Introduction to Android

What is Android?

• An operating system, similar to how PCs use Microsoft to operate

• Maintained by Google but other developer may modify or create applications / tools

• Multiple versions for smartphones and tablets• Variations by manufacturer (Samsung, Motorola, HTC, etc.)

and device (smartphone, table, etc.)

• Regular and automatic updates

Versions

Versions have a confectionary names and a number:• Cupcake (1.5)• Donut (1.6)• Eclair (2.0–2.1)• Froyo (2.2–2.2.3)• Gingerbread (2.3–2.3.7)• Honeycomb (3.0–3.2.6)• Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0-4.0.4)• Jelly Bean (4.1-4.3.1)• KitKat (4.4–4.4.4, 4.4W–4.4W.2)• Lollipop (5.0-5.1.1)

For reference only: you don’t need to memorize these.

To check your version: • Menu• System Settings• About Phone• Version will be listed

Standard Features

• Smartphone: phone dialer, text messaging client and phone number storage.

• Camera, video recording, photo gallery • Standard apps such as Gmail email client,

Google Maps, Google Play, Music player, and YouTube.

• Room for customization and preferences

Home Screen Will differ by model but share features such as Clock, Phone, Messaging, Internet, and Play Store.

Think of this as similar to your PC or home desktop.

Apps

• Apps are programs to tap open and run. • Google Play, is the store to find applications,

music, books, and more• Similar to iTUNES for Apple• Some apps are free and some have a fee– Tip: gift cards are available at major retailers if you

do not want to use a credit card

Phone Calls • New number: tap the telephone icon, enter

the number, tap the telephone icon• Call log: shows recent calls • To phone a contacts: use search (magnifier)

Receive a call• If the number is in your contacts the name,

and possibly the photo, will appear. • If a new number you want to save, use “add to

contacts”

Play Store

Enter store from icon or search. Select a category or do a general search

Google Play Apps will be listed as either “Free” or with a dollar amount. You will not be charged without a verification.

Hint: Redeem a gift card here if you want to make a purchase without a credit card.

Google Play

Widgets

• Small programs that live on your home screen to perform a task (music, wifi on/off)or show information (clock, weather)

• Instant information and updates regularly to show you information (current time/weather)

Camera

• Your device can be used as a camera, a videocamera, or for video chats.

• The Gallery stores the photos.

Share a photo

• Open the gallery and select the photo(s)• Select the “share” icon and options appear

Connectivity

• Data plan v Wifi

Using the Internet

Email