dslreports logo
This FAQ text is copyright dslreports.com
Reproduction of all or part only with our permission..
This FAQ is edited by: thegeek See Profile, state See Profile, exocet_cm See Profile, mob See Profile, FastEddie See Profile
It was last modified on 2016-03-04 04:41:46

1.What is Android?

So what exactly is Android?

Android is an open source operating system used in mobile devices. While Android was not created by Google, it was purchased by Google in 2005, and made available in 2007 with the launch of the Open Handset Alliance.

Versions

Android has evolved rapidly since being released for general use, here is a short list of major releases:
Beta - Late 2007
1.0 - Late 2008
1.1 - Feb 2009
1.5 - "Cupcake" - April 2009
1.6 - "Donut" - September 2009
2.0 - "Eclair" - October 2009
2.1 - "Eclair" - January 2010
2.2 - "Froyo" - May 2010
2.3 - "Gingerbread" - December 2010
3.0 - "Honeycomb" - February 2011 (tablets only)
3.1 - "Honeycomb" - May 2011
3.2 - "Honeycomb" - July 2011

4.0 - "Ice Cream Sandwich" - October 18, 2011

4.1 - "Jelly Bean" - June 2012

4.2 - "Jelly Bean" - October 2012

4.3 - "Jelly Bean" - July 2013

4.4 - "KitKat" - September 2013

4.4.4 - KitKatW" - Wearable extensions added - June 2014

5.0 - "Lollipop" - November 2014

6.0 - "Marshmallow" - October 2015


2. Apps

Where can I find apps?

Google Play is open to many devices and versions, however not every Android based device is able to access Google Play. It is possible to browse Google Play at »play.google.com where you can read reviews, release notes, and even install to your device from the browser if your device has internet connectivity and the Google Play Store app installed. When changing from Android Market to Google Play a number of new types of content became available, including books, movies and music in addition to the Android app section. It is possible to do in-app purchases via the store if a funding source is available.

Amazon.com has also launched an app store aptly named "Amazon Appstore for Android" whose tag-line is "Get a great paid app for free every day". Users will find on Amazon's page a paid app offered for free for a set number of hours (usually 24). Users can download this app for free within this time period before the app goes back to paid only.

Amazon offers access to their app store both as a webpage and a stand-alone app. The webpage URL is »www.amazon.com/mobile-ap ··· 50149011 and the app download page is »www.amazon.com/gp/featur ··· f=mas_gs.

Like the Play Store, The Amazon App Store allows for in-app purchases if payment method is available.

It should be noted that if a user has apps that are from Amazon and chooses to remove the Amazon Appstore app from a device any other apps on the device managed by the Amazon App Store app may no longer function properly if at all.

3. Help!!!!

What do you need to post when asking for help

Please follow these suggested posting instructions when starting a new "help" thread.

Note: if it doesn't apply, don't answer it.

• Who is the manufacturer of your phone or tablet?
• What is the model of your phone or tablet?
• Who is your carrier?
• What version of Android are you running?
• Is your device rooted or running a custom ROM?
• When did this issue start?
• Can it be replicated, or is it a random event?
• Is this issue caused by a specific app?
• Is there any type of error message that is displayed when the error occurs?

There are many different versions of Android, and not all device manufacturers and carriers support all versions and options. Answering these questions in your post requesting help will allow our members to provide help to you in an efficient manner.

Please do not create multiple threads for a single issue, that creates more problems in the long run.

4. Mods

Turn A Nook Color Into Android Tablet



Here is a guide to help you turn your Nook Color into an Android tablet using a MicrSD card. The process is easy and will take about 15-20 minutes. And it doesn't violate the Nook's warranty.

»[Mods] Turn Nook Color To Android Tablet