Description
A mobile operating system, also known as a mobile OS, a mobile platform, or a handheld operating system, is the operating system that controls a mobile device similar in principle to an operating system such as Mac OS, Linux or Windows that controls a desktop computer or laptop. However, they are currently somewhat simpler, and deal more with the wireless versions of broadband and local connectivity, mobile multimedia formats, and different input methods. This research is an introduction to the new mobile platform Android as well as a comparative evaluation with regard to other mobile operating systems (Android , Iphone). The key topic of this research is the categorization of Android. Therefore it first gives a historical introduction to cell phones and mobile operating systems. Then it describes the main features of Android for a better understanding of this platform. In the following theoretical part Android will be compared to the mobile operating systems symbian, I-phone OS and Windows Mobile. Features and criteria defined in this part will be considered and included in the comparison of these systems. The practical part contains a comparison of the Software Development Kits (SDK) from Android and Windows mobile and Iphone and symbian OS. In this context a simple application implementation on both systems is realized to support this comparison. Finally an outlook and a conclusion complete this elaboration. Some Research and comparison will be made on the usability design feature if a product is said to be usable if it behaves the way user expected it to behave. As Most of the products that we use in everyday life are not easy to use because of their poor design. Interestingly, we do not buy a product based on its usability, rather we go after the brand name, number of features it has or its coolness effect. So, the design challenge is to make a product which requires minimum learning and easy to use. Hence user centered designing has become dominant over system oriented designing over the years. Mainly interface design faults will be compared between these platforms to make it more users friendly. Classifications will be based on Basic Criteria, Technical Criteria, Usability criteria and User interface criteria. Also comparing the life cycle of android and other OS, application description and practical comparison between the API's. Apart from this comparing portability reliability connectivity product diversity open platform kernel size standards security and special features too.
