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[[Image:G1 dec182008 029.jpg|bottom|thumb|250px| Google Android G1 HTC Dream Phone]]
[[Image:G1 dec182008 029.jpg|bottom|thumb|250px| Google Android G1 HTC Dream Phone]]
HTC, a smartphone manufacturer based in [[Taiwan]], was the first to market a [[Google]] Android phone in the [[United States]], called the HTC Dream. October 2008 was the launch date on the T-Mobile network, the only carrier offering the service. Branded by Google and marketed as the G1, it is a 3G phone and will also work seamlessly on a Wi-fi wireless networks. The phone and operating system have gained a reputation as an [[Apple]] iPhone competitor. Many more Android phones were developed in later.
HTC, a smartphone manufacturer based in [[Taiwan]], was the first to market a [[Google]] Android phone in the [[United States]], called the HTC Dream. October 2008 was its launch date on the T-Mobile network, the only carrier offering the service. Branded by Google and marketed as the G1, it was a 3G phone which was Wi-fi capable. Smartphones using the Android operating system have gained a reputation as an [[Apple]] iPhone competitor. Many more Android phones have been developed since then, with large companies such as Samsung investing a great deal into the development and marketing of such devices.
==Netbooks/Tablets==
==Netbooks/Tablets==
The Android operating system is also preinstalled in some netbooks and tablets. In fact, Android 3.0 is specifically designed for tablets.<ref>[http://developer.android.com/sdk/android-3.0-highlights.html]</ref>
The Android operating system is also preinstalled in some netbooks and tablets. In fact, Android 3.0 was specifically designed for tablets.<ref>[http://developer.android.com/sdk/android-3.0-highlights.html]</ref> Since then, it has branched out to many tablets, smart TVs, smart watches, and smart home devices.
==3rd Party Builds==
==3rd Party Builds==
Several projects have taken Android off the phone and have converted it for desktop computers, referred to as [[Android x86]]. Former Google engineers based in China have created a multitasking version called Remix OS by Jide. Also, Phoenix OS by Beijing Chaozhuo Technology Co. Both versions are based on Lollipop 5.1.1 and are free to download.
Several projects have taken Android off the phone and have converted it for desktop computers, referred to as [[Android x86]]. Former Google engineers based in China have created a multitasking version called Remix OS by Jide. Also, Phoenix OS by Beijing Chaozhuo Technology Co. Both versions are based on Lollipop 5.1.1 and were of course provided free of charge.
==Spyware/Privacy Concerns==
==Spyware/Privacy Concerns==
The Google Market app is the most popular way to install new applications on Android. Some of these uploaded applications have been [[spyware]].<ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/20110228/tc_pcworld/moremobilespywarehitsandroid_1]</ref> In response to apps like this, Google has enabled the "killswitch", which allows Google Market to uninstall, or even install programs on the user's device, to fix the offending apps. While many have applauded this as a good anti-malware procedure, many have also expressed concern over Google's ability to install and remove software on all phones through the Google Market system.<ref>[http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/06/google-flips-android-kill-switch-destroys-a-batch-of-malicious/]</ref>
The Google Play store app (formerly "Google Market") is the most popular way to install new applications on Android. Some of these uploaded applications have been [[spyware]].<ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/20110228/tc_pcworld/moremobilespywarehitsandroid_1]</ref> In response to apps like this, Google has enabled the "killswitch", which allows Google Play to uninstall, or even install programs on the user's device, to fix the offending apps. While many have applauded this as a good anti-malware procedure, many have also expressed concern over Google's ability to install and remove software on all phones through the Google Play system.<ref>[http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/06/google-flips-android-kill-switch-destroys-a-batch-of-malicious/]</ref>
More vulnerabilities have been found in the Google Play system, which allowed installing software simply by clicking a malicious link. According to Chief Technology Officer Kevin Mahaffey, "When the malware gets on your phone it basically issues a blank check for additional apps to be downloaded"<ref>http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-20040246-245.html</ref>
Other vulnerabilities have been found to exist from time to time. One recent issue was called Quadrooter which was discovered in August 2016, which proved a serious security threat to hundreds of millions of devices.<ref>https://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/08/a-new-flaw-shows-android-security-is-still-a-patchwork-mess.html</ref>
Other vulnerabilities have been found to exist from time to time, such as an issue called Quadrooter which was discovered in August 2016, which proved a serious security threat to hundreds of millions of devices.<ref>https://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/08/a-new-flaw-shows-android-security-is-still-a-patchwork-mess.html</ref>
==Versions==
==Versions==
*Android 8.0 (Oreo)
*Android 8.0 (Oreo)
*Android 9.0 (Pie)
*Android 9.0 (Pie)
*Android 10
==See also==
==See also==
* [[iPhone]]-[[iPad]] with [[iOS]]
* [[Blackberry (phone)]]
* [[Google]]
* [[Google]]
* [[Tails operating system]] and [[Tor browser]]
* [[Tails operating system]] and [[Tor browser]]
* [[Linux]]
* [[Linux]]
* [[Ubuntu]]
* [[Ubuntu]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.htc.com HTC Homepage]
*[http://www.htc.com HTC Homepage]
[[Category:Google]]
[[Category:Google]]
[[Category:Mobile Operating Systems]]
[[Category:Mobile Operating Systems]]
[[Category:Open Source]]
[[Category:Open Source]]