application update when the application is not in use.
• Work continued to optimize the platform on tablets and devices with foldable screens. Updated guidelines for developing applications for devices with large screens and added typical interface templates for large screens, taking into account applications such as social networks, communications, multimedia content, reading and shopping. A preliminary release of the Cross device SDK is proposed with tools for developing applications that work correctly with different types of devices (smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, etc.) and different form factors.
• The coordination of resource-intensive background work, such as downloading large files with a Wi-Fi connection, was optimized. Changes have been made to the Foreground Service and JobScheduler APIs, which add functionality for user-initiated work related to data transfer. Requirements have been introduced for specifying the type of priority services to be launched (working with the camera, data synchronization, multimedia data playback, location tracking, microphone access, etc.). The definition of conditions for activating data download is optimized, for example, for downloading only when accessing via Wi-Fi.
• The internal broadcast system is optimized to reduce power consumption and improve responsiveness. Application reception of registered message streams is optimized - messages can be queued, combined (for example, a series of messages will BATTERY_CHANGED be aggregated into one) and delivered only after the application exits the cached state.
• The limit on the maximum number of cached applications has been increased, which made it possible to reduce the number of applications launched in cold mode (i.e. not cached in memory and launched more slowly). For devices with 8 GB of RAM, after changing the restrictions, the number of "cold" application launches decreased by 20%, and from 12GB - by 30%.
• The use of exact alarms in applications now requires a separate SCHEDULE_EXACT_ALARM authorization, since the use of this functionality can negatively affect battery life and lead to increased resource consumption (for scheduled jobs, it is recommended to use activation at an approximate time). Applications with a calendar and clock implementation that use activation at the exact time must be granted USE_EXACT_ALARM permission during installation. Publications in the Google Play catalog of applications with USE_EXACT_ALARM resolution are allowed only for programs with the implementation of an alarm clock, timer and calendar with event notifications.
• It is possible to specify language settings associated with individual applications. The application developer can now change the localeConfig parameters by calling LocaleManager.setOverrideLocaleConfig to determine the list of languages ​ ​ displayed for the application in the Android configuration interface.
• The Grammatic Inflection API has been added to optimize the addition of translations of interface elements that take into account languages ​ ​ with the childbirth system.
• To prevent malicious applications from intercepting intent requests, this version does not allow sending intent without explicitly specifying a package or internal component.
• Increased security of Dynamic Code Loading (DCL) - to avoid substituting malicious code into dynamically loaded executable files, these files must now have read-only access rights.
• It is prohibited to install applications for which the SDK version is declared below 23, which will allow you to block bypassing permission restrictions through binding to old APIs (API version 22 is prohibited, since version 23 (Android 6.0) has an access control model that allows you to request access to system resources on the fly). Previously installed applications using old APIs will continue to work after updating Android.
• The Credential Manager API is proposed, which allows you to organize login in applications using external credentials. providers authentications Support has been implemented for a technology that Passkeys allows the user to pass authentication without passwords using biometric identifiers such as fingerprint or. face recognition The interface for selecting an account has been optimized.
• Android Runtime (ART) supports OpenJDK 17. The platform's basic Java libraries and application development tools have been updated to OpenJDK 17. Added support for 17 language capabilities and Java classes available in OpenJDK, for example, classes of type record, multiline strings and pattern mapping in the "instanceof" statement.
• Android Runtime uses more progressive compression methods that reduce file size by an average of 9.3% without compromising performance.
• The method of updating CA certificates has been changed. System certificates will no longer be tied to the firmware, but will be delivered in a separate package that is updated via Google Play. This approach optimizes the maintenance of up-to-date certificates and the removal of certificates from compromised certification centers, and also prevents device manufacturers from manipulating the list of root certificates and makes the process of updating them independent of firmware updates. On the other hand, this delivery method will not allow the user to make changes to system certificates, even if he has root access to the system and fully controls the firmware.

Google introduced the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones based on Android 14, as well as the Pixel Watch 2 smartwatch based on Wear OS 4. The time for the formation of updates to the Android platform, providing for the transition to significant branches of Android, for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones has been increased to 7 years.

Wear OS 4, an edition of the Android platform for wearable devices, adds support for the WFF (Watch Face Format) XML format to determine the appearance and behavior of digital watches without writing code. Added the ability to transfer data from one smartwatch to another through the Google cloud service, used to create backups. Enhanced animation effects available for app developers^[4] of^[5].

Russian manufacturers of Android smartphones use the MicroG project, which allows you to bypass Google's restrictions

Russian manufacturers Android-smartphones use the MicroG project, which allows you to bypass the restrictions Google associated with the refusal of the American corporation to grant a license to Google Mobile Services (GMS; it includes,, YouTube Google Play maps, etc.). This became known on May 11, 2023. More. here

In Android 14, the user will not be able to change system certificates, even with root access

On September 6, 2023, it became known that the developers of HTTP Toolkit, an open tool for inspecting HTTPS traffic, drew attention to a change in the way certification center (CA) certificates are updated in the future release of the Android 14 platform. System certificates will no longer be tied to the firmware, but will be delivered in a separate package that is updated via Google Play.

This approach will simplify the maintenance of up-to-date certificates and the removal of certificates from compromised certification centers, as well as prevent device manufacturers from manipulating the list of root certificates and make the process of updating them independent of firmware updates. On the other hand, this delivery method will not allow the user to make changes to system certificates, even if he has root access to the system and fully controls the firmware.

Instead of the/system/etc/security/cacerts directory, certificates in Android 14 are downloaded from the/apex/com.android.conscrypt/cacerts directory, located in a separate APEX container (Android Pony EXpress), the contents of which are delivered via Google Play, and integrity is controlled by Google's digital signature. Thus, even by completely controlling the system with root rights, the user, without making changes to the platform, will not be able to change the contents of the list of system certificates. The presented certificate storage scheme could lead to difficulties for developers engaged in reverse engineering, traffic inspection or firmware research, and could potentially complicate the development of projects developing alternative firmware based on Android, such as GrapheneOS and LineageOS.

The change applies only to system CA certificates that are used by default in all applications on the device, and does not affect the processing of user certificates and the ability to add additional certificates for individual applications (for example, the ability to add additional certificates for a browser remains). At the same time, the problem is not limited only to a package with certificates - as the system functionality is removed into separately updated APEX packages, the number of system components that cannot be controlled and changed by the user will increase, regardless of the presence of root access to the device^[6].

Google unveils Android 14 Developer Preview

On February 8, 2023, Google released the first edition of the Android 14 Developer Preview operating system, aimed at developers. The platform has received a number of significant changes.

In particular, Android 14 blocks the installation of old applications by default. This is dictated by considerations of safety and stability of work. It is noted that attackers can use loopholes in old software to hack mobile devices. Therefore, with the advent of Android 14, the installation of applications for Android 6.0 and earlier versions of the operating system will be blocked. However, previously installed programs on devices upgrading to Android 14 will continue to work.

The new OS implements additional privacy tools. Background optimization aids have appeared to increase battery life (some changes relate exclusively to the system level). Improved support for large displays that equip tablets and modern smartphones with a flexible screen.

Another change is the addition of a nonlinear font scaling function. Thanks to this, text that is already large enough will not increase at the same speed as small text. This approach will increase the ease of reading. Moreover, now it is supported to scale fonts to 200% against the previous 130%. Google will reveal additional details about client features later.

The Android 14 Developer Preview platform is available for smartphones Pixel the 7 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 6a, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel 5a, 5G Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a (5G). The beta version of the operating system will be released in the spring of 2023, and the final release is scheduled for autumn of the same year.^[7]

Android earthquake alert system failed in Turkey

On July 27, 2023, it became known that the warning system earthquakes Google did not work properly on February 6, 2023, Turkey when about 60 thousand people died as a result of a devastating natural disaster.

The Google system operates on Android devices, which account for about 80% of all circulating smartphones in Turkey. According to Google, the technology allows citizens to be notified of earthquakes about a minute before the first tremors occur. The principle of the system is to analyze data from accelerometers integrated into mobile gadgets. If algorithms determine that a certain number of smartphones have been shaken and shaken at the same time, the system concludes about an impending disaster. At the same time, based on information on geolocation, the epicenter and the strength of the earthquake can be determined.

Google claims that on February 6, the system successfully sent alerts to millions of people in Turkey. However, research by BBC journalists suggests otherwise, with hundreds of surveyed residents of three Turkish cities saying they had not received any reports from Google of a disaster to come.

Although we were able to find a small number of people who received a warning for a second earthquake, we could not find anyone who received an alert before the first, strongest earthquake, Air Force correspondents say.

It is noted that there are very few mentions on social networks that the inhabitants of Turkey, who were at the epicenter of the earthquake, received appropriate notifications from Google. This situation can be explained by communication problems during a disaster, as well as the fact that many citizens simply did not pay attention to the messages against the background of the disaster that has already begun.^[8]

2022

RISC-V processor architecture support

On October 27, 2022, it became known that the Android mobile operating system acquired support for the RISC-V processor architecture, the popularity of which has suddenly grown sharply in recent years. As of October 2022, it was only about partial support, but the developers are very confidently moving in this direction.

As reported, so far RISC-V support is implemented only in AOSP (Android Open Source Project). This is an open version of Android, used, as a rule, to run in all changes. The initiator of the addition of this support was China in the person of the company that Alibaba Cloud develops cloudy the service of the same name and is part of the Alibaba Group holding along with Internet the store. AliExpress

Developers from Alibaba Cloud have prepared almost 80 patches for AOSP, which allow the system to correctly interact with processors on RISC-V, including in matters of playing user content (video and audio) and the functioning of wireless communication modules (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi). As of October 2022, 30 of these patches were already part of AOSP, and work on integrating the rest was in full swing. According to preliminary estimates by Alibaba Cloud engineers, the entire process will take several more months.

It should be noted that RISC-V support is not only in AOSP. kernel Linux It has been implemented since version 4.15, which debuted almost five years ago, at the end of January 2018. However, Microsoft Windows processors RISC-V is not supported.

The issue of introducing RISC-V support in Android OS is considered in RISC-V International at a high level, since the Android SIG working group specially created for this is entrusted to resolve any related issues. And if in October 2022 only the AOSP firmware is "aware" of the existence of RISC-V, then in the foreseeable future architecture support may appear in ordinary Android - the one that is installed on modern smartphones. Internet giant Google, which is responsible for the development of Android, is directly involved in this process.

The main task that the integration of RISC-V support into AOSP and Android should fulfill is to expand the range of use of the architecture. In theory, in the future, many Android devices may switch from ARM processors to RISC-V chips.

There are not very many of them worldwide for October 2022, but work in this direction is clearly underway. For example, in early October 2022, it became known about the start of sales of the Chinese Roma laptop based on the Chinese T-Head TH1520 processor with four 64-bit Xuantie C910 cores, the frequency of which reaches 2.5 GHz. It is built on RISC-V, and the same Alibaba Group holding is behind its development. The CPU is equipped with a neural unit and video subsystem developed by Imagination Technologies, and its performance reaches 4 TOPS^[9]

Android 13 (Go edition) for low-power smartphones

The company Google introduced Android 13 (Go edition), an edition of the Android 13 platform designed for low-power installation smartphones with 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of permanent memory (for comparison, Android 12 Go required 1 GB of RAM, and Android 10 Go - 512 MB of RAM). This became known on October 20, 2022. Android Go combines optimized Android system components and a stripped-down set applications Google Apps adapted to reduce memory consumption, persistent space storage and traffic. According to Google statistics, about 250 million active devices running Android Go have been recorded in recent months.

Android Go also offers special abbreviated options YouTube for the Go video viewer, browser Chrome file Files Go manager and on-screen keyboards Gboard. The platform also has tools to save traffic, for example, Chrome limits the transfer data of background tabs and includes optimizations to reduce traffic consumption. Thanks to a reduced set of applications and more compact programs, Android Go approximately halves the consumption of permanent storage space and significantly reduces the size of downloaded updates. The directory for Google Play low-power devices primarily offers applications specifically designed for devices with small RAM.

When preparing this version, the focus was on reliability, usability and customization capabilities for your preferences. Among the Android Go-specific changes:

• Added support for installing updates from the Google Play catalog to keep the system up to date. Previously, the means for installing system updates were limited due to the sufficiently high requirements for free space in the storage required to deploy the update. Now critical fixes will be able to be communicated to users quickly, without waiting for the release of the platform or new firmware from the manufacturer.
• The composition includes the Discover application, which provides recommendations with lists of articles and content selected based on user preferences. The application is activated by a gesture that shifts the home screen to the right.
• The design of the interface has been modernized, which has been redesigned in accordance with the concept of design "Material You," presented as a variant of the next generation Material Design. It is possible to freely change the color scheme and dynamically adapt the color scheme to the color gamut of the background image.
• Work was carried out to reduce memory consumption by applications from the Google Apps suite, reduce launch time, reduce the size of applications and provide tools to optimize their programs. Among the optimization techniques used are:

• Reduce memory consumption due to more active recoil of unused memory to the system, use mmap instead of malloc, balanced execution of processes with intensive memory consumption at the task scheduler level, eliminate memory leaks and increase the efficiency of working with raster images.
• Reducing the time to launch programs by refusing to initialize in the early stages, removing tasks from the thread with the interface to the background thread, minimizing synchronous IPC-excitations in the thread with the interface, excluding parsing XML and JSON without the need, eliminating unnecessary disk operations and network operations.
• Reducing the size of programs by removing unnecessary interface layouts, switching to adaptive interface generation methods, removing resource-intensive functionality (animation, large GIF files, etc.), combining binary files with highlighting common dependencies, excluding unused code, reducing string data (removing internal lines, URLs and other unnecessary lines from translation files), cleaning alternative resources and using the Android App Bundle format^[10].

The first smartphones began to receive Android 13

On August 15, 2022, it became known that Google published the release of the open mobile platform Android 13. The source code associated with the release is placed in the project Git repository (branch android-13.0.0_r1).

Google released the final version of Android 13, although its release was expected about a month later. The updated OS has become available to users of the following smartphones:

• Pixel 4;
• Pixel 4 XL;
• Pixel 4a;
• Pixel 4a ( 5G );
• Pixel 5;
• Pixel 5a;
• Pixel 6;
• Pixel 6 Pro;
• Pixel 6a.

Later, it is planned to prepare firmware updates for smartphones manufactured by Samsung, Asus, HMD, iQOO, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, vivo and Xiaomi. Google did not specify the models, but it is obvious that first of all the final version of Android 13 will receive devices participating in the Android open beta testing program. And these are mainly flagships.

Additionally, universal GSI (Generic System Images) assemblies have been formed that are suitable for different devices based on ARM64 and x86_64 architectures.

As reported, the main changes affected the following:

• The invention proposes a set of pre-prepared options for the interface color design, which allow slightly adjusting the colors within the selected color scheme. Color options affect the appearance of all components of the operating system, including background wallpapers.
• It is possible to adapt the background of icons of any applications to the color scheme of the skin or the color of the background image.
• The music playback control interface provides for the use of images of the covers of the played albums as a background.
• Added the ability to bind to applications individual language settings that differ from the language settings selected in the system.
• Optimized work on devices with large screens, such as tablet PERSONAL COMPUTER Chromebooks smartphones and foldable screens. For large screens, the layout of the drop-down block with notifications, home screen and system lock screen is optimized, which now use all available screen space. In the block that appears with a sliding gesture from top to bottom, large screens provide separation into different columns of quick settings and a list of notifications.
• Added support for two-panel operation in the configurator, in which settings sections are now constantly visible on large screens.
• Optimized compatibility modes for applications. An implementation of the taskbar is proposed, showing at the bottom of the screen icons of running applications, allowing you to quickly switch between programs and supporting the transfer of applications through the drag & drop interface to various areas of split-screen mode, dividing the screen into parts for working simultaneously with several applications.
• The convenience of drawing and entering text using an electronic pen is optimized. Added protection against false strokes when touching the touch screen with your hands while drawing with a stylus.
• For some devices, such as the Pixel 6, full support has been added, virtualizations allowing you to run environments with other operating systems. Virtualization is based on the hypervisor KVM and crosvm tools (VVM, Virtual Machine Manager). Optionally, the pKVM (Protected KVM) mode is available, which provides more stringent isolation of environments using virtualization extensions for the AArch64 architecture. In the platform, virtualization is planned to be used to increase the protection of the execution of third-party system code, for example, closed executables files and DRM components.
• Added the ability to selectively grant permissions to access multimedia files. If you used to have to provide access to all files in local storage to read media files, you can now restrict access to images, sound files, or videos only.
• An updated interface for selecting photos and videos has been implemented, which allows you to give the application access only to selected images and videos and block access to other files. Previously, a similar interface was implemented for documents. It is possible to work with both local files and data located in cloud storage.
• An application notification permission request has been added. Without receiving the prior right to display notifications, sending notifications by the application will be blocked. For previously created applications designed for use with previous versions of Android, permissions will be granted by the system on behalf of the user.
• Reduced the number of applications that require access to user location information. For example, applications performing wireless scanning operations no longer require location-related permissions.
• Enhanced capabilities aimed at optimizing privacy and informing the user about possible risks. In addition to warnings about the application's access to the clipboard, another branch provides automatic deletion of the history of placing data on the clipboard after a certain time of inactivity.
• A unified page with security and privacy settings has been added, which implements a visual color indication of the security state and offers recommendations for strengthening protection.
• An updated permission type has been added for, Wi-Fi providing applications designed to find wireless networks and connect to access points with the ability to access a subset of API Wi-Fi control, with the exception of calls associated with location determination (previously applications connecting to Wi-Fi also gained access to location information).
• An API has been added to place buttons in the quick settings section at the top of the notification drop-down bar. Using this API, the application can prompt you to place its button with a quick action, allowing the user to add a button without leaving the application and separately without going to the settings.
• The word wrap operation is optimized (breaking words that do not fit in a string using a hyphen). In the updated version, migration performance is increased by 200% and now practically does not affect the rendering speed.
• Added support for programmable graphical shaders (RuntimeShader objects) defined in the AGSL (Android Graphics Shading Language) language, which is a subset of the GLSL language adapted for use with the Android platform rendering engine. Similar shaders are already used in the Android platform itself to implement various visual effects, such as ripple, blur and stretch when scrolling beyond the page. Similar effects can now be created in applications.
• The platform's basic Java libraries and application development tools have been updated to OpenJDK 11.
• As part of the Mainline project, which allows you to update individual system components without updating the entire platform, updated system modules have been prepared. Updates affect non-hardware-bound components that are downloaded via Google Play separately from OTA firmware updates from the manufacturer. Among the modules that can be updated via Google Play without updating the firmware are Bluetooth and Ultra wideband. Modules with Photo picker and OpenJDK 11 are also distributed through Google Play.
• Optimized testing and debugging of platform capabilities. Changes can now be selectively enabled for applications in the developer settings section or through the adb utility.
• An API has been added that allows the application to relinquish previously obtained permissions. For example, if in the updated version the need for some extended rights has disappeared, the program, as part of the user's privacy concern, can revoke previously obtained rights.
• It is possible to register non-system BroadcastReceiver handlers in the context of their use. To control the export of such handlers, RECEIVER_EXPORTED and RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED flags have been added to prevent handlers from being used to send broadcast messages from other applications.
• Added support for color vector fonts in COLRv1 format (a subset of OpenType fonts containing a layer with color information in addition to vector glyphs). Also added is a set of multicolored emoji supplied in COLRv1 format. The updated format provides a compact storage form, supports gradients, overlays, and transformations, provides efficient compression, and allows contours to be reused to reduce font size. For example, the Noto Color Emoji font is 9MB in raster representation, and COLRv1 in vector format 1.85MB.
• The ART runtime environment implements a more efficient garbage collector based on the Linux kernel API userfaultfd, which allows you to create page faults in user space. The updated garbage collector provides a fixed overhead for each loaded object, consumes less memory, and results in a roughly 10% reduction in compiled code. The use of garbage collector also allows you to extend battery life, get rid of freezes during garbage collection and protect applications from forced termination when there is not enough memory on the system.
• ART has optimized the performance of switching to native code and vice versa - JNI calls are now up to 2.5 times faster. The reference processing code (reference processing) at runtime is transferred to work in non-blocking mode to reduce freezes. Added Reference.refersTo () API that can be used to recover memory faster. The interpreter optimizes the search for classes and methods. The ability to verify the byte code at the installation stage, and not during execution, has been added, which made it possible to reduce the launch time of applications.
• Added support for Bluetooth LE Audio (Low Energy) technology, which reduces power consumption when transmitting audio streams via Bluetooth. Unlike classic Bluetooth, this technology also allows you to switch between different modes of use to achieve the optimal ratio between quality and power consumption.
• Added support for MIDI 2.0 specification and the ability to connect musical instruments and controllers that support MIDI 2.0 via USB port.
• For key-generating applications, the Keystore and KeyMint APIs now provide more detailed and accurate error indicators and allow java.security.ProviderException exceptions to be used to intercept errors.
• An audio routing API has been added to AudioManager to determine how the audio stream will be processed. The getAudioDevicesForAttributes () method has been added to get a list of devices through which audio can be output, as well as the getDirectProfilesForAttributes () method to determine whether direct^[11] can be played^[12] of^[13]13^[14].

Google stops issuing licenses for Russian Android smartphones

On March 24, 2022, it became known that Google was terminating licensing of Android smartphones from Russian manufacturers. This means that the latter will not be able to release devices with pre-installed Google services such as the Chrome browser and the Google Play app store.

The fact that the licensing of Russian smartphones has stopped, and the projects have been canceled by Google, the Mobile-Review.com reported, citing representatives of two brands. The publication says that on March 23, 2022, Google laboratories began to close the projects of Russian companies, indicating the following as a reason:

The U.S. Export Act prohibits the provision of services in Russia, as well as the export, re-export or transfer of American-born software and technology to Russia.

Several Russian companies are producing smartphones running Android. The platform is free and comes with open source, however, to be able to use Google Mobile Services (GMS), manufacturers are obliged to undergo certification: demonstrate their software and changes that are made to the pre-installed software.

Licenses are revoked for certain regions, that is, Google, for example, cannot supply its technology to Iran and prohibits the activation and registration of equipment in Iran. We saw this on the example of Crimea. It was impossible to launch Google services in Crimea, that is, for this it was necessary to use all kinds of tricks. Google services are an integral part of Android, and by removing Google services, for example, the app store, you will not be able to work with a smartphone not only comfortably, but in principle, "said Eldar Murtazin, leading analyst at Mobile Research Group.[15]

Google will limit the transfer of data about the Android user to third parties

On February 17, 2022, it became known that Google announced the introduction of privacy settings in the Android OS, similar to those introduced by Apple in iOS last year. The ensuing cap on advertising revenue cost many companies hundreds of billions of dollars in capitalization. The hardest hit was Facebook, which will lose $10 billion in 2022 due to iOS 15.4 restrictions. Google will completely disable ad trackers and limit the amount of user data transferred to third parties. The changes are announced in the context of the great attention of regulators in Europe to the legality of some types of advertising.

As of mid-February 2022, Android 12 users can disable identifiers in the system settings. At the same time, application developers receive a notification of refusal. Google will maintain the current system for two years so app owners can prepare for the changes.

The company is looking for a replacement for the Android advertising ID, which is assigned to each device on its OS and allows you to target ads. The implemented mechanism, according to Google, "is designed to limit the transfer of user data to third parties and exclude the transfer of identifier between applications." Particular attention is supposed to be paid to the problem of data leakage from applications through advertising modules.

The proposed system from Google looks softer than Apple, and its development is designed for several years.

"We understand that other platforms have chosen a different approach to privacy in the field of targeted advertising, introducing a blanket ban on the technologies that the industry uses. We are confident that without a clear alternative, such an approach can be ineffective and worsen the situation both with the protection of personal data and with the development of applications, "- marks Google.

According to the company, the main goal is to maintain the privacy of users by default, while maintaining a mobile ecosystem that is based on effective advertising to support free and funded applications. In particular, the privacy sandbox will minimize the transfer of data to third parties, and such a solution will not require the use of identifiers between applications, including advertising ones. Google is also exploring technologies that reduce the likelihood of covert data collection, including safer ways to integrate apps with ad SDKs.

Google's decision can have serious consequences on a global scale: iPhone American the market share is about 50%, but worldwide the share smartphones under Google Android is 85%. In the spring of 2021, Apple changed the privacy policy for iOS applications, allowing users to prohibit the application from tracking their actions. Users USA in gave up tracking more than 80% of the time, causing prices for mobile ads on iPhones to drop and prices for Android to rise. According to experts, the introduced Apple rules led to a loss of market value Meta of more than $300 billion.^[16]

Fine for Google in South Korea increased to $188 million

In mid-February 2022, the South Korean antimonopoly regulator announced an increase in the fine imposed on Google for alleged anti-competitive actions to $187.8 million. Initially, the fine was imposed in connection with the pressure of smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Android operating system.

In mid-September 2021, the Korean Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) decided to fine tech giant Google for forcing smartphone manufacturers to use only its Android mobile operating system (OS). The preliminary amount of the fine amounted to $173 million. According to the regulator, this unfair practice helped the company strengthen its dominant position in the mobile platform market and undermined innovations in the development of new operating systems for smart devices.

The initial fine was calculated taking into account the period of violation of the law by Google from January 2011 to April 2021 - for which sales data were available at that time, Yonhap news agency reported. In January 2022, Google filed a lawsuit demanding to cancel the regulator's decision. The company separately appealed to the Seoul Supreme Court for a ban.

The KFTC regulator in mid-February 2022 updated the data and included in the calculation Google's revenue from May 2021 to September 10, 2021, when the last meeting of the regulator to consider this issue took place. South Korea's antitrust regulator ordered Google, Google Asia Pacific and Google Korea to share a $187.8 million fine.

The KFTC also noted that Google blocked competition in the South Korean market, requiring smartphone manufacturers to conclude an agreement against fragmentation, when manufacturers signed key contracts with the company on licenses for app stores and early access to the OS. Under the agreement, device manufacturers were not allowed to install modified versions of the OS or other operating systems on their smartphones, smartwatches, or smart TVs.^[17]

Android 13 beta released

In early February 2022, Google released a beta version of the Android 13 Developer Preview operating mobile operating system, codenamed Tiramisu. The first build is aimed exclusively at developers, but already on February 11, 2022, enthusiasts can test the operating system. The company expects Android 13 to be stable around July 2022.

Dave Burke, vice president of Android development at Google, detailed a long list of changes included in Android 13 Developer Preview 1 on the Android Developer blog:

1. You have added a photo picker that works separately from the service responsible for selecting other documents.
2. The security function allows you to choose which specific photos or videos to access the application, instead of giving permission to the entire user gallery.
3. Other mobile apps can now offer to add their own icons to the quick settings section. To do this, the developers will have an appropriate application programming interface.
4. Android 13 language settings will now include the ability to work for each application separately.
5. Allow Wi-Fi to allow applications to find and connect to points without requiring location permissions.

In Android 13, Mainline will also continue its development, this project allows you to update system components via Google Play, this, in turn, will allow you to implement the photo selection function on earlier versions of Android. Preliminary versions for developers will be released during February and March 2022, and the stable release of Android 13 will take place in late summer or early autumn 2022. The operating system is already available on the Pixel 4, Pixel 4a, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a and Pixel 6 series smartphones.^[18]

2021

Google fined $177 million in South Korea for imposing Android on smartphone manufacturers

In mid-September 2021, the Korean to trade Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) announced Google a fine of 207 billion won (almost $177 million). The regulator recognized the company violated antitrust laws for imposing Android on manufacturers. smartphones More. here

Disconnecting old Android smartphones from Google services

In early August 2021, it became known that in less than two months Google will close access to user accounts on older versions of the Android operating system.

As part of the security of our users, Google will no longer allow authorization on Android 2.3.7 or earlier devices from September 27, 2021. When trying to login to the system after September 27, you may encounter username and password errors in Google services such as Gmail, YouTube and Maps [Google Maps], Google said in a statement.

The restriction will also affect access to apps from Google Play, contact synchronization and some other features. In addition, users will not be able to reset the device to factory settings.

If the device can be updated to a newer version of Android (3.0 +), then Google advises you to do this in order to maintain access to applications and services installed on your smartphone. If users cannot update their device to a newer version of Android, then they can try logging into their Google account in the gadget's web browser.

Google representatives note that the restriction will not affect the main audience of users of the Android operating system. According to statistics cited by the company itself, in April 2020, only about 0.2% of devices that run Android Gingerbread and have access to the Google Play app store remained in the world. The latest version of this firmware was released in September 2011.

According to the Statista portal, as of June 2021, devices with Android below version 5.0 held a 1.18 percent share of the global market (about 35.4 million) against 1.96% a year earlier.^[19][20]

Android 12 announcement. Five major innovations

On May 18, 2021, the official presentation of Android 12 took place. Google said that there was the most radical update to the interface of the operating system in its history. TAdviser introduces five major innovations in Android 12.

Redesigned design

Android 12 uses a new design code called Material You, which automatically integrates "user styles." If the user installs new wallpapers, the system creates a custom color palette for the Android theme. In the design, you can choose the main and additional colors.

Enhanced security

Android 12 has added an indication showing the app is using a camera or microphone. Android Private Compute Core function, which will allow you to store personal information separately from other sections of the phone and access from the Web.

Smartphone instead of a car key

Android 12 OS received the Digital Car Key function, which allows you to use smartphones to control the central lock of the car, as well as start the engine. The technology will be available on Pixel smartphones and some Samsung Galaxy models in the fall of 2021. First, support for Digital Car Key will appear in BMW cars.

Optimization

Android 12 has reduced the time it takes the processor to connect to the server by 22%, and the processing cores are used 15% less, Google said. The optimization done has led to the fact that smartphones will be able to work faster with reduced energy consumption.

Working with other devices

Android 12 has established the work of gadgets based on this OS with other devices. For example, an Android 12 smartphone can be used instead of remote controls for set-top boxes on the Android TV platform.

By May 18, 2021, the first beta version of Android 12 is available. The final release is scheduled for autumn.^[21]

Google has included Rust among the main languages ​ ​ for Android development

In early April 2021, Google announced the inclusion of the Rust programming language among the languages ​ ​ that are allowed for Android development. Rust support is implemented as part of a project to strengthen security, promote secure programming methods and improve the efficiency of detecting memory problems in Android. Read more here.

US Supreme Court rules in favor of Google in Oracle's Android code lawsuit

The US Supreme Court in April 2021 ruled in favor of Google in a lawsuit with Oracle over Android software that lasted almost 10 years.

Oracle believed that when creating the Android OS, Google partially used code written by Oracle.

Google argued that this is a "common practice in the field of programming," and the code used is not subject to copyright protection, since it is functional.

Oracle's lawsuit against Google was estimated at about $8 billion.

2020

Users with an outdated version of Android will not be able to open many sites

In November 2020, it became known that from January 11, 2021, users with an outdated version of Android will not be able to open many sites. The fact is that the Let's Encrypt agreement with EdenTrust is expiring, and without the root certificate, Let's Encrypt will no longer work with the sites and services that use this certificate.

The Let's Encrypt Certification Authority warned that the problem will affect devices running Android up to 7.1.1 Nougat and older versions of the OS. According to Google, by the beginning of November 2020, such versions account for almost a third of Android devices.

As an alternative to buying a new smartphone, owners of outdated models can use the Mozilla Firefox browser, which is able to independently store root certificates. Nevertheless, only users of Android 5.0 and newer versions of the mobile platform will be able to install it.

Unlike most Android browsers, Firefox comes with its own list of trusted root certificates. Thus, anyone who installs the latest version of Firefox will be able to use the updated list of trusted certification authorities, even if their operating system is outdated.

When Let's Encrypt was founded, it applied to include its own root ISRG Root X1 certificate in all browsers and operating systems. All certificates by November 2020 are cross-signed thanks to the DST Root X3 from EdenTrust, which has been used for many years in, Windows, macOS Android and most other platforms. Let's Encrypt's agreement with EdenTrust expires on September 1, 2021, and the center does not plan to renew the agreement on the cross-signing of the certificate. At the same time, Let's Encrypt will stop using cross-signatures by default, starting January 11, 2021.^[22]

Android 11 announcement

September 8, 2020 Google officially released Android 11. smartphones Google Pixel Owners, as well as devices from Chinese manufacturers,, and will be the first to install the updated operating system OnePlus. Xiaomi Realme Oppo

The rest of the devices can be updated "in the coming months," Google said. The main innovations of Android 11 are as follows:

• All chats from instant messengers have been transferred to a separate notification section, so messages will not be lost among others.
• The user can set the priority of conversations, for example, turn on silent mode or activate forced notification even in Do Not Disturb mode from favorite contacts.
• Chats can be switched to pop-up bubbles, which are displayed on top of other applications.
• The screen recording function appeared. It supports audio recording from both the microphone and the device at the same time.
• Smartphones with Android 11 support wireless connection to Android Auto, a technology for pairing smartphones with infotainment in cars.
• Privacy settings have been improved: the user can choose how often to give the application access to the camera, location and other functions of the device - once, when using the application, or even prohibit it altogether. If the user added a work account to a smartphone, the technical support department will be able to control the device without gaining access to personal data and actions on the smartphone.
• If the user has not opened the application for a long time, Android 11 automatically resets the permission settings.
• A separate menu for managing "smart" devices has appeared - it is activated by a long press of the power button. There is also a section with Google Pay cards.
• The design of media content controls has changed. Now you can quickly switch playback between devices, for example, between the speaker and headphones.^[23]

Creating Earthquake Recognition

On August 11, 2020 Google , it announced the creation of a global earthquake warning system using all OS devices. Android

As reported in the company's blog, the technology is built on the ability to use the operating system to timely inform people about an earthquake in whatever part of the world they live. A smartphone with an accelerometer can respond to seismic vibrations. In particular, the device is able to "recognize" the first, weaker, and the second, stronger, waves from the epicenter of the earthquake, according to Google.

The signals will be sent to a special server that will collect and process information from different smartphones to determine if an earthquake is actually happening in some place. Thanks to the data of thousands of Android devices, Google will be able to collect and process data, and then warn about tremors.

The company clarified that at the first stage, information about an earthquake nearby can be found by typing a request in the Google search engine. However, the company later plans to send earthquake notifications to residents of the United States and other countries. As noted in Google, the new technology will be useful for regions where full-fledged expensive seismometers are not installed.

Google first implemented such technology in California. She enlisted the support of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Management (Cal OES). The system allows you to send earthquake warnings to devices running Android, which come from a network of more than 700 ShakeAlert seismometers.

It will take longer to start the system using these smartphones. The exact timing of the launch of the global system by August 12, 2020 has not been announced.^[24]

Announcement of Nearby Share - features for fast file transfer between Android devices

On August 4, 2020, Google announced the launch of Nearby Share technology for Android devices. It allows users to quickly share photos, files, links and other content with each other.

Nearby Share will allow Android device holders to eliminate the use of email, text messages and third-party content transfer applications. If you need to share a file with another device, the user needs to select the appropriate function (Nearby Share) in the settings, after which the smartphone will start searching for devices that are nearby and eventually choose the most suitable protocol for transferring content - Bluetooth, NFC, WebRTC, WiFi.

Nearby Share supports anonymous data sharing, so users don't need to add someone to their contact list or exchange phone numbers to send files or data. The recipient's smartphone does not accept files automatically, to accept and save them on the device, the user needs to give permission to do so.

Those users who do not want their device to be detected using the Nearby Share feature can independently change their privacy settings. Users can turn off the feature altogether, switch to Invisible mode for all contacts, or remain visible only for favorite contacts.

According to Google, the company took several years to develop Nearby Share. This technology is essentially an analogue of the AirDrop function, which Apple introduced back in 2011.

Support for Nearby Share technology has already been implemented on smartphones with OS Android 6.0 and higher, in particular on, Google Pixel as well as on some smartphones from. Samsung A new feature is added as part of the package update. Google Play Services The developer promises to expand the list of devices that support Nearby Share and provide users with the ability to use it in and browser Chrome. Windows macOS^[25]

Android 11 will make it difficult to install applications from unknown sources

On June 4, 2020, it became known that Android 11 will make it difficult to install applications from unknown sources.

11 version of Android makes the process of installing applications from unknown sources as difficult as possible. In the pre-build of Developer Preview 4 for developers, the work of the application installer has been significantly changed. The changes are related to the mandatory Scoped Storage system, which changes the principle of interaction of applications with the file system.

In versions of Android 10 and older, the installation process is quite simple - if the user wants to install APK from a browser or other application, such as the APKMirror installer, he will be asked to grant permission to install. After allowing the installation and pressing the Back button, the user returns to the dialog box asking about the installation of the previously selected APK. In Android 11, a dialog box requesting permission reappears after the user has allowed the application to be installed from an unknown source. After re-permission, the system returns the user to the application by restarting it. Thus, Android prevents access to information to third-party applications if the installation permission is revoked.

Android 11 testers informed Google about the incorrect operation of the function, but the company explained that in the latest version of the OS "the installation process works as intended." As the company noted, the installation method has changed, and programs will no longer be able to write to some directories at startup without permission. After granting the required permission to the application, it must be "updated" to be able to write data to certain directories. Since the file system in Android 11 has been changed, granting rights "on the fly" becomes impossible^[26].

First public beta of Android 11 leaked

On June 2, 2020, it became known that the company Google allowed leak the beta version of mobile OS Android 11 - some users got access to it. Reportedly, Android 11 beta 1 "flew" primarily to the flagship 4 smartphones Pixel XL, but there is a possibility of its appearance on other devices, including from third-party manufacturers. The first beta version was released with build number RPB1.200504.018 and has a volume of 736 MB.

Google does not specify whether this leak was planned. According to The Verge, the IT giant has postponed the official premiere of the first public beta version of Android 11, scheduled for June 3, 2020, indefinitely in connection with mass protests taking place in the United States related to the death of 46-year-old African American George Floyd during his arrest by police.

One of the main features of Android 11 is the redesigned shutdown menu, caused by the long press of the power button. Google made it customizable by adding so-called "Quick controls" to it, and completely redesigned its appearance.

The main buttons for turning off and restarting the device are placed at the top of the menu, and buttons for taking a screenshot and quickly dialing an emergency number have been added to them.

Below is a submenu with a Google-linked Rauplate map, and the Quick Controls block is located even lower. In the beta version, it serves to control smart home devices, and the user can add to the list those smart devices that are directly in his house - lighting elements, thermostats, smart locks, etc. A quick touch on the smart gadget icon will turn it on or off, and holding down will cause a menu with additional functions.

The first public beta of Android 11 received a modified top curtain that hides icons for quickly turning on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other components.

The system allows you to integrate a music player into it in order to be able to control the background playback of tracks, working in any application, without the need to switch directly to the player itself. As of June 2, 2020, it is not known whether this feature supports third-party player applications.

The Android 11 beta 1 interface has been replenished with three forms of application icons. This does not affect the operation of the system itself in any way, but it gives more options for customizing the OS without installing additional launchers.

In the public beta version of Android 11, there is a function of quick access to frequently used applications. It is implemented on the launcher's home screen and looks like an additional menu located at the bottom of the display.

This menu will display five icons of the most regularly launched applications (it is possible that the number of icons can eventually be configured). The list will change automatically based on user actions.

• 1 XLIFFService: Error in XliffFile2XliffString method.

As CNews reported, at the end of February 2020, Google began distributing the first beta version of Android 11 for developers (Developer Preview).

• • >

In this version, in particular, improved protection against surveillance has appeared - Android has the ability to one-time provide applications with access to certain hardware and software components of the device. First of all, this affected the GPS module.

In addition, Android 11 has support for displays with various formats, including arbitrary front camera locations, various resolutions, and two displays running simultaneously. Plus, the system received native support for 5G cellular modems. ^[27].

Distribution of beta version of Android 11 OS

On February 20, 2020, it became known that Google began distributing the beta version of Android 11 for developers (Developer Preview). This is an early modification of the operating system, and it may not have a number of functions that will appear in the next builds and final release.

For February 2020, you can install the OS exclusively by flashing with the complete removal of the already installed OS (you should make a backup copy of the data) and so far only on Google Pixel smartphones - the second, third and fourth generations are supported. The original Pixel and Pixel XL are not listed - they probably will not receive the final firmware version either.

As noted in CNews, the official presentation of Android 11 may take place in May 2020, the release dates for the stable build have not yet been approved.

In the first beta of Android 11, the developers concentrated on cosmetic changes. So the OS allows you to minimize each individual chat in the messenger into a separate icon for quick access to it. The icon will be displayed on top of all other applications, and touching it will launch a pop-up window with correspondence. This Google function will allow you to integrate into any modern messenger.

Additionally, Google will redesign the notification curtain to actively simplify the use of a large number of messaging apps. In Android 11, all messenger notifications will be grouped into a separate folder so that they are lost in the mass of other messages.

In Android 11, it will be possible to one-time provide applications with access to certain hardware and software components of the device. First of all, this applies to the GPS module. For February 2020, Android allows you to permanently allow applications to use, for example, a camera, or, conversely, prohibit them from doing so on an ongoing basis. In Android 11, the user will be able to once open access to the same GPS, microphone, contacts, etc. For example, you can give access to navigation for automatic location, and to the camera for a single transfer of a picture. This solution will save battery power - applications will not be able to independently run certain hardware components. In addition, they will not have the opportunity to regularly track people's current coordinates and eavesdrop on his conversation.

In Android 11, Google has implemented support for displays with various formats. The system supports all shapes of cutouts and holes for cameras, various aspect ratios, degrees of rounding of side faces and even devices with two displays.

Full support for 5G cellular modems is also integrated into the system. This will allow applications to distinguish high-speed Internet connection from LTE, 3G and EDGE and work as if they were connected to the Network via Wi-Fi.

Android 11, like Android 10, will not receive a "sweet" codename - Google has no plans to revive this tradition yet, CNews said. The OS will change the process of system updates due to an increase in the number of system modules that can be updated through the Google Play System Update. There will be 12 more of them.

Google will add low-latency video codecs and support for the modern HEIF animated image format to Android 11. In addition, the OS will learn to turn off any vibrations during photo and video shooting and will acquire various modes of bokeh effect during portrait shooting.

It will be possible to fine-tune control gestures: in particular, it will be possible to adjust the sensitivity to swipes from the edge of the screen, and Bluetooth will stop turning off when aircraft mode is activated. Also, the XDA-Developers portal has discovered another update - the Battery Share feature, which is not available in any of Google's existing smartphones. It allows the smartphone to work as a wireless charger by recharging other gadgets using Qi technology. According to CNews, this will be a distinctive feature of the Pixel 5 line of smartphones, the debut of which is tentatively scheduled for autumn 2020.^[28]

2019

Yandex is among the default search engines that Android smartphones will offer to choose in Europe

In early January 2020, it became known that Yandex was among the default search engines that Android smartphones will offer to be selected in the European Economic Area (EEA) from March 1, 2020.

Earlier, the European Commission proved that Google uses the Android mobile OS to protect its dominant position in the search engine market, violating EU antitrust laws, and fined Google $4.8 billion. Google was forced to abandon the monopoly and for a year collected data on which search engines Europeans would like to use.

The leader of alternative search engines was DuckDuckGo - this search engine is considered quite safe and offers the protection of confidential information. It was chosen in all countries except the UK. Other popular search engines were Info.com, PrivacyWall, Qwant, the Russian search giant Yandex and the Czech search engine Seznam. Yandex is chosen mainly by users from the Baltic countries.

Starting in March 2020, new Android smartphones will offer users a choice of one of four default search engines. The proposed names will depend on the country of residence of the person: the updated offer will include three participants with the best result and the company's own service.

Google also said that the lists created are not fixed - preference assessment studies will be conducted every four months. The updated offer will include three participants with the best result.

DuckDuckGo responded to Google's post by noting that choosing a search engine'is a great way to expand consumer choices with the right approach', but did not endorse Google's methodology.

An auction with only four slots is not suitable, since it automatically takes away some of the choice from users, and Google will profit by reducing competition, DuckDuckGo said.[29]

All new Android smartphones in Turkey will be sold without Google services

On December 16, 2019, it became known that all new ones Androidsmartphones Turkey will be sold without services. Google More. here

YouTube dominates videos on Android smartphones

YouTube has captured 70% of the time spent on OS smartphones Android watching videos, the study says. App Annie Interestingly, the growth of the other four streaming applications was provided by Chinese users.

Official release of Android 10

On September 3, 2019, Google officially released the Android operating system. Its final version first became available to owners of Google Pixel smartphones, and users of other devices will be able to update later in 2019.

Android 10 has added the Smart Answers feature, which can predict user actions. For example, if the owner smartphone receives a link to a video YouTube in or an address, the system suggests opening the received data in the corresponding application. At the same time, support works at the OS level in any messengers.

The operating system received a built-in tool for recording what is happening on the screen - you no longer need to download third-party programs.

The Live Subtitles feature adds subtitles to any video the user views on the device, even if the video is filmed by himself.

Google also worked on platform security. Now there is no need to wait for a new release from the smartphone manufacturer: critical Android updates will be downloaded through the app store. In addition, users will now be able to control which applications to provide access to the location.

The dark theme can be activated for the entire OS interface and for individual applications. However, by the beginning of September 2019, the function does not work with all applications yet.

Android 10 is adapted for gadgets with bendable devices like the Samsung Galaxy Fold. Optimization should be understood, for example, to support screens with new resolutions and aspect ratios, as well as the function of switching from a small additional display to a large main display while preserving the displayed data.

Finally, a special Focus Mode was added, blocking all applications that distract from work (instant messengers, social networks and others).^[30]

Rebranding Android. New colors, logo and rejection of letters in the name

On August 22, 2019, Google rebranded Android, which is that colors and logo were used to design the operating system. The company also abandoned the letters in the name.

Google has stopped the 10-year tradition of naming OS releases after sweets (Cupcake, Jelly Bean, Marshmallow, Oreo, Pie, etc.) due to non-university,  Samir Samat, vice president of Android product management, explained to The Verge. According to him, Android is a global brand that more people use in India and Brazil than in the United States.

We also understand that in some countries pies (Pie) are not considered dessert, and marshmallow (Marshmallow), despite its taste, is not very popular in many regions, he said.

New versions of Android will wear only digital designations instead of combining with full names, as was previously customary in the company. For example, instead of Android Q, the version will be referred to as Android 10.

In addition to the name, the icon format and color palette of the Android logo have changed. The company changed the color of the Android inscription from green to black to make it better visible, especially for people with visual impairments.

The first Google service has acquired a fingerprint authorization system

On August 13, 2019, Google began introducing biometric authorizations into its services. The first such function was received by the password manager (passwords.google.com), which is used to view and manage passwords saved in the Google account.

Android users were able to log into their accounts by putting their finger on the phone scanner. First, this feature is implemented in Google's own smartphones, and then it will appear in other devices based on Android 7.0 and more current versions of the operating system.

The WebAuthn protocol implemented in Chrome, as well as FIDO2 technology, are responsible for the password-free login function. The role of the 2FA security key is played by the smartphone itself to log into your Google account and any other service.

Google promises that the fingerprint will never go to the company's servers - it will only be saved on the user's device. The servers will only have cryptographic confirmation that the user has correctly scanned the finger.

Earlier, Google introduced  the ability to use smartphone  as Bluetooth a -token in its services. two-factor authentications To do this, the user only needs to press the volume button. This feature also works based on the FIDO and WebAuthn protocols.

Passwords have long been considered an unreliable method of protection. Even Fernando   Corbato, who is considered the inventor of the first known password for the computer, said he was unhappy with his invention, since passwords create problems for users. They have to remember different passwords for a significant number of services.

New security technologies are replacing passwords because they provide greater reliability and convenience, according to Google.[31]

Google allows Android users in Europe to choose default search engine

In early August 2019, Google announced that users of Android devices in Europe will be able to choose the default search engine. Previously, the Google Search service was a non-alternative option. Read more here.

Bill Gates regrets Android didn't create Microsoft

In June 2019, Bill Gates spoke about the "greatest mistake" made by Microsoft and the co-founder of this company himself. The businessman regrets that not Microsoft, but Google has created the world's most popular mobile operating system - Android. Read more here.

Kotlin programming language has become the main one for Android

On May 7, 2019, Google officially announced that Kotlin has become the preferred programming language for Android application development. Support for Java and C++ remains, but it is for Kotlin that new functions and APIs for Jetpack libraries will be released first. Read more here.

European battle over smartphone search bar

Google will allow Android users in Europe to choose their own browser and search engine, which are used by default on their devices. The company announced this in March 2019 in its blog. The system itself will ask the user which browser and search application he would prefer to use. The question will be asked both on new and already in operation devices, Google^[32].

The company writes that for ten years it has been discussing the features of its products with the European Commission for violation of antitrust laws. In July 2018, the European Commission fined Google 4.3 billion euros for abusing Android's leading position in the mobile OS market. At that time, it was the largest fine issued by this antimonopoly authority of one company.

After that, Google changed the licensing model for its products, creating new separate licenses for the Google Play app store, Google Chrome browser and Google Search engine. Thanks to this, smartphone manufacturers can now buy a separate store license, without a browser and search engine. The company writes that in this way it supported the ability for smartphone manufacturers to install any alternative applications along with Google products.

The course of the investigation and the role of Yandex

The European Commission drew attention to the peculiarities of the distribution of Google products for Android in 2013. The investigation was launched on the basis of a complaint filed by the Fair Search alliance, consisting of Microsoft, Nokia, Oracle, Expedia and Tripadviser. Alliance members complained that Google was preventing them from fully exercising their right to use Android. Aptoide and Disconnect also joined the complaints.

Since July 2014, Yandex has been a witness in this case. In November 2015, a Russian company filed its own application with the European Commission, ceasing to be just a witness and joining the number of prosecutors. At the European level, Yandex demanded that Google do the same as in Russia - stop forcing smartphone manufacturers to install other Google products with Google Play and abandon the practice of prioritizing Google application shortcuts on the device screen. Yandex then mentioned that the outcome of the investigation of the European Commission could affect the development of its business in Europe.

Oracle: We were left without a smartphone market due to theft of Java technologies for Android

In late March 2019 Oracle , she asked USA Google the Supreme Court not to grant an appeal against an earlier judgment, according to which she violated Oracle's copyright when using components from Java operating system Android in. More details. here

Android 10 beta release

On March 13, 2019, the company Google announced the release of a public beta version of the mobile OS Android 10, also known as Android Q. It does not yet have a codename.

According to CNews, immediately after the release, beta is available for download and installation on proprietary smartphones Google Pixel of all three generations. The free distribution of the distribution among owners of other gadgets, including Google Nexus devices, is not yet expected.

The developers gave Android Q users the ability to control the use of applications the function to determine its current location. The owner smartphone will be able to prohibit or, conversely, allow ON tracking it, and this time the applications will no longer be able to activate themselves without GPS the appropriate rights. access Android Q will allow each individual application to choose when it can track the coordinates of the current location - always (including in the background), only in active mode or never. This will make it possible to prohibit all programs that do not need GPS coordinates by default from receiving them, to navigators and taxi services from having access to them at any time. Indirectly, this will affect the operating time of the gadget from. accumulator

In addition to this, an item "Privacy" was added to the settings menu, to which application permissions, location tracking history and other parameters that affect the protection of information to one degree or another were transferred.

Google also integrated standard support for foldable devices into Android Q.

As of March 2019, it is not yet known how this will be implemented in the final version of the system, but the first hints of the standard version of the shell for flexible screens already exist, according to CNews.

Android 10 will acquire the ability to change the color palette in the notification curtain, it will also be possible to customize the standard font of the system.

The notification list has undergone minor revisions. In the presented version, if any of the notifications, when the smartphone is in "No Sound" mode, it will still receive sound, an icon in the form of a bell will appear on it so that the user can additionally disable sound alerts in the notification settings of a specific application.

Another addition to the Android10 will be the prohibition of applications to spontaneously expand to the entire screen from the background. For example, if changes have occurred in it, or a new notification has been received, then it can notify the user by exposing the interface to the full screen, on top of the program used. In Android 10, this feature can be forcibly disabled for each individual application.

Google has also redesigned the Share menu. In Android 10, you can add contact shortcuts to it so that you can instantly send files to the right people and not search for them in your notebook or messenger contact list.

The changes also affected the Wi-Fi module and multimedia capabilities. The Wi-Fi module has the "Adaptive Wi-Fi" mode, which is necessary to save battery power and achieve maximum data transfer speed. As for photos, the algorithms used will allow third-party applications that work with snapshots to use scene depth maps created by cameras. This will be useful when processing photos in mobile editors. CNews also noted the system's support for the AV1 open codec and the proprietary API for working with MIDI devices.

According to information for March 2019, the day of the premiere of Android 10 has not yet been set. According to CNews, Android 10 may be shown at the I/O 2019 conference, which will be held from May 7 to 9, 2019^[33] has^[34]

Google: Oracle victory in dispute over Oracle use in Android will kill software development

At the end of January 2019 Google , she appealed to the Supreme Court USA with a statement to reconsider the 9-year trial Oracle on the legality of the use of software interfaces () in API Java . operating system Android Google believes that Oracle's victory will kill the development. ON More. here

2018

Google introduced a fee for suppliers to install their services

In October 2018, the company Google announced its intentions to charge manufacturers - Androidelectronic engineers a fee for using the company's branded services, such as Google Maps and. Google Play As a result of the innovations smartphones , other Android devices may rise in price.

According to the Reuters news agency, citing an informed source, Google's new licensing system, which will enter into force on October 29, 2018, will involve deductions to the company in the amount of $2.5 to $40 for each gadget. The final cost will depend on the country and the type of devices.

For example, the maximum payments, that is, $40 per smartphone or tablet, will be valid in Britain, Holland, Norway and Germany for devices with screens with a pixel density of more than 500 ppi. Installing Google applications on devices with 400-500 ppi displays will cost manufacturers $20 per copy of the equipment. In the case of tubes equipped with lower quality screens, payments will not exceed $10. In some regions, deductions will be measured only at $2.5 per smartphone, equipped with a display with a pixel density of up to 400 ppi.

Manufacturers like Samsung and Huawei will be exempted from the obligation to pre-install the Google search engine, Chrome browser and other services, but from October 29, 2018, the connection of these programs will become paid.

Theoretically, nothing prevents manufacturers from creating their own software environments for devices - like systems with the Opera browser and  Microsoft's Bing search, but from a practical point of view, the mobile industry realizes that European users are not interested in devices without Google, Reuters notes. At the same time, some users are looking for alternatives after scandals with leaks of personal data.^[35]

Google has stopped obliging manufacturers to install their apps on Android

On October 16, 2018, Google announced that it would stop imposing mandatory installation of the company's services on smartphone manufacturers. The Internet giant made such a statement after a fine of $5 billion, which was imposed by the European antimonopoly regulator.

Starting October 29, 2018, Google will charge mobile device manufacturers to pre-install its apps on Android gadgets released in the European Economic Area, senior vice president of the company Hiroshi Lokheimer, who oversees its mobile products, said in a Google blog post.

In accordance with the new rules, smartphone manufacturers wishing to install Google services "from the factory" will have to transfer the license fee to the corporation. Its size has not been specified. There will be no royalties for using the Google search engine and the Chrome browser.^[36]

Earlier, Google demanded a mandatory pre-installation of 11 of its services in Android devices, the manufacturers of which want to launch the Google Play app store in their equipment. In these actions, European authorities saw antitrust practices that prevent device manufacturers from using any alternative version of Android that has not been approved by Google.

Now the company has allowed partners to create their own versions (the so-called forks) of Android for smartphones and tablets, including applications in them at their own discretion. However, the use of Google services in devices by default will become paid for manufacturers.

According to CNBC, although Google does not earn directly on Android, the company receives revenue from ads posted on its services, including Chrome, Google Maps and Gmail. Google is also known to collect user data to improve ad efficiency across its platforms. Moreover, this information can also be used by third-party companies with which Google cooperates.

Android 9.0 Pie release

August 6, 2018 Google presented the final version operating system Android 9.0. It was called Pie.

The updated platform has already appeared in the public domain, and users of Google Pixel and Essential Phone PH-1 smartphones were the first to install it. Gradually, Android 9.0 will find use in other devices.

It is known that the devices participating in the beta testing of Android 9 will receive this OS by the end of autumn 2018. We are talking about Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S, Sony Xperia XZ2, Nokia 7 Plus, Oppo R15 Pro, Vivo X21 and OnePlus 6 models, as well as Android One phones.

Google spoke about some innovations in Android 9.0 in May 2018. At the Google I/O conference, it was said that the operating system would receive a name starting with the letter "P," and the name "Pie" was released on August 6. At the same time, Google itself planned the official presentation of Android 9.0 on August 20.

The main innovations in Android 9.0 Pie include Adaptive Battery and Adaptive Brightness technologies, which use artificial intelligence to automatically overclock and slow down the chipset, as well as to automatically adjust screen brightness. This saves battery power.

Also added is the App Actions AI function, which predicts the user's intentions and offers to quickly move to the desired sections of installed applications. The developers have strengthened security and privacy - now applications will not be able to access the microphone, camera and other services offline.

During the entire testing period of Android 9.0 Pie, five test assemblies were released, which differ from each other in user interface and functionality. During public testing, various errors were found and fixed.^[37]

The most problematic smartphones

In July 2018, Blancco, which specializes in developing software to erase data from computers and smartphones, published a study in which it spoke about the most problematic phones.

The devices on Android were recognized as more problematic according to the results of testing than on the base. iOS The former generally showed 18.9% of failures and errors, the latter - 15.2%. More. here

Enterprise features in Android 9.0 P

In May 2018 Google , she introduced a new version. operating system Android Some features of the platform, which at the time of the announcement is called Android 9.0 P, are addressed to corporate users and are focused on improving the security and performance of devices used for business purposes.

In Android P, it has become easier to separate your personal applications from corporate ones. Google has launched a special tab for work programs in the OS launch menu. In addition, the icons of such software are marked with a blue briefcase icon to simplify the search.

In the new menu, when the power button is pressed, the lock function is also available. It allows you to lock the device while turning off the fingerprint scanner and other biometric sensors. To access the device, you will need to use a backup unlock method: password, PIN or graphic key. When using a graphic key, the trace behind the finger is not saved so that people standing nearby cannot spy on it.

The mobile platform also has a special switch between office and personal modes of operation. The function located in the work tab disables the corresponding applications, notifications and use of profile data.

In Android P, app developers can include seamless switching between work and personal accounts in their apps, eliminating the need to return to the app launcher. 

In addition, Android P has improved support for devices used by several employees. Now the changers who give up the device at the end of their day can simply log out, and a new team member can log in and use the device right away.

Finally, Kiosk Mode has been updated, allowing you to use your smartphone as a payment terminal, information kiosk and other means when only one restricted application is running. Before Android P, administrators could only select a single app for this mode on one device.^[38]

Google blocks uncertified versions of Android

In March 2018, Google began blocking uncertified versions of Android, which could negatively affect the business of Amazon and small Chinese electronics manufacturers.

Although Google distributes the Android Open Source Project for free and open source, the company's proprietary services such as Google Play, Gmail and Google Maps can only be used out of the box in certified versions of the Android operating system. To obtain an appropriate license, manufacturers must fulfill certain rather strict requirements - for example, supply the entire collection of official Google applications in full and ensure that their devices meet numerous requirements.

Those who refuse to comply with these conditions cannot use the Android name in the name of their versions of the platform. One of the most famous companies using uncertified Android modifications (the so-called forks) is Amazon, which installs the Fire OS operating system in its tablets. Largely due to the lack of royalties in favor of Google, Amazon offers ultra-cheap gadgets worth $30-50. Active users of Android forks are also Chinese electronics manufacturers.

Owners of devices with unofficial Android firmware could separately install Google applications, but in March 2018 this feature disappeared. Users of such devices can no longer log into their Google account. When you try to launch the Google application, you check the build date of the Android operating system. And if it turns out that the launch is carried out on an uncertified device, and the Android version was compiled after March 16, 2018, then Google services will not work.

However, Google offered the ability to add a smartphone or tablet with custom firmware to the list of allowed ones, linking them to a Google account. To do this, you must enter a unique identifier (Android ID), but the number of such registrations must not exceed 100.^[39]

2017

Release of budget Android Go OS

On December 5, 2017, Google announced the release of a budget configuration of Android Go on the 8.0 Oreo platform. It is aimed at OEMs producing cheap smartphones with less than 1 GB of memory.

This OS is served by Google as an entry-level technology - it will help provide access to mobile devices to the so-called "next billion users." Three main features of Android Go were noted by Google:

• Android OS with a simple user interface, security and data functions,
• a set of "lightweight" applications for all occasions,
• attached is the Google Play Store.

Google positions Android Go as a software platform for smartphones with memory from 512 MB to 1 GB, which has all the advantages of Android Oreo, but has passed "all the necessary Go optimizations."

According to Google, the Android Oreo Go Edition on entry-level smartphones provides a 15% performance boost over the launch of the full-format Android OS.

Considering that budget smartphones have a small amount of RAM and built-in storage, the company offers Android Oreo Go with a package of "lightweight" applications, which, according to the company, take up 50% less space.

List of "lightweight" Google applications:

• Google Go,
• Google Maps Go,
• Gmail Go,
• YouTube Go,
• Google Assistant Go,
• Files Go,
• Gboard,
• Chrome
• Play store.

Some of these applications have specific functions - such as downloading videos via Wi-Fi on YouTube Go. The Google Go search app optimizes data up to 40% and takes up less than 5 MB.

Devices running Android Oreo Go Edition receive a suite of Google data compression features. It is enabled by default. According to the company, the Data Saver feature in the Chrome browser allows the average user to save up to 600 MB of traffic per year. The owner of the smartphone can disable and enable these functions at his discretion.

All devices with Android Oreo Go Edition have a built-in Google Play Protect feature. It scans installed applications offline, regardless of the download source.

Since the Google Go initiative is focused on providing software for budget devices with limited processor performance, memory and communications characteristics, most potential users of such devices live in developing countries and third world countries, and therefore do not speak English. In this vein, Google plans to focus on issues of bilingualism and provide users with the opportunity to master the Internet not only in English, but also in their native language.

Unlike Android One, the budget Android Go OS is offered as an open source release, manufacturers can get it on the Android Open Source Project website.

One of the first countries where Android Go is expected to become widespread is called India^[40]

Android Oreo announcement

On August 21, 2017, the company Google introduced operating system Android the Oreo version. It is named after Oreo cookies.

With this release, the company marked the beginning of cooperation with the Oreo brand (company Nabisco). The face of this joint product will be the Android Oreo superhero.

Android Oreo combines the playful nature of Oreo and the intelligence of Android, according to a statement from partner companies. How all Android Oreo superheroes are born at an unusual moment - August 21, 2017, the day of the total solar eclipse.

Following tradition, Google installed an Android Oreo kinetic sculpture at its Mountain View, California, headquarters to open the version.

Android Oreo OS Presentation, (2017)

Android O announcement

May 17, 2017 Google announced a new version. In operating system Android it, the developers focused on optimizing the software platform.

One of the innovations was the picture-in-picture function, which allows two applications to simultaneously work on the screen of a mobile device. For example, you can start the video player and simultaneously type text in the editor. The size of the windows can be adjusted manually. In  order to close one of the windows, you will need to lower the program icon to the lower corner of the screen.

Applications using alerts received a separate menu with which you can respond to them or remove them altogether. The AutoComplete Forms feature has been redesigned. So, saved fields with data in one application will be able to automatically fill in in others.

Adaptive icons have appeared that will adapt to the styles of each manufacturer. The adaptive icon can become round on Pixel phones, square with rounded corners on Samsung, etc.

Android O has acquired new restrictions for applications that run in the background, which helps to improve the device. Applications in the background can no longer intensively consume Internet traffic and GPS data.

The function of copying and pasting text will receive support for artificial intelligence. The algorithm will determine in the text the names, names of companies and establishments, addresses and phones: by a long or double press, they will be highlighted entirely automatically.

In addition, Android O provides Google Play Protect. It is designed to detect vulnerabilities as well as unsafe applications. If necessary, the system blocks them.

By May 18, 2017, the beta version of Android O is available on the Google website, it can be downloaded to Nexus 5X and 6P devices, Pixel and Pixel XL, as well as Nexus Player and Pixel C. The exact release date of the final version of the operating room has not been announced. It is only known that this is the third quarter of 2017.^[41]

2016: Android 7.0 Nougat

On August 23, 2016, Google announced the release of Android 7.0 (Nougat).

In this version, the company said, more than 250 additions and changes have been made.

When creating Android 7.0 Nougat, the developers took into account the wishes of thousands of platform users and application developers.

The company divided the main innovations in Android 7.0 into five sections:

• personalization,
• productivity,
• power supply,
• graphics and virtual reality
• safety.

More than 1.5 thousand emojis have been added to the Android Nougat version. Users were able to swap tiles in the Quick Settings menu (previously it was available in alternative firmware). The applications have support for several options for location and languages ​ ​ at the same time - if the user speaks several languages, search engines can show results on all^[42].

Android 7.0 supports multi-window mode. Users can run two applications next to each other and move the separator. Direct Reply and Quick Switch features have appeared. The first function allows you to send a response directly in the notification window without switching to the application. The second function helps you switch between the last two programs running by double-clicking on the button.

In the previous version of Android - Marshmallow, Google implemented Doze technology, which muffles background applications and prevents them from using up the battery, which allowed for extended battery life.

In the Nougat version, the company continued to work towards reducing battery consumption. Devices under the upgraded OS will "fall asleep" even deeper. For example, when they are in a pocket or bag. The developers said that the energy consumption in the "sleep" mode has become less.

The current version of Android implements Vulkan graphics technology (a software interface for 3D graphics with support for multi-core architecture) and support for Daydream (a virtual reality platform from Google).

In this version of Android, users do not have to reboot the device and wait for application optimization after installing major updates - everything will run on the working device, in the background.

Android Nougat supports file-based encryption. The developers believe that this will help to better protect the data of different users of the same device.

The OS includes Direct Boot technology. It speeds up loading of the mobile device when turned on and provides secure launch of applications before the user unlocks the screen.

An update to Android 7.0 Nougat will be available over the air for the Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Nexus Player, Pixel C and General Mobile 4G (Android One) over the coming weeks.

2015: Android 5.1

On March 10, 2015, Google announced the release of Android 5.1 Lollipop.

The main innovations announced by the company are the ability to work with two SIM cards, the emergence of the HD Voice option and the new protection system smartphone and the Device Protection system^[43]

Multiple SIM Phone Behavior, 2015

HD Voice expands the frequency range of the transmitted sound, as a result of which the quality of voice transmission is improved, the recognition of a number of sounds, for example, "C" and "F," "M" from "H," "P" from "T." An important condition is the need for smartphones to support this option for both subscribers and support for HD Voice from the cellular operator.

Device Protection blocks a smartphone or tablet in case of theft or loss, making it virtually useless until the real owner verifies the Google account on this device and removes the software lock.

Another change: hardware enciphering data. On March 12, 2015, it was announced for the Nexus 6 device. Android 5.0 offers a special mode in which the system partition can be encrypted. This significantly improves reliability, but reduces the speed of operation. Hardware encryption should eliminate the shortcoming with speed.

The complete list of changes in the OS exceeds 14 thousand. These are all fixes in the operation of the kernel and other internal modules of the system, they affect the overall stability of the system: optimizing the use of RAM, improving the energy efficiency of the system.

Android 5.1 fixed the unexpected closure of some applications, fixed the problem of overheating devices when using Wi-Fi^[44].

Android 5.1 release date

In early February 2015, the first Android One smartphones running Android 5.1 appeared on sale in India and Indonesia. No one made an official presentation of the system, although the devices went on sale, and very soon screenshots and videos were posted from them.

Screenshot of the device, 2015

Immediately after that, Google posted builds of Android 5.1 for the Nexus 5, Nexus 6 and Nexus 9.

During 2015, Android 5.1 will be installed on new smartphones from other manufacturers, but one should hardly expect version 5.1 to appear on all devices before the summer of 2015, market observers conclude, and by that time Android 5.2 will be released.

Android 5.1 is not a very significant update that received a minor version change because Google had to add new functionality and improve the interface. At the same time, nothing significant appeared in the system, which is emphasized by the preservation of the codename - Lollipop.

2014

Android 5.0 (Lollipop)

October 20, 2014 Google announced the release of a new version of the mobile platform Android 5.0, it was called Lollipop ("lollipop")^[45]

Google continued the tradition and assigned the new version of Android the name of sweets in alphabetical order (the previous release of Android 4.4 is called KitKat).

There are many innovations in the Lollipop release, the main of which is considered a design called Material Design. Google saturated Lollipop with animation. The system scales to devices with different display resolutions. The platform provides the Pallete function, it will help developers automatically determine colors in the image and adjust interfaces to them. Lollipop's Android Extension Pack graphics technology provides support for tessellation, computational and geometric shaders and ASTC texture compression on modern Nvidia Tegra K1 single-processor systems.

A significant software innovation is the new effective ART (Android Run Time) application execution environment. This virtual machine replaced Dalvik and offers improved operating system and application performance, full support for 32- and 64-bit execution on x86, ARM and MIPS architectures. Due to the transition to ART, the launch of applications will accelerate and the overall energy efficiency of the platform will increase. The new version of Android provides a function to save battery power, which, according to Google, will extend the device's battery life by 90 minutes. The user can observe how much time is left before the device needs charging, and when connected to the network - how long it will take until the battery is fully charged.

The notification system, quite developed in previous versions of Android, provides more features in Lollipop. It helps you view and respond to messages directly on the lock screen and set filters on the displayed messages. The system is modified so that incoming calls will not pause the movie or game - you can quickly reject the call. The list of applications that can send notifications is configured.

On one device, the system supports multiple user accounts and guest access mode. All new Lollipop devices enciphering have data and SELinux access control enabled by default. It is assumed that these measures will be able to resist malicious, ON vulnerabilities in software code and leaks of confidential data in the event of theft of the device. Reduced audio playback delays, implemented support for multi-channel audio, up to 7.1 format. USB The Audio standard is supported, now compatible microphones, acoustics, amplifiers with DAC, mixers and more can be connected to the device.

The OpenGL ES 3.1 graphics library is supported with new capabilities for writing shaders, rendering modes, anti-aliasing, tessellation, etc. Support for YUV and Bayer RAW, full-resolution personnel capture at 30 frames/s and recording noise characteristics and optical information in metadata appeared. The High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC H.265) video codec is supported, playing 10-bit video in 4K resolution, tunnel video decoding reduces power consumption during viewing.

The OS has been translated into 68 languages. Added 15 new translations. Attention is paid to people with disabilities: you can increase the contrast of text, invert colors, adjust the color gamut.

It was planned that in November 2014 the final version of Android 5.0 Lollipop will be released.

Lollipop drawbacks

The Lollipop OS update Android caused not only joy, but also indignation from many. And not at all because people did not want something new: the shortcomings of the release of the fifth version many times exceeded the advantages^[46]

Disadvantage one - slows down

The gluttony of the OS from Google becomes a legend: the more powerful smartphones, the more gluttonous each new version of Android. The reason, according to analysts, lies in the desire of the developers to improve and decorate the OS, but for some reason still do not correct the Android problem - unlimited RAM consumption, inability to unload unused and parasitic applications, and, as a result, slowing down the system as a whole.

Android Lollipop Operating System Interface, 2015

The Five defines 2 GB of RAM for itself as the minimum sufficiency. This can be seen at least from the fact that on devices with 1-1.5 GB, delays and freezes are clearly noticeable. With KitKat (4.4), too, it was not all smooth sailing.

The developers promised to fix everything in Android 5.1.1. Fast battery discharge can also be attributed to the definition of OS gluttony.

The second drawback is the interface

According to the IT commandments, the system interface should be convenient and user-friendly. Apple changes the interface of its system slightly, from version to version. Microsoft also once tried to move away from everyone's favorite Start button and desktop - but all this, invented 20 years ago, is still alive and rejected, returns under the yoke of user discontent.

And even when Microsoft tried to impose a "tiled" interface on everyone, programs that return the Start button multiplied on the Web. Microsoft thought, and resigned itself a little, pretended to return "Start" to Windows 8.1, but in fact it is "Potemkin villages," and programs like Classic Shell are still in honor, since they return the old interface. Because it's convenient!

Android Lollipop Operating System Interface, 2015

Things don't look like that with Android. From version to version (if we consider major ones - 2, 3, 4, 5), the developers honestly tried to improve the interface, although in fact few needed it, since the "main manufacturers" developed their own shells for their smartphones (for example, Samsung or LG). But Google has not let up. And if everyone is already accustomed to the "four" interface, although at first they scolded the lack of buttons (so far many gadget manufacturers leave touch buttons on the case, not paying attention to Google carrots), then the "five" of new nonsense has increased. The "whiteness and dovishness" of the new interface, not to say what users like, and the mishmash in the notification list is terrible.

There is three drawback: you misunderstand everything!

Developers around the world like to simplify everything (more often only they think so). Many of them claim to care about users, but the result is... Lollipop has simplified a lot that can be listed with a minus sign.

• There is too much space left on the big screens, because the dashboards have been knocked down, ruining the convenient individual mini-panels at the top of the screen.

• Information about the battery charge was simplified so much that it was completely deleted: only the charge that remained is shown.

• "Gallery" was replaced by a simplified "Photo," emphasizing work on the Internet. If there is no Internet, the pictures are organized chaotically, not by albums. This "bug" is allowed by forced replacement with the old "Gallery" through a third-party APK.

Android Lollipop Operating System Interface, 2015

• Messages in the top tray were replaced with icons - it is impossible to guess what they wanted.

• There are no more convenient items for the functionality of the lock button.

• Version 5.0 excludes the "quiet" mode, which was returned to 5.1 (Google they decided that mute users to nothing).

• The notification panel was combined with the settings: in the "four" they functioned separately and it was very convenient. In 5.1, it was partially returned: in particular, the ability to connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth was added without going to the main settings. At least something.

• Aesthetics: The new three buttons at the bottom of the screen have been turned into three simple geometric shapes. Minimalism, but I don't immediately understand what it means.

5.1 introduced support for smartphones with two SIM cards. In 5.0 there was no. In 4.x - was. Why was it to do this - the question is rhetorical.

In general, the "five" is replete with a whole ocean of minor inconveniences, about which Google developers assure users, on the contrary, this is extremely convenient. Probably convenient for the Google Android developers themselves.

Drawback four: Support very partial

If a smartphone has many third-party applications installed, then it is not a fact that they will work correctly in the new OS. Six months have passed since the release of the fifth version, and this problem is relevant. Applications for Android - hundreds and hundreds of thousands, some of them needed are generally abandoned (but vital for the user), so the transition to the new OS can end very deplorably.

Android Lollipop Operating System Interface, 2015

Analysts advise to go through vital applications before installing Lollipop and find out when they were updated and whether something like "support for Android 5 Lollipop" is written in the update log. Basically, the incompatibility of applications is associated with the new ART runtime, and developers really need to move their hands and do something.

The question is what to do with the right applications that have not been updated for many years, and survivors of Ice Cream Sandwich, remains open and sad.

Drawback Five: Does Lollipop Need One?

Why, in principle, do you need an operating system that has become inconvenient? If the amenities that users have become accustomed to in five years have been replaced with something new and absolutely inconvenient, and six months have passed since the release, and the convenience has not increased... Why "it"?

But, users can always refuse to update to this version, waiting for a more stable release. If it ever comes out. Because if 5.1.1 comes out, fixing the main flaw in Android OS, this will be a really serious reason to install the update even on devices older than two years.

The myth of free and open Android has been dispelled

The Android platform is not free at all, as Google promotes, according to The Guardian. It found out the principles of the relationship between the platform developer and mobile device manufacturers^[47].

If Android is installed on a device without Google apps such as Gmail, Google Maps and Google Play, manufacturers really shouldn't pay for the system.

However, in reality, almost no one sells devices without Google applications, because in this case the platform loses its value: the user disappears the ability to access the official app store.

If the manufacturer decides to provide its new smartphone or tablet with Google applications - that is, almost always - it is obliged to pay the company for each released device for about 75 cents.

The Android code itself is distributed under an open license, that is, any manufacturer can install it on their devices for free. However, the platform is of greatest value only if there is a Google Play app store containing millions of programs. Under Google's terms, if a manufacturer wants to install Google Play on devices, it is obliged to install all other Google applications. This is beneficial for the corporation, since the more its applications are on mobile devices, the more owners of these devices use Google services. Accordingly, the frequency of displaying ads, clicks on them, increases, and the company receives more from advertisers.

2013

Android 4.3

Support Bluetooth for Smart (Bluetooth Low-Energy) will allow you to connect Android various medical sensors and other similar devices to devices. According to the developers, the Bluetooth Smart standard gives new opportunities in the field of fitness, medicine, cartography, distance measurement, and so on. In addition, support for the Bluetooth AVRCP 1.3 profile is noted for organizing the management of multimedia devices via Bluetooth.

In addition, in the new version of Jelly Bean, the autofill function in the dialer has appeared - when the user enters the number, and the device automatically offers the available subscriber numbers. Users will notice the updated camera app (it is already on Google Play in the Samsung GALAXY S4 and HTC One versions). New options in the settings will also be added. For example, one of them will allow applications to turn on Wi-Fi for a short time to locate (if necessary) without forcing the user to make unnecessary movements.

According to Google, Android 4.3 improves the performance of applications, making them faster, smoother and more efficient, and also brings a number of new APIs for developers. By the way, Google has provided a significant number of innovations in the new version of the platform for developers. First of all, it should be said about support for the OpenGL ES 3.0 standard and EGL extensions at the OS level. In addition, application developers will receive tools to fully control applications over notifications displayed in the status area, APIs for accessing the built-in VP8 video encoder, improved profiling tools, including the ability to track the load on the GPU in the form of graphs displayed on top of the screen, etc.

Android 4.3 also continues to optimize the operation of location services. For example, devices with Geofencing hardware support, Google Play services will be able to take advantage of this optimization to save battery power when moving the device. A special Wi-Fi mode of operation has also appeared, in which the device scans networks to improve location accuracy, but does not connect to them. Users can enable the mode in the advanced Wi-Fi settings. There is also support for new sensors.

The Chrome browser has also been improved in the new version of Android, which has learned to automatically translate pages from different languages. Some changes have appeared in other standard Google applications, Hangouts chat with group video chat is preinstalled.

Android 4.3 Jelly Bean is preinstalled on the new Nexus 7 tablet. This version of Android will be available as an OTA update (over the air) and for first-generation Nexus 7 devices, as well as for Nexus 4, Nexus 10 and Galaxy Nexus HSPA + smartphones.

Android 4.2

In 4.2, out of the box, it became possible to place widget elements on the lock screen. Previously, such a function, which was entitled the word Daydream (dreams, dreams), was available only to those users who decided to install the corresponding special applications. The new version of Android 4.2 without additional add-ons is able to perceive typing in a mode that is known to most users as Swype, that is, without tearing your fingers off the touch screen. In the new system, this feature is called Gesture Typing.

In addition, the original application for creating and editing photos in Android was trained to make spherical photo panoramas (Photo Sphere function). Also, you can now stream video from YouTube to Miracast-enabled TV devices from smartphones and tablets running Android 4.2. As for the functions specially designed for tablets, the ability to work with gadgets under several accounts stands out here. Each user can use the same tablet with their own personal settings. This feature is not available to Android 4.2 users on smartphones.

Smart screen saver

Daydream in Android 4.2 is a smart screen saver. In this capacity, you can use slideshows, news headlines, etc.

Uninterrupted input

Are you using Swype, a popular program that replaces the standard keyboard? If so, in the new OS version you will find similar Gesture Typing features that improve the standard on-screen keyboard. It may not be quite what will force convinced Swype users to ditch their favorite virtual keyboard, but many standard keyboard users will discover a more convenient way to type.

Miracast: playing movies from a tablet or smartphone on a TV screen

Apple recently introduced AirPlay Mirroring for iOS 5 and Mac OS X 'Mountain Lion'. With this function, you can transfer images from the screen of your tablet to a TV with an Apple TV set-top box connected. Android 4.2 allows you to do the same with any TV, DVD player or other device that supports Miracast.

Miracast is a brand name for WiFi Direct (or WiDi) technology. This is an 802.11n compatible protocol designed to connect an external screen. With a Multicast-enabled network adapter, you can stream TV shows and movies from your tablet or smartphone to your TV. Miricast adapters will be on sale in the coming quarter.

Multi-User Support

In tablets running Android 4.2 (but not in smartphones), multiplayer mode will appear. Each user can create a personal profile with their own personalized settings. This means that you can configure your home screen, underlay, widgets, applications and games at your own discretion. You can configure the system so that to switch to another user, you need to log out and log in again, or you can switch simply by pressing a certain button.

Why is this feature not available in the OS version for smartphones? Unknown. There are rumors that this is done in order to avoid a patent dispute with Nokia with its multiplayer interface in smartphones. Perhaps there is a sound grain in this, but since the multiplayer mode has existed in the world of computing since the 60s, I tend to believe that Google most likely did not make this opportunity in smartphones due to lack of demand. People lend each other tablets without any problems, but are much less willing to exchange smartphones.

2012

50% of the US mobile OS market

According to a study by ComScore, Android devices occupy 50.1% of the US market. In second place are smartphones based on iOS - 30.2% of the total market, the third place in this rating is smartphones based on the RIM platform, which produces smartphones under the BlackBerry brand - 13.4% of the market. This is followed by the Windows Phone and Symbian operating systems, which occupy 3.9% and 1.5% of the market, respectively.

Samsung devices are very popular with Americans, the manufacturer occupies 25.6% of the smartphone market. LG is in second place, occupying 19.4% of the mobile device market. Apple accounts for 13.5%. It is practically not inferior to Motorola, which has this result by several tenths - 12.8%. Closes the top five Taiwanese HTC, which has 6.3% of the market.

Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)

Google may release the next version of the Android mobile platform, codenamed Jelly Bean, in the second quarter of 2012 (April-June), DigiTimes reported, citing Taiwanese manufacturers.

By releasing a new version of Android in the first half of the year, Google will prepare in advance for the fight for the global tablet market with Microsoft and its Windows 8, the publication explained. In Q4 2011, the Android platform owned 39% of the tablet market, while Windows owned 1.5%, according to Strategy Analytics. Android 5.0 should be further optimized for tablet computers. The new operating system was expected to play two roles: the main OS on tablets and the secondary OS on tablets running Windows 8. Vendors will be offered the appropriate option. It is planned to make sure that users can switch between Windows and Android without restarting the device.

With Android 5.0, Google will also try to get some positions in the cheap laptop market again, sources add. The company tried to do this with Chrome OS, but failed.

The interface in this version was expected to run faster and more smoothly compared to Ice Cream Sandwich. The project to improve the speed of the graphical interface is called Project Butter, the meaning of which is to make the central processor, graphics cores and display work in tandem, through triple buffering technology. According to Google, this approach has achieved a drawing speed of 60 k/s.

Vertical synchronization has also been improved and the response speed of the touch screen has been increased, which, according to PocketNow, now "predicts" subsequent clicks, processing possible actions in advance. In addition, in order to respond to pressing faster when the processor is in standby mode (saving charge), the system will send it an "incoming pulse," due to which the chip will wake up faster.

2011

Platform# 1 by number of applications downloaded

In October 2011, ABI Research opened data on the volume of application downloads for various mobile platforms in the second quarter of 2011^[48].

Volume of mobile application downloads for various platforms in the 2nd quarter of 2011 (ABI Research data).

Reportedly, the leader of the rating was: in operating system Android the total volume of downloaded programs, the share of applications for this platform was 44%. For comparison: at the end of the first quarter, this figure did not exceed 35%.

Apple iOS, on the contrary, is losing ground: if in the first quarter of 2011 this operating system ranked first in terms of the number of downloaded applications with a share of more than 40%, now it is second with a result of 31%.

The top three are Nokia software platforms, the share of applications for which in the total mass of downloads in the second quarter was approximately 10%.

Analysts believe that in 2011, in general, the number of downloads of mobile applications will reach 29 billion against 9 billion in 2010.

ABI Research Forecast: Android to Capture 45% of Smartphone Market by 2016

Following the IDC analyst company ABI Research issued its forecast for the development of the operating systems market for smartphones the next 5 years. The company's experts also gave the palm to the platform Android and predicted that by 2016 it would occupy 45% of the smartphone operating systems market.

The iOS platform, which in 2010 owned 15% of the market, according to analysts, will continue its stable but moderate growth, and by 2016 its share will be 19%. The BlackBerry platform is expected to lose part of the market - its share will be 14% by 2016 against 16% by 2010. At the same time, analysts clarify that the insignificant losses of RIM's market share do not mean a drop in the supply of devices on this platform. This operating system has occupied its niche in the market, but the overall growth rate of the market will be higher than that of its individual parts.

ABI Research analysts also predicted good growth rates for Samsung Bada OS (its share should be about 10% by 2016) and the success of the Windows Phone 7 platform, which received a new impetus after the conclusion of Nokia and Microsoft strategic partnership. However, in their forecasts for the future of Windows Phone 7, ABI Research experts are more conservative than their IDC colleagues: according to their estimates, the share of this OS by 2016 will be about 7% of the market.

HTC pays Microsoft royalties on every Android device released

In May 2011, it became known that HTC will pay Microsoft royalties from each released Android device. In total, Microsoft should receive $150 million, which is 5 times more than it earned from the sale of licenses for its own Windows Phone mobile platform.

As part of the agreements reached, Taiwanese mobile device manufacturer HTC is committed to paying Microsoft $5 from each released Android smartphone, Business Insider reports, citing a report by Citi analyst Walter Pritchard.

As of May 2011, HTC has released about 30 million Android smartphones. If the company does pay $5 from each device, Microsoft will receive an additional $150 million in revenue. For comparison, to date, Microsoft has sold about 2 million licenses for its own platform for smartphones, Windows Phone. Taking into account the fact that the cost of one license is $15, the corporation's income from the sale of all licenses today amounted to about $30, which is 5 times less than the amount that HTC undertakes to pay, according to the website of the analytical company Asymco.

The parties signed a corresponding agreement on licensing Microsoft technologies used in the Google Android mobile platform in April 2010. At the same time, HTC became the first company to immediately go global, unlike, for example, Motorola, which also releases Android smartphones, but chose the way to fight Microsoft.

According to Pritchard, in general, Microsoft requires $7.5-12.5 from each device from companies that release Android smartphones. The analyst believes that with Microsoft's current victory, the situation around Android will become more tense over the coming months - since Google's patent pool is small enough to defend itself effectively.

In April 2011, Google was the first to purchase the patent portfolio of Canadian telecommunications equipment manufacturer Nortel Networks, which will help defend its position in court. The company offered $900 million for the portfolio, the auction is scheduled to be held in June 2011.

According to the calculations of another Citi analyst, Kevin Chiang, manufacturers' operating profit from each Android smartphone is 10-15%, while from tablets it is even lower, only 2-3%. Given that Microsoft is not the only company claiming this profit through its patents (Google is also hunted by Oracle), over time this value may become even lower, which will play into the hands of companies such as Microsoft and Apple.

Hatred of Apple is a massive phenomenon among Android users

More than half of owners of smartphones on the Android platform admitted that they hate Apple and for this reason will never switch to its smartphones. Among Android smartphone users surveyed, 55.7% said they would never buy an iPhone because they "hate Apple," according to Business Insider, which conducted the study. The rest are ready to switch to the iPhone if it meets one of three conditions: it will become better to work in conjunction with products of other brands (31.2%), it will be cheaper (7%) or offer wider opportunities in terms of text entry and work with e-mail (6.1%). During the study, the Business Insider website interviewed more than 2 thousand respondents. Why more than half of Android smartphone owners hate Apple, the resource promises to find out in the next polls.

Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)

At the presentation of Samsung and Google in October 2011, not only the flagship Samsung Galaxy Nexus was presented, but also the operating system itself from Google - Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

Android Ice Cream Sandwich received a new design. The changes affected almost all design elements, moreover, all widgets and official applications from Google are now listed in accordance with the new user interface called ROBOTO. This is probably part of the strategy of bringing all Google services to a single interface, which the company announced on the eve of the presentation.

The new lock screen in ICS looks laconic, unlocking is carried out using a ring with a lock, by pulling which you can unlock the device or access frequently used functions - photography, messages.

Built-in widgets in Android 4.0 support scaling, almost all of them have undergone cosmetic changes. In addition to widgets, folder support has appeared in the built-in desktop (launcher'e) - it is enough to drag the program icons to each other, a preview of the contents of the folder is available, the size of the folder space changes depending on the number of applications in it.

An important difference is also the support for virtual touch keys at the bottom of the screen - previously they were used only in the tablet version of Android Honeycomb, now they will be present in Android 4.0 everywhere. Obviously, this is a step towards the versatility of the user experience when using tablets or communicators on Android. The new notification system in ICS has acquired support for displaying application icons and user photos (in case of notification of calls or IM clients).

The keyboard in Android 4.0 now supports voice input - just click on the microphone icon. Perhaps this will increase the popularity of voice input from Google, which was previously available as a separate application, and could be activated, for example, in Google Translate.

Another novelty is unlocking the device using the front camera, by recognizing the face of the owner of the device.

The browser in Android also underwent big changes - it received a new interface, support for synchronizing tabs with the Google Chrome browser, full-screen mode. Together with the browser, almost all applications from Google have been updated - in particular, the Gmail mail program has the ability to offline search for letters. The Calendar application has expanded support for gestures.

The new interface also received a camera and a photo gallery. Information about the built-in photo editor was confirmed, in addition, the camera received a number of new shooting modes - panoramic (with one click), timelapse, and new functions when shooting video. Expanded the ability to send a photo (without processing or after using photo filters) to social networks and cloud information storage services).

The Contacts (People) app is now integrated with the Google + social network (the Google + client has also been updated and now allows video conferencing) and supports displaying large photos of contacts in a new form. Integration also affected such points as support for displaying a high-quality subscriber's photo when calling, support for downloading a contact's photo from social networks, the ability to view the history of messages with a contact directly from the application.

I must say that this mode and the concept of the application is very similar to the solution used operating system Windows in the Phone. Using NFC technology, you can now transfer information to another Android smartphone (equipped with an NFC chip) simply by bringing them close enough to each other. The new feature is called Android Beam.

Information about the timing of the update to Android 4.0 for previously released communicators has not yet been received, as well as information about the availability of source codes within the Android Open Source Project.

Read more about the new features of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and new information about its release today throughout the day on our R2-D2: Android blog with benefits.

Android 3.1

One of the main problems of Android is solved (at least in part) in the most direct way - the release of Android 3.1. Since May 11, 2011, this version has been installed on Motorola Xoom tablets. Replacing the promising but underdeveloped tablet version of Android 3.0 (Honeycomb), Android 3.1 fixes many of its bugs and user interface mysteries that have hindered sales of the Motorola Mobility-developed Xoom tablet.

Android 3.1 makes it easier to switch through the user interface both inside the system and between standard applications, reports. Google For example, switching between Launcher and the application list is optimized. Color, positioning and text are modified to facilitate their perception. Now the interface provides a clear reverse, the communication corporation says. In addition, from now on, users can adjust the duration of touching the screen.

Among other user interface fixes, it should be mentioned that the Home button located on the system panel now opens the last used home screen. And when accessing internal storage, the amount occupied by a wider set of file types is shown, Google reports. The list of recently launched Recent Apps can be expanded. Users were able to scroll through it and see the icons of all tasks in the process and recently used applications, the corporation claims.

In addition, you can now resize home screen widgets by dragging their boundaries. They can even be expanded by adding new content if the widget supports it.

As for the hardware, Android 3.1 began to support the USB host, as well as automatically detect the hardware, which allows you to support more different USB devices connected via the USB port. Users can now connect 'an external keyboard or mouse of almost any type'. Added support for game consoles and joysticks for USB or Bluetooth PCs, the corporation said.

Android Open Accessory API

Simultaneously with Android 3.1, the Android Open Accessory application development kit (ADK) was announced, allowing any accessory connected to the USB port with the desired API to interact with devices running Android 3.1. This kit also supports Android 2.3.4.

ADK uses improved USB support in Android 3.1 and Android 2.34 and helps developers create Android peripherals connected via this port. At the same time, a device running Android performs the functions of a USB host.

The hardware reference design set for the API will be based on the Arduino open source gadget platform. Thus, in any case, at first, all external devices should use this popular microcontroller platform.

In addition to the new APIs for USB and ADK, there are features designed for developers such as improved support for external video cameras and streaming audio. Improved performance, which uses several tricks, including the new 'LRU cache class', Google claims.

Wi-Fi continues to work after turning off the device

Android 3.1 has the ability to isolate a Wi-Fi network, after which a Wi-Fi connection is supported even when the device screen is turned off. This allows users to listen to music and watch videos transmitted in a continuous stream for a long time, as well as use voice services, even when all other functions of the device are disabled, Google reports.

In such situations, the new Preferred Network Offload (PNO) feature saves battery power, the corporation says. Other improvements related to Wi-Fi networks include the ability to create an HTTP proxy for each Wi-Fi access point.

A number of applications have also been improved. Browser has been updated and its Quick Controls user interface has been redesigned, which provides users with the ability to view icons of open tabs, and then close the active tab. It is reported that this function also provides a menu call for instant access to settings. Browser supports CSS 3D, animation, and CSS fixed positioning standards. In addition, it has a built-in HTML5 video content player, Google informs.

Other improvements include the Gallery update, the emergence of support for the Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP), Calendar with larger cells. In the Contacts application, the search is supposedly improved. In addition, when responding to an HTML message or forwarding it, Email sends it in two formats - text and HTML - as a multi-part MIME message, the corporation said.

Nothing has been said about when Android 3.0 or 3.1 will appear as open source. In March, Google postponed the event indefinitely.

However, many of Honeycomb's problems, which experts drew attention to in their reviews, have not been resolved in the new release. Among them is an image rendering error, which is clearly visible in the Gallery application, when images look vague and devoid of details, unlike the original ones.

Experts also note that the poorly implemented return button still closes applications instead of putting them in the background.

Android 3.0 (Honeycomb)

Lead designer of the new version of mobile operating system Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) Matthias Duarte spoke about some of its capabilities. Initially, the Honeycomb development team was tasked with adapting the system to work on tablet computers, Duarte explained. However, the changes made during the development made the system more flexible and suitable not only for tablets, but also for devices of almost all possible form factors. The system interface is no longer dependent on the presence of hardware keys in the device. On the basis of Honeycomb, you can even make a device in which there will be no not only hardware, but also on-screen keys - it will be entirely controlled by gestures. Honeycomb's developers sought to provide convenience with the system at both short and long intervals - both mobile and stationary when the device is at home or in the workplace.^[49]

During the I/O conference, Google's senior vice president of mobile technology in May 2011, Andy Rubin, openly announced that the company was not going to publish the source code of the tablet-oriented release of the Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system. The reason is that this release has broken the functionality associated with mobile phones. Google fears that if the source code is published in the current form, then equipment manufacturers will immediately begin to create insufficient quality smartphones based on Honeycomb, which will negatively affect the reputation of Android. Thus, developers and equipment manufacturers who want to get the source code of Android will have to wait for the publication of the next release of Ice Cream Sandwich, which is expected to be released at the end of 2011.

Andy Rubin explained his company's position on community engagement with the following words: "Open source is different from community-style development. For Android, the side related to community-style development is not important, but the side related to open source is important. Everything we do is ultimately published in the OpenSource repository, "says Rubin.

There are a number of reasons why Google is not interested in putting control of the platform's development in the hands of the community:

"We're building a platform, not an app," Rubin says. - Developers are improving APIs and eliminating unnecessary APIs, they are constantly adding new functionality. When we create new APIs, in my opinion, the processes adopted in the community do not work. It is very difficult to determine when you have already finished work, it is difficult to distinguish the release from the beta version, "explains Rubin

.

In addition, excessive openness in development would lead to the fact that manufacturers of Android-based equipment would create devices that would be incompatible with each other from the point of view of application developers. This would further exacerbate the problem of incompatibility between different versions of Android on different devices, which already makes the development of Android applications more problematic compared to, for example, iPhone applications.

Android 2.4 (Ice Cream)

The next operating system Google version for mobile phones - Android 2.4 Ice Cream - was supposed to be released in June or July 2011. This deadline meets the Android release schedule, according to which two OS updates are released every year: the previous version, Froyo, was announced in May 2010 (and appeared on phones in the summer), and the last, Gingerbread, was presented in December 2010. In January, Google also announced a variant of Android for tablet computers - Honeycomb, but as Pocket Lint points out, this OS variant is unlikely to be used on mobile phones.

2010

Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)

In December 2010, Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) replaced Android 2.2 (Froyo) and contains a number of evolutionary changes. The main innovations are support for new communication technologies and multimedia formats, advanced capabilities and increased performance in gaming applications. In addition, the graphical interface has been improved.

Game developers can now use a gyroscope, barometer, rotation sensors, linear acceleration and gravity. Thanks to Concurrent Garbage Collection technology, it was possible to reduce pauses in games, make animation smoother, and, thanks to improved event processing, reduce the load on the processor. There is support for VP8 and WebM formats, as well as AAC and AMR Wideband Encoding.

Fast Text Entry

The built-in Android keyboard has been modified and optimized for faster text input/editing. The design of the buttons has also been updated - now it is comfortable to press them even at high typing speed. Hints with a dictionary will simplify input, and selecting characters has become even easier thanks to the support of multitouches and keyboard shortcuts.

Single Touch Selection

When viewing text or a web page, simply click, hold - and the select/copy mechanism to the clipboard is activated. If you swipe through the screen at this time, labels are displayed to highlight a specific slice.

Improved Power Management

The operating system is now more actively involved in saving battery power. Android 2.3 can independently close unnecessary applications, freeing up memory, processor resources and thereby extending battery life. In the settings, you can now see how much power the device components and each of the open applications consume. This allows you to gain a more complete understanding of power consumption and, if necessary, optimize it manually.

Application control

In the "Options" menu of the Android 2.3 operating system, there is an item "application control," with which it is much easier to control the activity and operation of programs. Immediately after logging in, the user has a list of running processes with the display of statistics and consumed resources. From here you can also view advanced information, close the application or contact the developer.

New ways to communicate

This is a whole group of innovations that opens up new opportunities for Android communicators to interact with other devices and users with each other.

• Internet telephony. If you have a SIP provider account, then connect it to a communicator with Android 2.3 operating system, and you will have new opportunities to make calls over the Internet. Moreover, SIP mechanisms are deeply integrated into the operating system: a special field is provided for the subscriber's Internet number, and the button for making a new type of call is located next to the traditional one.

• NFC Near-Field Communications is a short-distance communication standard that adds the ability to use special tags. For example, labels in ads, posters or stickers, from which you can easily and easily read certain data: additional information, URL, etc. It is worth noting that the technology relies on the specific hardware capabilities of communicators, so its support depends only on device manufacturers.

Thanks to NFC, a mobile device can be used as a wallet, pass or read data from NFC tags (this requires an appropriate chip in the phone).

Download Manager

Android 2.3 gives the user easy access to all files downloaded from the browser, received by email or from another application. In addition, any program can be used by the built-in manager, which will provide centralized management of download and storage of files

Cameras

Also, the new version of the operating system allows you to access any camera of the device - the main or front, if any.

Above are only the changes visible to users. Developers and those just interested can take a look at the full list of changes to Android 2.3 on the official website.

Oracle sues Google for Android patent infringement

In August 2010 Oracle Google , she filed a lawsuit against the company, accusing the company of violating patents related to the technology. The Java statement of claim states that Oracle patents are being violated in the Google Android mobile phone platform. The company adds that Google should be aware of this circumstance, since its head, Eric Schmidt, previously worked for the company Sun Microsystems that developed Java. "By creating Android, Google was aware of the violations but continued to flout patent law. We are counting on legal compensation, "Oracle said. In October 2010, the wording of the lawsuit against Google over patent infringement and copyright for Java technologies implemented in mobile operating system Android was clarified. The first version of the lawsuit, sent to the court in August 2010, contained few technical details, but now the company attaches even excerpts from the source texts of the programs to the lawsuit.

Oracle claims that approximately a third of the packages in the Android software interface (API) are derived from Java packages copyrighted by Oracle. This applies, among other things, to the names of classes and methods, parameters, definitions and general organization of code and documentation. Some of the source code was directly taken from the copyrighted texts of Oracle programs. Java licenses are free in themselves, but Android uses Google's own Dalvik machine instead of a Java virtual machine, for which programs are written in Java, however. Google believes that Oracle's claims against it and the open source developer community are generally unfounded.

Java technology was taken over by Oracle along with the acquisition of Sun. The completion of the transaction worth $5.6 billion was announced in January 2010. Oracle CEO Larry Ellison said that Java is one of the most interesting assets for them, as it is used in a wide range of products and devices. In addition to patent infringement, Oracle accused Google of violating copyright law.

Oracle demands to stop further development and distribution of Android, as well as impose a fine on the culprit. The Java language is used to create applications for Android, which are then translated into bytecode and launched in the Dalvik virtual machine developed by Google. Tools for developing Java applications are included in the Android SDK.

Oracle's complaint, according to analysts, is a consequence of the desire of companies to more tightly control the use of their software. Earlier, a lawsuit related to patent infringement in the Android platform was filed by Apple. However, in this case, it was filed not with the author of the platform, but with one of the device manufacturers - Taiwanese HTC.

Launching App Inventor for Android for App Development

In August 2010, Google introduced the App Inventor for Android service, which allows almost everyone to create applications for mobile phones on the Android platform. The service website began working in beta mode. It offers users app ideas such as using GPS to locate, creating SMS mailings for friends and building collages that connect to other services such as Twitter.

Those wishing to use App Inventor will have enough a personal computer, an Android phone and a Gmail account. Google first announced work on the service about a year ago, indicating that dozens of university teachers are taking part in its creation.

2010: Mobile OS No. 3 in the global market

According to the data, the Gartner platform Android in the 2nd quarter of 2010 became the third most popular in the global market, overtaking, and IOS the first most popular in the market, in USA which it overtook not only the platform developed, but also the Apple platform. BlackBerry OS Analysts predict that by 2012 Android will become the second most popular platform in the world for. smartphones

The Japanese market, despite the force majeure circumstances in which manufacturers and retailers found themselves in connection with the March 11, 2011 earthquake, turned out to be fertile for everyone who installed Google Android on the operating system. According to the research company MM Research Institute, Android OS took 57% of the country's rising sun smartphone market in 2010, compared to 38% of the share received by iPhone smartphones . For the highly revered Apple iPhone in Japan, this is a serious decline - from 72 %. Other platforms also lost on the growth of the popularity of the "green man." Thus, the share of Finnish Nokia and Canadian Research in Motion turned out to be less than 5%. Android is growing by reducing the share of other manufacturers not only in Japan, but around the world, according to the latest comScore report.

2008

Opening Source Code

On October 21, 2008, the OHA alliance published the platform's source code. The Android release includes the entire Android stack: and middleware, and operating system ON the main final applications written in. Java The total volume of Android source code was 2.1 GB. The "preferred license" for Android source code is Apache License 2.0.

HTC smartphone is the first Android device

The first device running Android was the T-Mobile G1 smartphone developed by HTC, which was presented on September 23, 2008. Numerous announcements from other smartphone manufacturers soon followed about the intention to release Android devices.

In addition, enthusiasts have ported Android to a number of well-known devices, including, for example, the Nokia N810 Internet tablet, HTC Touch smartphone and photo frame. There are also cases of successful porting of the x86 architecture to computers.

A separate mention is worthy of the initiative of Koolu, which has taken up not only porting Android to Neo FreeRunner, but also builds its business on the sale of these OpenSource smartphones with a pre-installed mobile platform. Google The first official and public beta release of the Android port on Koolu's Neo FreeRunner took place in the second half of December 2008.

See also (mobile apps)

• Mobile apps
• Mobile Applications (Russian Market)
• Apple App Store
• Google Play Store and Google Play Music
• Windows Store
• Android app stores
• SAP Mobile Applications

Notes