Who actually owns the Android platform?

The Android operating system was developed by Google (GOOGL​) for use in all of its touchscreen devices, tablets, and cell phones. This operating system was first developed by Android, Inc., a software company located in Silicon Valley before it was acquired by Google in 2005.

Who owns the Android platform if its not owned by Google?

So we can say that everybody and nobody owns an Android. The Android operating system was first developed by a software company named Android Inc., which was based in Silicon Valley before being acquired by Google in 2005.

Do phone manufacturers pay Google for Android?

The Android mobile operating system is free for consumers and for manufacturers to install, but manufacturers need a licence to install Gmail, Google Maps and the Google Play store – collectively called Google Mobile Services (GMS). Manufacturers can be refused a licence if they do not meet Google’s requirements.

What is Android open source?

Open-source software is software that makes the source code freely available, for anyone to see and use. This means manufacturers like HTC, Samsung, Motorola and the rest must release the kernel source-code for any devices they sell at the same time they begin selling them.

Why was Android made open source?

The Android Open Source Project (AOSP) was created to make sure there would always be a open source platform available to innovate the app market. As they have stated “the most important goal is to make sure that Android Software is implemented as widely and compatible as possible, for everyone’s benefit”.

What part of Android is open source?

Android is based on the Linux kernel, and like that complex piece of code, most parts are open-source with a few binary blobs included to make things work with specific hardware. The core Android platform, known as the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), is available for anyone to do what they wish.

Is Samsung owned by Android?

It’s Official: Samsung Owns Android | The Motley Fool.

Is Android made by Microsoft?

Microsoft is making its own Android phone. Now, to be fair, Microsoft’s basically been building its own ecosystem within Android for a while already: After years of providing only sparse, subpar versions of its programs for Android, the MS crew started taking Android seriously a few years back.

Who made Android open-source?

Yes, It Is (Technically) Android has open-source roots. The project began under Android, Inc. in 2005, which Google bought two years later. That same year, Google and several other companies formed the Open Handset Alliance, with Android being the primary building block of this consortium.