What is a Mobile Operating System | Explain Mobile OS Types

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We use smartphones and tablets to do many things, like talking on the phone, taking pictures, using the internet, and connecting with friends online. These devices can even help us make movies! All this is possible because of special software called a mobile operating system. In other words, it’s the brain of the device, telling it what to do. Let’s learn more about it.

Understanding Mobile Operating System

As discussed above, a mobile operating system is like the boss of your smartphone or tablet. It tells the device what to do and how to work with all your apps. In short, it’s the bridge between the hardware (the phone’s parts) and the software (the apps). When you turn on your device, the operating system shows you a screen with icons that let you open apps. It also helps you connect to the internet and make calls. 

Millions of people around the world use these operating systems on phones, tablets, and even smartwatches. They offer multiple advanced features, like calling, texting, using the internet, and downloading apps. In addition, these operating systems make it easy to do all sorts of things on your device, from checking your email to playing games. They also help you stay connected with friends and family, no matter where you are.

History of Mobile Operating System

The world of mobile phones has come a long way! Before the 1990s, phones used built-in systems to operate. Then came a wave of innovation:

• In the 1990s, we saw the first smartphones with features like email and touchscreens (Newton and Simon). Operating systems like PenPoint OS and Palm OS emerged to control these devices.
• The early 2000s brought us even more options, including Symbian (used by Nokia), Windows Mobile (early smartphones from Microsoft), and BlackBerry with its unique focus on email.
• By the late 2000s, things started to take off. Apple's iPhone with iOS (originally called iPhone OS) introduced a new way to interact with phones through a touchscreen interface.
• Android, another popular operating system based on Linux, also debuted around this time. Now, it is adopted by numerous phone manufacturers, including Samsung and Google.

Over the past decade, even more options have appeared, like Tizen (used by Samsung) and webOS (used by HP for a short time).  Some, like Windows Mobile and BlackBerry OS, have faded away.

Today, iOS and Android dominate the mobile OS market. Moreover, they offer a wide range of features, from making calls and texting to using the internet and downloading apps. Furthermore, this lets us do all sorts of things on our phones, from staying connected with friends to playing games.

Types of Mobile Operating Systems

There are many mobile operating systems, but the most popular ones are iOS (used by Apple) and Android (created by Google). Moreover, these two have different ways of working and feel different to use.

Apple only sells devices that use iOS, and they control what apps and services can be used on these devices. However, they made iOS for their unique software called XNU kernel. They also have other operating systems, like watchOS for the Apple Watch and iPadOS for iPads.

Google’s Android is different. It’s open source, meaning other companies can change it to fit their devices. Android uses the Linux kernel. Because it’s open source and popular, it’s used in many things besides phones, like kiosks, machines, and TV operating systems.

There are other mobile operating systems, but they’re not as widely used as iOS and Android. Some examples are KaiOS, Sailfish OS, and Huawei’s HarmonyOS. Some older phone operating systems are no longer supported. These include BlackBerry 10, Nokia’s Symbian, LG webOS (formerly Palm webOS and HP webOS), and Microsoft’s Windows Phone OS.

Features of Mobile Operating Systems

As we know mobile operating systems are the brains of your smartphone or tablet. They help you do numerous things, and one of the coolest things they can do is connect to the internet using your phone's built-in modem. However, this is different from computers, which usually need Wi-Fi or a cable to go online.

With a mobile operating system, you can use a web browser to visit websites and search for information. You can also download apps from app stores to do even more things. Many phones also have built-in GPS, which helps you find places and get directions.

Other useful features in mobile operating systems include:

• Email apps to check your work and personal emails.
• A calendar to keep track of your schedule.
• A contacts list to save and find phone numbers and addresses.
• Security features to protect your data, especially if you use your phone for work.
• Customizable home screens and app stores.
• Cloud storage to save your files online.
• Advanced security options for businesses.
• Support for multiple email accounts.
• Multimedia features like music and video players.
• Messaging and collaboration tools.

Each mobile operating system has its unique features, so you can choose one that best suits your needs.

Mobile Operating System Advantages and Disadvantages

First, we would like to highlight the advantages of the Android operating system and then go with the disadvantages. To understand the concept, read more. 

Advantages

• Smartphones are designed to be user-friendly, meaning they're easy to learn and use. Unlike computers, most people can figure out how to use smartphones without needing special training.
• They're also lightweight and use less power than computers, which is important for small devices. In short, they can run for longer on a single charge.
• You can customize your smartphone to make it just the way you like it. You can change the wallpaper, rearrange icons, and download different themes. The operating system will automatically update itself to keep your phone running smoothly and safely. This ensures you have the latest features and security fixes.
• There are tons of apps you can download to do almost anything you want. You can find apps for games, work, entertainment, and more. Whether you need a productivity app, a social media app, or a game, you're likely to find it in the app store.
• Smartphones have security features like passwords and biometrics (like fingerprint or face recognition) to keep your phone safe. If your phone is ever lost or stolen, you can use tracking apps to find it. Some tracking apps can even lock your phone remotely or erase your data to protect your personal information.

Disadvantages

• Specific Hardware: Many smartphone operating systems work only with certain types of phones. For example, iOS only works on Apple devices.
• Limited Upgrades: You can only get updates for your operating system from the company that made it. In short, you can’t get updates from other places.
• Hardware Upgrades: If you want to use new technology, you often need to buy a new phone. For example, if you desire to use 5G Technology, you may need a new 5G phone.
• Security Risks: Smartphones can be vulnerable to hackers. Many users don’t understand how to protect their phones from attacks.
• Limited Battery Life: Phone batteries don’t last forever. As a result, this can limit what you can do on your phone.

Concluding Thoughts

Mobile operating systems have come a long way, making our lives easier. There are two main options: Android and iOS. Which one is best depends on your personal preferences. In addition, we’ve mentioned the history of the same. You can also check it out. No matter which you choose, you can get the most out of it with great services and the new 5G technology.

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