Why Google’s Android Platform Is So Popular?

android-ics-logoThe mobile world is blooming. In fact, with the increase in demand for Smartphones, the world too has shrunk more smaller and now fits in your hand. Now, there are a variety of smartphones available in the market and they are powered by various Operating Systems. The war in Smartphone market is not only between the hardware manufacturers but also between the mobile phone operating system makers. Google Android, Microsoft, Symbian are the leading OS makers for the smartphone.

Even though there are too many competitors for the market, Google’s Android overtook every other company and now it has become the leading Operating System maker for the smartphone. It is really remarkable for a company to achieve this in a very short time. You will find it really interesting if you know what is behind the popularity of Android. This post is for the people who wish to know about Android right from the base.

What is Android?

Android is the operating system, not only for Smartphones but also for Tablet computers. Android is based on Linux and it is being developed by Open Handset Alliance, a consortium of 80+ leading hardware companies like Sony, Samsung and software companies led by Google. The Open Handset Alliance creates the standards for the mobile devices running on Android.

Versions

Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) – These are not only the desserts but also the various versions of Android. Ice Cream Sandwich is the latest version.

Android_chart

Of all these versions, Gingerbread is the most popular one. Gingerbread is used in more than 63% of Android phones.

Why Android is so Popular?

1. Android is for Free

Android, right from the day it was released, choose to be free and Google will keep Android for free in future also. This caught the attention of Hardware manufacturers all over the world to bring out a low cost smartphone that will be powered by a free Operating System -Android.

Android’s popularity is mainly due to being ‘Free’. Being Free enabled Google to join hands with many leading hardware manufacturers and bring out a really ‘smart’ smartphone.

2. Open Source

Android is Open Source too. Unlike the other mobile phone operating systems, which are protected by various laws, copyrights and what not, Google decided to keep Android open. Being Open enabled Google to allow a large pool of active programmers from all over the world to contribute their best and to enhance Android. With many intelligent brains working for the system, newer and newer ideas were generated and implemented.

3. You too can create your own app

If you are addicted to your Android smartphone or tablet and want to create your own application. You can even develop Android Applications without any coding skill. Google provides you a set of tools that you can use it for free and create your own android application.

Get the Software Development Kit for Android App Development. Letting the users to develop their own application gives the users the much needed flexibility and freedom to modify anything the manufacturers have given you and make it in the way you like.

4. Application Store

Google distributes all the applications for the Android powered phones through its Google Play (previously Android Market). It lets the users to test, use and share a variety of applications and recommend them to the other users. There are nearly 450,000 applications available in the store. Some of these applications are available for free and some for cost.

You can have a visit to Google Play.


Advantages over the other OS

The reasons I have told above tells you why Android is different from others. Indeed not only that are enough to be a top player in the market beating a heavy competition. Android have big advantages over the other Operating System makers.

Android targets Common Man

Android OS targets the common man who wish to get maximum features at a low price. Even now many people think iPhone is for rich. These common men who wish to have their own smartphones can own Android powered smartphone which comes under their budget.  Further, an iPhone without jailbreaking does not accept many SIM, whereas Android will support any SIM.

It is the biggest plus for Android. It has chosen its area of market to be targeted very well. Otherwise, Android would have been just another Google product.

Market Share

According to Gartner’s Report prepared on Q3, 2011 Android holds more than 50% of the smartphone market. The other manufacturers like  BlackBerry, Apple, Symbian and Windows are far behind Android. The chart explains it well.

Who else will join the league?

A popular (perhaps very popular) social network is planning to enter into the smartphone market in association with HTC. They are planning to use a heavily modified version of Android to power their phone. It is still a Rumor and not official yet.

Summing it up, Android has taken the user experience far above what many others have thought about it. It is still young and ever growing. You can get synchronized with it!

If you wish to discuss more about Android please post your queries and suggestions in the Comments Section below. Wish to hear from you on how the article is.

24 thoughts on “Why Google’s Android Platform Is So Popular?”

  1. Open Source is the plus point for this platform popularity. This gives the opportunity all across the world to show skills.

    Reply
  2. One of my favourite app MintM..a loyalty based reward system which awards points just for visiting the shop and redeem the points with cool gifts.. Absolutely free and extremely useful.. I’m pretty much impressed with this app.. Can be downloaded from 
     
    http://www.mintmapp.com/smartphone
     
    Best android experience ever… enjoy 🙂

    Reply
  3. Hey Christopher,

    Nice article mate, Android is the thing and for me it is the only thing which can beat the iOS. But Apple co-founder Woznick said that Windows Phone OS is better than Android. 

    Reply
  4. Android has taken user experience to the next level while keeping the prices of smartphones well within the reach of the common man, and that is why Android has become the number one choice among smartphone users. Android also is popular because this is more advance and high tech.

    Reply
  5. Great post, The open source is main reason why is android so popular.
    The community of designers and programmers is outstanding and people just love that 🙂
    thanks for sharing

    Reply
  6. And that very popular social network may not enter the market as they can be benefited more with their common App than Creating an OS…

    Reply
    • Thanks for the Comments first!
      It is true that the social network is pretty much benefited by their app. But we have to remind that they won't leave without making a presence. So we can expect them to enter the arena..

      Regards,
      Chrisss

      Reply
  7. Android has taken user experience to the next level while keeping the prices of smartphones well within the reach of the common man, and that is why Android has become the number one choice among smartphone users.

    Reply
  8. One of the main reason why android is popular because its open source and any one can install it in any phone and customize it!!

    even in nokia phone(n900) android os can be installed!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Yes! Android evolved to be the one of the most popular open-source project ever..

      Thanks for the comments!

      Regards,
      Christopher J

      Reply
    • You can’t install it on any phone, especially Nokia Symbian. The only Nokia can be flashed with Android OS is indeed N900, which originally was running Maemo Linux-based OS.

      Reply
  9. These days Android OS is very popular and its already captured good market share by establishing itself as a strong competitor to Apple iOS.

    Reply
    • It even surpasses Android and positioned itself very well…
      Thanks for the comments Bharat.

      Regards,
      Chrisss

      Reply
  10. Andriod has been changed totally art of work you can do anything much more easily with the help of this.

    Reply
    • Android changed our life style, trend and ofcourse our future…

      Thanks for the comments,
      Chrisss

      Reply

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