Programming of sensors 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, the OHA (Open Handset Alliance) consortium was created around this system. It brings together telephone operators, semiconductor and handset manufacturers, software publishers and distributors. Android™ was 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, Android™'s market share has continued to grow and rivals that of Apple (iPhone OS). Its fields of application are expanding by the day, and now even concern home automation or TV sets.

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

The success of Android™ has a lot to do with improving the user's interactivity with his or her device. This has been greatly enhanced by the arrival of new types of sensors.

A sensor is a device that transforms an observed physical quantity into another, more easily usable physical quantity (most often electrical) for the purpose of measuring it. Devices based on the Android™ platform incorporate a large number of different sensors.

The purpose of this article is to present each type of sensor and its programming.