Mobile Application Platforms

Question 1

What is a mobile application platform

Answer 1

a suite of software tools used for designing, creating and maintaining mobile applications.

Question 2

Examples of the most popular mobile platforms

Answer 2

– Android
– IOS
– Windows
– Symbian
– Blackberry
– J2ME

Question 3

List the Market Share of Smartphones in 2008, 2015 and 2015

Answer 3

2008: Symbian, Apple, RIM, Microsoft, Linux, Other
2015: Apple, Android, Other
2022: Android, Apple, Samsung, Kai, Other

Question 4

How can you explain the change in trend since
2008?

Answer 4

While Symbian had given Nokia an early advantage, it was a device-centric system in what was becoming a platform- and application-centric world. To make matters worse, Symbian exacerbated delays in new phone launches as whole new sets of code had to be developed and tested for each phone model.
In its early days, iOS boasted a more refined and seamless user experience, thanks to Apple’s meticulous control over both hardware and software. On the other hand, Android offered more customization options and a diverse range of hardware, catering to users who preferred a personalized touch and those looking for smartphones at various price points.
While iOS was exclusively available on Apple’s iPhone, Android adopted an open-source approach, allowing various manufacturers to use and modify the OS as they saw fit. This approach led to a proliferation of Android-powered devices from different companies, giving consumers a wide array of choices.

Question 5

Advantages Of the Android Operating System

Answer 5

1. Open Ecosystem:
   
   • Google Play Store and third-party app options.
     - Google Play Store with over 1 million apps.
2. Open Source Operating System:
   
   • Source code accessible to developers and manufacturers.
   • Customizable and research-oriented OS.
3. Diverse Phone Options:
   
   • Available on various phone brands.
4. Easy & Affordable App Development:
   
   • Cost-effective app development on Android.
   • No large development fees; unlimited app submissions.
5. Widgets:
   
   • Widgets enhance functionality and user experience.
   • Convenient access to settings and functions.
   • Adds flexibility to the Android device.
6. Expandable Storage Option:
   
   • Micro SD card support for expandable storage.
   • No need for costly upgrades.
   • Common feature on many Android devices.

Conclusion: Android OS offers an open ecosystem, source code accessibility, diverse phone options, customizable ROMs, user-friendly Play Store, easy app development, widgets for functionality, and expandable storage, making it a versatile and user-centric operating system

Question 6

Discuss the history of Android OS specifically in the years: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2012

Answer 6

2003: Android began as an operating system for cellular phones and tablet computers (by Android Inc.)
● 2004: Project change to smartphone OS
● 2005: Google Inc. bought Android Inc. Google based their Android project on Linux kernel.
● 2007: Founding of the Open Handset Alliance (OHA) – Intel, Motorola, NVIDIA, LG, Samsung, T-Mobile, Sprint, etc. (objective – develop and promote Android as an open-source OS).
● 2008: First commercial Android device released
● 2012 – Android surpasses iOS as the most popular phone OS

Question 7

Give reasons why one should learn android development

Answer 7

Wide User Base:
Android has a massive user base globally, providing a vast audience for your developed applications.

Market Demand:
The demand for Android apps is consistently high, as businesses and individuals seek to reach Android users.