Android is a software platform written for mobile devices. It consists of a Linux-based operating system, middleware and applications. Originally developed by Android, Inc., Android was acquired by Google in 2005. Android is supported by the Open Handset Alliance, a group of companies that contribute lots of engineering resources to improve Android and market Android devices.

Open-Source Project

Android is managed as an open-source project, where the source code is available openly and freely to companies, organizations and individuals who collaborate on designing, developing, testing, maintaining, porting, administrating, managing and marketing a single shared product. Even though there are many participants, the Android product is meant to be customizable to each contributor. Android invites developers to create cool third-party applications to be distributed via Android's open platform.

Android Compatibility Program

The Android Open Source Project adheres to a strict Android Compatibility Program that defines the software and hardware specifications of an Android device and offers application developers tools to conform to the Android requirements. Any new feature that a device needs in the future will be incorporated within the Android platform, so that the device will be Android-compatible. Hardware manufacturers who want to build Android-compatible devices are free to join the program and must adhere to its rules. Android offers free Android source code to be ported to a potential Android device, which includes a Compatibility Test Suite, testing software to determine the device compatibility during development.

Android Devices

To date, Android devices can be found in mobile phones, ebook readers, tablets, netbooks, headphones and media players. Some Android mobile phones include the Sony Ericsson's XPeria Arc, T-Mobile's Pulse Mini (Huawei U8110) and Motorola Bravo (MB520). Samsung's offering of Android devices include, for example, an Android player (YP-G50), mobile phone (i9020 or Google Nexus S), CDMA device (Samsung Galaxy U or SHW-M130L), smart phone (I897 or Samsung Captivate) and tablet (P1000 or Samsung Galaxy Tab).

Android Community

Like any other open-source project, Android offers a supportive community base on Google Groups and IRC. Support topics on Google Groups include Android Beginners, Android Platform, Android Building, Android Porting, Android Contribution and Android Kernel. Support on IRC is available via Freenode.net, and topics include Android discussion and porting issues, Android development and French-based discussion group.