Android: Difference between revisions
Cargo Table for Project Cargo-complete has been added, PNG logo has been changed to SVG logo, and an incident paragraph has been moved for ordered chronology. |
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| | |ArticleType= Product | ||
| | |Category= Software | ||
| | |Company= Google | ||
| | |Description= Android is the world's most widely used mobile operating system, with over 3.5 billion active users. Android devices collect extensive user data, often without clear opt-out options. Google's Android System SafetyCore was installed silently on all devices in 2025. Many manufacturers lock bootloaders, making it difficult for users to modify their software. Starting in 2026, third-party apps will face restrictions in several regions. Google's Chromecast protocol limits casting to Google-signed receivers. Google delayed the AOSP 16 QPR1 update without explanation. | ||
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|InProduction= Yes | |||
|Logo= Android Logo.svg | |||
|ReleaseYear= 2008 | |||
|Website= https://android.com/ | |||
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[[wikipedia:Android_(operating_system)|'''Android''']] is an operating system which started in 2003, got acquired by '''[[Google]]''' in 2005<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elgin |first=Ben |date=2005-08-17 |title=Google Buys Android for Its Mobile Arsenal |url=http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/aug2005/tc20050817_0949_tc024.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110227182929/http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/aug2005/tc20050817_0949_tc024.htm |archive-date=2011-02-27 |access-date=2025-07-12 |website=Bloomberg Businessweek}}</ref>, and made its first official release (Android 1.0) in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-09-23 |title=Announcing the Android 1.0 SDK, release 1 |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2008/09/announcing-android-10-sdk-release-1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/tW5WL |archive-date=2025-07-12 |access-date=2025-07-12 |website=Android Developers Blog}}</ref> It is based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software, designed primarily for touchscreen-based mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, but is also used in smart TVs, cameras, in-car infotainment systems, etc.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025 |title=Why Android? |url=https://www.android.com/why-android/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/DZ17U |archive-date=2025-07-12 |access-date=2025-07-12 |website=Android}}</ref> | [[wikipedia:Android_(operating_system)|'''Android''']] is an operating system which started in 2003, got acquired by '''[[Google]]''' in 2005<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elgin |first=Ben |date=2005-08-17 |title=Google Buys Android for Its Mobile Arsenal |url=http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/aug2005/tc20050817_0949_tc024.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110227182929/http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/aug2005/tc20050817_0949_tc024.htm |archive-date=2011-02-27 |access-date=2025-07-12 |website=Bloomberg Businessweek}}</ref>, and made its first official release (Android 1.0) in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-09-23 |title=Announcing the Android 1.0 SDK, release 1 |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2008/09/announcing-android-10-sdk-release-1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/tW5WL |archive-date=2025-07-12 |access-date=2025-07-12 |website=Android Developers Blog}}</ref> It is based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software, designed primarily for touchscreen-based mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, but is also used in smart TVs, cameras, in-car infotainment systems, etc.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025 |title=Why Android? |url=https://www.android.com/why-android/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/DZ17U |archive-date=2025-07-12 |access-date=2025-07-12 |website=Android}}</ref> | ||
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==Incidents== | ==Incidents== | ||
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents related to this software. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{PAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]]. | This is a list of all consumer protection incidents related to this software. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{PAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]]. | ||
===Blocking third-party programs (2026-2027)=== | |||
{{Main|Google blocking sideloading of unverified Android apps}} | |||
Starting at September 2026, third-party apps will no longer be able to install on a unmodified Android in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand without "verified identities"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whitwam |first=Ryan |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Google will block sideloading of unverified Android apps starting next year |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/08/google-will-block-sideloading-of-unverified-android-apps-starting-next-year/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250826032858/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/08/google-will-block-sideloading-of-unverified-android-apps-starting-next-year/ |archive-date=26 Aug 2025 |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=ArsTechnica}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Google's plan to end sideloading on Android |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/googles-plan-to-end-sideloading-on-android.4756353/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250826161809/https://xdaforums.com/t/googles-plan-to-end-sideloading-on-android.4756353/ |archive-date=26 Aug 2025 |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=XdaForums}}</ref>. The affected regions will expand globally in 2027. Devices without Google Mobile Service (GMS) or running a third-party ROM won't be affected. However it's hard for users to bypass/spoof [[Google Play Integrity API|Google Play Integrity]] to hide their ROM or root status to use utility apps such as most of banking apps<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 Apr 2022 |title=[Discussion] The root-and-mod-hiding/fingerprint-spoofing/keybox-stealing cat-and-mouse game |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/discussion-the-root-and-mod-hiding-fingerprint-spoofing-keybox-stealing-cat-and-mouse-game.4425939/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250823095950/https://xdaforums.com/t/discussion-the-root-and-mod-hiding-fingerprint-spoofing-keybox-stealing-cat-and-mouse-game.4425939/ |archive-date=23 Aug 2025 |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=XdaForums}}</ref>. | |||
===Data collection=== | ===Data collection=== | ||
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{{Main|Motorola}} | {{Main|Motorola}} | ||
In North America, many Android devices like phones or tablets will not allow consumers to unlock and do what they want to modify the software. Therefore, it has been incredibly difficult and nearly impossible to root and install custom ROMs on the device unless an exploit has been found. Some OEMs like Samsung are now completely blocking bootloader unlocking on their phones regardless of region. | In North America, many Android devices like phones or tablets will not allow consumers to unlock and do what they want to modify the software. Therefore, it has been incredibly difficult and nearly impossible to root and install custom ROMs on the device unless an exploit has been found. Some OEMs like Samsung are now completely blocking bootloader unlocking on their phones regardless of region. | ||
===Android Cast restricted to Google -signed receivers=== | ===Android Cast restricted to Google -signed receivers=== | ||