''Android''...Little Green Man With A Plan.

''Android'' the next generation operation software or would i say ''Alien Technology On Earth'' (Owned by Google Ofcourse) acclaimed apps and the new smartphone revolution.

Android is a Linux based operating system owned by Google and specially designed specially for smartphones and tablets with over 750,000 apps on the market. The first Android-powered phone was sold in October 2008. A developer survey conducted in April-May 2013 found that Android is the most popular platform for developers, used by 71% of the mobile developer population. As of May 2013, a total of 900 million Android devices have been activated and 48 billion apps have been installed from the Google Play Store.

At the close Q3,2012 Android controlled 68% of the smartphone market, according to IDC,up almost 20% from 46.7% a year earlier. Apple's iOS came in second place with just 26% leaving the rest - Blackberry, Symbian, Linux and Windows phone.
Rumours about Google enteing the smartphone space reached boiling point following the launch of Apple's original iphone in 2007. Many expected Google to follow Apple's lead and release a smartphone powered by proprietary software.This, ofcourse did'nt happen and Google instead chose to unveil a Linux-based open source operating, which it debuted in 2007 alongside the Open Handset Alliance - a collection of 86 hardware, software and telecommunication companies devoted to advancing open standards for mobile devices.

Android recieved a lukewarm reaction when it was unveiled in 2007. Although analysts were impressed with the respected technology companies that had partnered with Google to form the Open Handset Alliance, it was unclear whether mobile phone manufacturers would be willing to replace their existing operating systems with Android. The idea of an open source, Linux-based development platform sparked interest, but there were additional worries about Android facing strong competition from established players in the same market, such as Apple, Nokia and Microsoft and rival Linux mobile operating systems that were in development. Since then Android has grown to become the most widely used smartphone operating system and ''one of the fastest and easy mobile experiences available''. Reviewers have highlighted the open-source nature of the operating system as one of its defining strengths.

Once relocated at Google, Rubin was tasked with creating a mobile phone operating system powered by the Linux kernel. It was at this point that rumours began circulating that Google was entering the mobile space, despite no one really knowing how the ''Search Giant'' planned on attacking the market. Android allows extensive customisation of device by their owners and apps are freely available from non-Google app stores and third party websites. These have been cited as among the main disadvantages of Android phones over others. Android was highly secretive though and not much was known about the company, other than who its founding members were. At one point they ran out of money and then Google officially acquired the company in 2005, absorbing everything - including Rubin, Sears and White.