Wireless communication management on mobile devices. Google Android

Google Android™ is an operating system designed for mobile devices (phones, tablets...).

In 2005, Google bought a small start-up called Android Inc. that was developing applications for cell phones. The aim of the takeover was to create a new mobile platform to compete with the major players of the day: Symbian, Windows mobile, Palm OS...

In 2007, a consortium built around this system was created, called OHA (Open Handset Alliance). It brings together telephone operators, semiconductor and handset manufacturers, software publishers and distributors. Android™ is then officially announced as the new platform for mobile devices.

2008 saw the release of the first version of the SDK (Software Development Kit).

Since then, its market share has continued to grow, and now rivals that of Apple (iPhone OS). Its fields of application are expanding day by day, and now even include home automation and TV sets.

Android™ is based on a Linux kernel. Its code is open and available as Open source. Its programming language is Java.

Every mobile terminal equipped with this platform now offers several communication techniques. Wireless has replaced cables. Cell phones have become much more than just phones, and the use of wireless systems has revolutionized our connectivity.

This article introduces the specifics and constraints of mobile and wireless communications (Bluetooth, Wifi, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS) via their programming on the Android platform.