Week 10 - Operating Systems Used on Mobile Devices

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A mobile operating system (OS) is just like that of a PC, but can only be used on a mobile device.  It's software that is in use with mobile devices (tablets, cell phones, wearable technology) that allow it to run applications and other programs.  OS on mobile devices are usually only operable on specific hardware, i.e iPhone runs on iOS and a Google Pixel runs on Android.

The following list is different OS's that are currently in use for mobile phones:

• Android (Google)
• iOS (Apple)
• Bada (Samsung)
• Blackberry OS (Research in Motion)
• Windows OS (Microsoft)
• Symbian OS (Nokia)
• Tizen (Samsung)

 This list is a little misleading; Samsung actually runs on Android OS and Tizen is an OS that is currently being used on Samsung Z Phones, smartwatches, cameras, and other Samsung smart devices like refrigerators.  Bada was discontinued in 2013 when it was merged with the Tizen project. 

Most cell manufacturers use either iOS or Android, with Android taking the lead due to the market being flooded with a variety of manufactures including HTC, LG, Motorola, Samsung, and more.  iOS can only be used with Apple products. 

The best OS depends on the user and what they will be using it with.  If you have an Apple watch, then you will probably want other Apple products so that they are more compatible than trying to get an Android watch to work with iPhone.  There may be some functionality, but not all will work.  iOS tends to be more user-friendly but Android is more adaptable across the many hardware options. 

Apps tend to be built according to OS but can be developed for both.  You will lose functionality to some things by programming in this way.  It's better to build in both languages so that it can use all functionality.  








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