Android Features

Different features available in android  are :
1.Application Framework
2.Dalvik Virtual Machine
3.Integrated Browser
4.Optimised Graphics
5.SQLite
6.Media Support
7.GSM Telephony
8.Bluetooth
9.Edge
10.3G,Wi-fi
11.Device Emulator
12.Tools for debugging
13.Memory
14.Performance profiling
15.Plug-in for Eclipse IDE

Android Versions

Android has seen a number of updates since its original release. These updates to the base operating system typically fix bugs and add new features. Generally, each new version of the Android operating system is developed under a code name based on a dessert item. Past updates included Cupcake and Donut. The code names are in alphabetical order (Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, and the upcoming Ice Cream Sandwich). Below is a list of the most recent versions, and what they include:

• 2.0 (Eclair) included a new web browser, with a new user interface and support for HTML5 and the W3C Geolocation API. It also included an enhanced camera app with features like digital zoom, flash, color effects, and more.

• 2.1 (Eclair) included support for voice controls throughout the entire OS. It also included a new launcher, with 5 homescreens instead of 3, animated backgrounds, and a button to open the menu (instead of a slider). It also included a new weather app, and improved functionality in the Email and Phonebook apps.

• 2.2 (Froyo) introduced speed improvements with JIT optimization and the Chrome V8 JavaScript engine, and added Wi-Fi hotspot tethering and Adobe Flash support.

• 2.3 (Gingerbread) refined the user interface, improved the soft keyboard and copy/paste features, and added support for Near Field Communication.

• 3.0 (Honeycomb) was a tablet-oriented release which supports larger screen devices and introduces many new user interface features, and supports multicore processors and hardware acceleration for graphics. The Honeycomb SDK has been released and the first device featuring this version, the Motorola Xoom tablet, went on sale in February 2011.

• 3.1 (Honeycomb) was announced at the 2011 Google I/O on 10 May 2011.

• 3.2 (Honeycomb) is "an incremental release that adds several new capabilities for users and developers." Highlights include optimization for a broader range of screen sizes; new "zoom-to-fill" screen compatibility mode; capability to load media files directly from the SD card; and an extended screen support API, providing developers with more precise control over the UI.

Below is a list of future releases that have been announced:

• 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) is said to be a combination of Gingerbread and Honeycomb into a "cohesive whole." It will be released in Q4 2011.

[edit]

Android Basic building blocks

The basic building blocks of android are:
1.Activities
2.Services
3.Content Providers
4.Broadcast Receivers

Android

Android is a  mobile operating system.