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Operating systems
Android
A short explanation of Android in our glossary
Android is the mobile operating system developed by Google and the Open Handset Alliance (OHA). The OHA is an association of more than 30 hardware, software and telecommunications companies, such as HTC, Samsung and Intel.
Unlike Apple's iOS, Android is an open system. This means that device manufacturers can use Android without having to pay licence fees to Google. As a result, Android comes pre-installed on more than 80% of all new mobile devices. These include devices from Samsung, Sony, HTC, Motorola, LG and many others.