Android’s open platform helps people around the globe enjoy greater access to more information and opportunity than ever before.
See how Android makes a difference
The Android platform enables device makers to compete and innovate. App developers can reach huge audiences and build strong businesses. Consumers now have unprecedented choice in devices, at ever-lower prices.
Hiroshi Lockheimer, SVP, Android, Chrome OS & Play
- Technology
- Choice
- Impact
- Access
- Facts
- History
More technology for more people in more places
Anyone can download, customize, and distribute the Android source code at no cost. This lets manufacturers build mobile devices at lower costs, giving people around the globe access to mobile technology that was previously out of reach.
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The freedom to choose
Android’s open-source model encourages innovation by giving device makers the freedom to customize their phones and the Android OS, as well as preinstall any apps they choose. So consumers get more choices when it comes to devices and apps.
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24K + distinct devices
There are now nearly 1,300 brands that have produced over 24,000 distinct Android devicesOpenSignal - Android Fragmentation Visualized - August 2015.
1M + apps
Google Play offers over 1 million apps for Android devices from developers all over the world. Users also have the ability to find apps and games across dozens of other app stores.
0 Google apps required
Manufacturers can use Android without having to install Google apps.
A catalyst for economic growth
By 2020, the mobile ecosystem is expected to employ some 15 million people globallyGSMA - Global Mobile Economy Report - 2015 (page 3). Android will fuel this progress by helping developers and manufacturers create even more jobs around the world.
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1.2 million European jobs generated
The Android platform has generated over 1.2 million jobs in Europe alonePPI - App Economy Jobs In Europe - January 2016.
$ 3 trillion added to global GDP
The mobile economy contributes over $3 trillion to global GDP across 236 countriesGSMA - Global Mobile Economy Report - 2015 (page 2).
Powering universal access to information
Whether by producing affordable devices for emerging markets, or providing access to thousands of educational and health apps, Android helps more people access information and opportunity than any other mobile platform.
See how Android makes a difference
Get the facts
Discover how Android brings accessibility, opportunity, and competition to the mobile market.
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Android fact #01
By being an open-source platform, Android’s source code is available for anyone to view, download, modify, enhance, and redistribute without requiring any sort of fees, royalties, or other costs. This is the opposite of closed source/proprietary software which never makes its source code public and strictly prohibits any modification.
Android fact #04
No one is required to pre-install Google’s suite of proprietary apps to access, use, or distribute the Android operating system.
Android fact #07
Among 2016 flagship phones in the UK, Germany, and France, only 29% of pre-installed apps are from Google. The remaining 71% are from device makers, mobile operators, and other companies, like Facebook, Spotify, Box, and MicrosoftThe Digital Reader - How to Download and Install Apps from Google Play for Your Fire Tablet - October 2015.
Android fact #11
Device makers and mobile operators often preload other app stores onto their phones in addition to Google Play, such as Samsung’s Galaxy Apps store or Xiaomi’s MiMarket.
Android’s impact over the years
See how Android’s commitment to openness has helped the mobile industry flourish.
- A Brief History
- Growth in Choice
- 2006
- 2007
- 2008
- 2009
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
- 2014
- 2015
- 2016
Smartphone makers have few options
Manufacturers that want to build a smartphone have only two costly choices: pay to license an operating system or develop their own.
Android is established as an open-source platform
Google helps form the Open Handset Alliance and establishes Android as an open-source platform that anybody can download, modify, and install on any mobile device for free of charge.
Android Cupcake launches
Android is updated with the Cupcake release, which enables device makers like HTC and Samsung, as well as carriers like T-Mobile and Deutsche Telekom to begin customizing the look and feel of their phonesAndroid Central - Android's Early Days.
Alternative Android-based platforms emerge
CyanogenMod launches—it’s the first alternative Android-based operating system built using Android’s free of charge source code. Meanwhile, closed platforms still don't allow meaningful differentiationCyanogenmod - A new Chapter - September 2013.
Android diversifies the smartphone market
Google announces at a shareholder meeting that Android is being used on 34 mobile device types in 49 countries, giving smartphone users more devices to choose from than ever beforeITPRO - Google claims 65,000 Android phones shipping daily - May 2012.
Android goes tablet-friendly
Android launches Android 3.0 Honeycomb, a tablet-friendly design for the platform. Shortly after, Amazon launches the Kindle Fire tablet, which runs on the Android-based Fire OS. Subsequently, Amazon became the third largest tablet vendor worldwide in the first quarter of 2016IDC - Apple Beats Microsoft at Their Own Game While Amazon Primes the Low End of the Tablet Market, According to IDC - April 2016.
Google Play launches
Android Market is rebranded and relaunched as Google Play. Just like its predecessor, Google Play lets developers distribute their apps in a matter of hours, as opposed to closed platforms, which can take days to approve just one appThe App Maker Blog - How Long Does it Take for Your App to be Approved? - August 2014.
Facebook creates its own Android experience
Facebook launches Facebook Home, a customized launcher for Android based on Facebook apps. With this launcher, Facebook News Feed becomes the home screen experience for select Android devicesFacebook Newsroom - Introducing Home - April 2013.
Android moves beyond mobile devices
Audi, GM, Google, Honda, Hyundai and NVIDIA announce the Open Automotive Alliance (OAA) to help bring the Android platform to cars. More than 45 leading auto brands are now membersAndroid - Android.com.
Smartphones become more affordable than ever
Thanks to innovative manufacturers, sub-$50 Android devices become more availableTech in Asia - Smartphone Adoption in the Philippines - April 2014. Such affordable smartphones are still not available on closed platforms.
A decade of innovation leads to even more choices
As of today, nearly 1,300 brands have developed 24,000+ Android devicesOpenSignal - Android Fragmentation Visualized - August 2015 . Between 2015 and 2016, manufacturers have launched 600+ devicesGoogle - Google I/O 2016. Additionally, there are now dozens of global Android app stores and multiple regional app storesBusiness of Apps - The Ultimate App Store List - February 2015 .
Number of unique Android devices available worldwide
More innovation. More devices. More choice.
Android’s open-source platform has enabled manufacturers of all types and sizes to innovate and produce a wide range of Android devices. Over the last decade, the number of unique Android devices available worldwide has skyrocketed from just 38 in 2009 to over 20,000 in 2016.
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