1. Overview of Android

The Android operating system (OS) has come a long way since the announcement of the Open Handset Alliance in late 2007. The idea of an open source OS for embedded systems was not new, but Google’s aggressive backing of it has definitely helped push Android to the forefront in just a few years.

Many wireless carriers in multiple countries across various communication protocols have one or more Android phones available. Other embedded devices, such as tablets, netbooks, televisions, set-top boxes, and even automobiles, have also adopted the Android OS.

This chapter discusses various general aspects of Android that are useful for developers. It provides a foundation for the creation of Android applications and a context for ...

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