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