Untitled Quiz

Introduction to Android

• Android is a software package and Linux-based operating system for mobile devices.
• It includes tablets, computers, and smartphones.
• Android's first version was released in 2007.
• It was developed by Google and later the Open Handset Alliance (OHA).
• Android is a complete software set for mobile devices, including tablets, notebooks, smartphones, and more.
• It has a Linux-based operating system, middleware, and key mobile applications.
• Though primarily a mobile OS, Android is not limited to mobile use only.
• It's used in various devices like mobiles, tablets, and televisions.

Android's History

• Android Inc. originally created Android.
• Google acquired Android Inc. in 2005.
• Google then made Android open-source, boosting its momentum.
• Android held around 85% market share in 2016. (Source: http://www.idc.com/)

Mobile Technology

• Mobile devices are more than just voice communications.
• They allow for a variety of interactions, including voice, music, text, video, and images, shared on demand.
• Mobile devices support numerous functions, like accessing the Internet, watching TV and movies, using GPS systems, playing games, and reading/responding to barcodes and augmented reality messages.
• The devices' functionality depends on their network infrastructure and the capabilities of the handset.

Mobile Phone Technology

• Modern mobile phones use cellular network architecture (called cellular phones or cell phones).
• Mobile phones use radio frequency links to connect to switching systems controlled by mobile operators.
• Those systems provide access to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).

Mobile Phone Features (Advanced Features)

• Mobile phones in the 2000s go beyond phone calls. They often include;
  • text messaging,
  • multimedia messages,
  • email,
  • internet access,
  • short-range wireless communications (infrared, Bluetooth),
  • business apps,
  • gaming,
  • digital photography.
• The first handheld mobile phone was demonstrated by John F. Mitchell and Martin Cooper of Motorola in 1973 (4.4 lb/2 kg).
• The DynaTAC 8000x was the first commercially available handheld mobile phone in 1983.
• The first automated cellular network was launched in Japan by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone in 1979.

Mobile Technology Networks and Infrastructure

• Mobile phone vendors provide a Software Development Kit (SDK) to developers.
• Developers can create applications using this kit.
• Developers can publish their creations to a global market/store.

Android Mobile Application Development Tools

• Android applications are created using Eclipse, Intellij Idea, etc.
• BlackBerry apps are developed via Eclipse.
• iOS applications are developed using XCode, MonoDevelop, AppCode.
• Windows Phone apps are created using Microsoft Visual Studio.

Mobile Apps Testing Tools

• Emulators simulate mobile device operations/functions on a computer.
• Companies offer renting of mobile device emulators.
• Some examples are DeviceAnywhere, and Perfecto Mobile.

Mobile Applications

• Android applications can be put in stores, and sold for free or on a paid basis.
  • Examples: Google Play and Apple Store
• Some companies display ads on mobile devices, such as Google's AdMob.

Mobile Application Types

• Native Apps: Developed for a specific platform (iOS or Android) using platform-specific tools and languages. These apps are generally the fastest and have the best user experience.
• HTML5 Apps: Use standard web technologies (HTML5, Javascript, CSS) enabling cross-platform development.
• Hybrid Apps: Combine the benefits of native and HTML5 apps by embedding HTML5 code within a native container.

Android Native Mobile Applications

• In general, native apps provide the best user experience, functionality, and features.
• Native apps enable features like:
  • Multi-touch (double taps, pinch-spread)
  • Fast graphics API for smooth animation (especially beneficial in gaming and interactive applications).

Android Native Mobile Applications (Continued)

• Built-in components: The device's features (camera, address book, and geolocation) can be directly integrated into mobile apps, offering a seamless user experience.
• Ease of use: Native apps are easy to use because they rely on the familiar interface and features.
• Documentation: Extensive documents, blogs, and technical threads help developers find and troubleshoot issues.

Comparing Android and Hybrid Applications

• Native apps offer a fast and seamless user experience.
• Hybrid apps are more flexible and less time-consuming to develop.
• Native apps use the speed of native APIs.
• The speed of hybrid apps depend on the web view technology which might vary a lot.
• Hybrid apps share the same UI elements and can use the same JavaScript code across multiple platforms. 

Android Mobile Information Architecture

• Each mobile device type has its own architecture.
• Responsive sites generally follow standard patterns.
• Native mobile apps often use tab-based navigational structures.
• Popular layouts: Hierarchy, Hub and Spoke, Nested Doll, Tabbed View, Bento Box, and Filtered View. 

Android Architecture (Layout)

• Hierarchy: Presents content in a vertical tree structure with an index page and subpages.
• Hub and Spoke: Users access many components through a central hub, which restricts direct navigation.
• Nested Doll: Lays out content in a linear and easy-to-follow structure, showing where the user is currently located.
• Tabbed View: Multiple sections are clustered in tabs with buttons, providing quick navigation access.
• Bento Box/Dashboard: Many components are presented on the main screen for immediate reference, especially useful for tablet devices.
• Filtered View: Users employ filters to display specific content from a wider content pool.

Android Applications

• Developers use Java and the Android SDK to develop applications.
• Android apps can be sold on app stores like Google Play.
• Android applications power millions of devices across various countries.

Android Categories

• Android apps cover diverse areas, such as entertainment, tools, communication, productivity, personalization, music/audio, social media, media/video, and travel/local content.

Android Versions

• Android has evolved through various code names (A, B, C...).
• Some popular code names include Aestro, Blender, Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, KitKat, Lollipop, and more.

Android API (Application Programming Interface) Levels

• API Level designates the version's Android API revision. 
• It is a unique integer that represents the framework API version. 

Android IDEs (Integrated Development Environments)

• Android Studio: A common development environment.
• Eclipse IDE: Another popular choice for developing Android applications.

Android Architecture

• Android consists of a layered architecture.
• Five modules compose the software: Applications, Application Framework, Android Runtime, Libraries, and Linux Kernel.

Android Runtime

• The Dalvik VM is a component that handles the execution of Android applications.
• It optimizes virtual machine operations for memory, battery, and performance efficiency.
• It handles the conversion of .class files to .dex files.

Compiling/Packaging Android Applications

• Java source files (e.g., .java) are converted to class files (.class).
• The dx tool combines multiple class files into a single .dex file, which is platform-specific.
• AAPT (Android Asset Packaging Tool) packs all the files into the final .apk file.

Additional Android Libraries

• Android has various libraries.
• These include open-source Web browser engine.
• Well known lib, SQLite database;
• Tools for audio, video playback, and Internet security.

Essential Android Application Package (API) Libraries

• android.app – Application Model
• android.content – Handles content and communication
• android.database – SQLite database
• android.opengl – OpenGLES 3D graphics rendering
• android.os – OS services, messages
• android.text – Text management
• android.view – User interface elements (e.g., buttons)
• android.widget – Pre-built UI components (e.g., buttons)
• android.webkit – Integration of web browsing functionality

Android Runtime (Continued)

• The Dalvik Virtual Machine (DVM) handles the execution of Android applications using the Java Language.

Key Android Tools

• Activity Manager: Manages the lifecycle of application activities and the activity stack.
• Content Providers: Allows applications to expose and share data with others.
• Resource Manager: Handles application resources like strings and layouts.
• Notification Manager: Manages notifications to the user.
• View System: Manages the creation of application user interfaces using various views.