Google's Android turns 10: Here are some interesting facts about Google Android’s history

Google Android has turned 10 years old on September 23, 2018, and here we take a look at some of the most interesting facts about Google Android's history.

It’s been 10 years since the world first saw a mobile phone which ran Google’s very own operating system, Android. A decade after, Google’s Android is the most used operating system in the world with almost 88 per cent smartphone users being on the Android OS. As Google’s Android turns 10, we take a look at some interesting facts about Google Android’s history.

For the unknown, Google’s Android was aimed at taking on Apple’s iOS which is still considered one of the most sought after operating systems. But over the years, Android has become the most used OS due to two reasons. First, Android was launched as an open platform and any smartphone maker could use this operating system, which isn’t the case with iOS. Secondly, while we see entry-level smartphones priced around Rs 3,000 coming out with Android support, iOS is exclusive to Apple devices.

You might have been an Android user for years now and would be aware of the ins and outs of the OS, however, there are still some interesting facts about Google Android’s history that will blow your mind. As Google's Android turns 10 this September 23, we present you some interesting facts for all Google Android fans.

Google's Android turns 10: Here are some interesting facts about Google Android’s history

1. Google did not create Android, the tech giant bought the company in 2005 which was looking for funding to survive.
2. Android OS was initially developed for digital cameras.
3. Google’s Android is based on an open source operating system named Linux.
4. Samsung had the opportunity to buy Android in the year 2004 but the South Korean giant didn’t see potential in the project.
5. When Android was unveiled in the year 2007, Nokia said, “we don’t see this as a threat”.
6. Apart from Android 1.0 and 1.1, every other Android version has been named after either sweet treats or desserts.
7. Google has positioned statues for each version of the Android OS outside its headquarters.
8. All Android versions are named in an alphabetical order.
9. Microsoft gets anything between $5 to $15 for every Android smartphone sold due to software patent rights.
10. Out of all the smartphone users, 88 per cent are using the Android operating system

The Android journey started with the T-Mobile G1 aka HTC Dream which ran Android 1.0 out of the box and went against Apple’s iPhone OS 2. Now, Android 9.0 Pie is ready for a global rollout and we have come a long way from that ugly HTC Dream smartphone.