The Android Phones Need-to-know Guide

By Author: Lucy Carter
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Developed by Google for mobile devices, the Android platform and operating system was unveiled in 2007. The technology was advanced in collaboration with 71 hardware, software and telecom companies called the Open Handset Alliance.

The first Android phone retailed was the T-mobile G1, released in 2008. Their popularity has increased by leaps and bounds - to date, 21 manufacturers worldwide have brought out their own models and there are 200 000 new Android activations daily. You will also have 80 000 impressive applications and counting for download.

In a nutshell, Android mobile devices use standards and applications that are open to all. Because no particular company owns this technology, developers, from novices to specialists, are able to write new programs and apps that progress mobile technology at a rapid rate.

To fully highlight how revolutionary this is, it's necessary to briefly explain traditional mobile technology. These devices in comparison to Android phones have applications that are much less sophisticated, since their development has been hindered by strict proprietary laws that prevent ...
... them from creating fresh programs.

The open source platform that is Android not only encourages new development ideas, it gives you the ability to run multiple applications at the same time and in the background. This results in a smooth and simplified user experience plus constantly increasing range of must-have features to download.

The following guide will outline why Android technology is fast becoming the way of the future.

Why Choose an Android Phone?

Shared Innovation

As mentioned above, Android technology gives developers a standardised platform to create new applications without having to worry about legal infringements or making their inventions compatible with other platforms that run on different coding. What this means to you is that a constant stream of innovative applications are on offer, plus you can share these apps with others across all networks that use it.

Another bonus of an open platform is that because developers are constantly contributing to it, there is a strong support network to help you configure new applications.

Personalisation

The Android platform makes it easy for you to customise your phone to suit your individual tastes. There is an ever expanding range of animated live wallpapers and widgets available, as well as a wealth of features you can tailor.

Price

Currently, Android phones can be bought SIM-free from around £80 at the entry level, rising to over £500 for the premium versions. Monthly tariffs vary wildly between £15 and £35. As they're still quite new to the market, their pricing is not as cheap as many would like. This will certainly change over time however, since the very nature of an open source platform allows it to be far more competitively priced than branded, off-the-shelf handsets with fixed operating systems such as Windows or the Palm OS.

The Two Top Tips for Android Phone Buyers

Smartphone Brands & Features

Most manufacturers these days have released their own smartphone Android wonder, so if you favour a certain brand you should be able to buy one from them. If you're simply looking for the Android phone that will most suit your needs, the best way forward is to make a list of the features you find indispensible and then search for these amongst the Android offerings. An important factor to keep in mind is that Google updates their Android software at a breakneck pace, so in order to keep up to date with the latest innovations, be sure to get an Android phone that supports OS upgrades.

Operating System

Google's Android operating system is distributed via the the Google Mobile Service (GMS) and the Open Handset Distribution (OHD). Mobile devices that use the GMS system will have all the most current facilities and services from Google and the Android market, so it is generally better than the OHD model.

All in all, Android phones are quickly becoming a must-have when it comes to cutting-edge features and applications for mobile devices - they are certainly giving the Apple's iPhone range a major run for its money. As with traditional mobiles however, the important thing when shopping around is to be aware of your budget limitations and usage habits as this will realistically narrow down your search in the ever expanding smartphone marketplace.
Peter Williams is a mobile phone consultant and retailer of Android phones.