And just what is Android??

As we all know, technology has truly changed the way we communicate, work and live. With the changes in technology also comes variety.  Which phone should I buy? Which tablet? The selections are immense.  Android is a Linux based software platform engineered by Google for mobile devices.  Android is a major competitor for Apple's iphone and IOS mobile operating system.  Android software is available for handsets and tablets.  Android based handsets come in a variety of prices and sizes offering flexibility for the consumer.  With the collaboration of Google, there are a variety of Google apps and Google benefits for Android users.  Google Play is considered the market whereas applications can be downloaded to the device. 

 There are over 800,000 Android applications with over 650,000 of those applications being free to download.  Google Maps, Google Chrome and Gmail are other major Google integrated applications.  With use of an Android device, pictures and contacts are automatically backed up through Google.  As of 2013, consumer reports rank the iphone 5 below Android devices.  However, it is based off of preference as to which platform you choose. 










http://www.android.com/about/
http://www.tuaw.com/2013/01/07/consumer-reports-ranks-iphone-5-below-several-android-phones/

Customize! Customize! Customize

The best component of Android, to me, is the flexibility in customization.  You can make your device the way you want it.  There are options to add widgets to your home screen.  A widget displays important application information on your home screen.  For example you can place a weather widget on your home screen which will always reflect the current weather in your location of preference. You can add live wallpapers or regular wallpapers of your choosing.  You can add applications and widgets depending upon what is most important to you.  I am a productivity/information type of girl so I have news and weather widgets as well as TV Guide apps, to name a few, on my device because those things interest me the most.  Are you a space enthusiast?  There is a live wallpaper called Earth Live Wallpaper, which shows live views of earth via satellite on your phone!  I was also able to find an application called Planet Finder which serves as a planet compass and displays exactly where the planets are located around you, meaning based on your current location. 

Earth Live Wallpaper

A few of the Best Apps

Take a look at some of the best Android apps in the market.  There are over 800,000 apps available for download in the Android PlayStore Market.  With this large volume, there is an extreme variety to choose from.  The variety available include games, productivity apps, as well as customization apps and widgets.

Download a game to enjoy while waiting in the doctor's office.  The great thing about Android is that there is never a dull moment.  The most recent game that has taken over the world is Candy Crush. 

To Root or Not To Root

Rooting refers to allowing users of Android devices to have control of their Android's subsystem.  This control allows the user to alter or overcome barriers on their device. You become the administrator of your device once rooted.  For example, all Android devices come with pre-installed applications.  You have no control over the application and whether you like it or not it is there.  This means that you also do not have the control to delete the application.  However, by rooting your device, control is given to you to delete those unwanted, unused pre-installed applications. 

There are some applications that are only available for rooted devices, so you get privilege of adding
those applications.  Let's suppose you have an older Android device and do not have the current updated software 4.3 Jellybean, well as the administrator you have the option to add this new software at your leisure.  Otherwise, you would have to wait for your handset's manufacturer to release the update via and OTA (over the air) message which could take a year or more!!!

Now that the rooting rainbow has been painted, it is important to understand the cons of doing such.  There is the possibility that you can cause your device to become non functional (brick your device).  And, it is important to understand that once your device has been rooted, it's warranty has been voided. 

As Spiderman's Uncle Ben said, "With great power comes great responsibility".  The freedom is there but please be careful!! As I continue to reiterate, Android allows you the freedom to make your device truly yours, so have fun with it!

Troubleshooting

We have all become frustrated withe our devices at times.  The great thing is that the majority of our issues are minor and easy fixes.  Freezing can happen from time to time as well as the phone starting to malfunction.  The questions to ask yourself are:
                                                           1. How long has this problem been going on?

                                                           2. Did this problem occur after a recent application install?

                                                           3. Have I dropped my phone and caused any damage?

                                                           4. Is there a software update available for this issue?

Keep in mind that Android has an open market.  An open market gives any access to create applications and to allow the applications to be installed on their device.  There is a chance that the application can be corrupt and cause a domino of malfunctions on your device. In this case, a simple uninstall will fix the issue.  I have had over 8 different Android handsets and 3 different tablets, and luckily, this has happened maybe once to me.  Obviously dropping your phone can cause issues and you should keep in mind that we use our phones so much more than we did 10 years ago meaning that wear and tear and drops are common.  Protect your handset with casings and be cautious. Hey, if you love it then take care of it!!!  Keep in mind that OTA (over the air) updates are pushed to devices by the manufacturers to fix common issues that have arisen.  Checking your system information for available updates is a frequent must.  Ninety percent of the time, a simple reboot can make your troubles disappear!!  Our devices run various processes at all times and a reboot can help tremendously.  If you are like me, you browse the internet constantly.  So, just today, I had to clear my cache and browser history to provide more space on my device.  Minimal available space can frequently contribute to browser issues.  Below is a troubleshooting chart just in case you need it, but you shouldn't because Android is just so darn awesome!!!!