How Android Tablets Function

Not long ago, it was uncommon to see a tablet computer in the hands of a consumer. Holding a flat screen with a touch interface felt almost futuristic, like something from 'Star Trek.' However, it wasn't until Apple unveiled the iPad in 2010 that tablets became more than just a passing novelty.

Following Apple's massive success in the tablet space, Google quickly entered the race. A few months after the release of the iPhone, Google introduced the Android operating system. Although Android was originally designed for smartphones, Google refined and expanded it. In 2011, they launched Honeycomb (Android 3.0), a version tailored for tablet devices.

Tablets occupy a unique space between smartphones and personal computers. They typically have faster processors than smartphones, though they don't quite match the power of most personal computers. With tablets, you can enjoy videos, music, web browsing, e-books, games, and apps. Numerous companies are dedicating themselves to creating apps, services, and content tailored for tablet use. It's clear that tablets are reshaping the future of content creation.

In this article, we will explore Android tablets and how they work. We will also provide tips on selecting the right Android tablet. To begin, let's delve into what exactly an Android tablet is.

What is an Android Tablet?

When it comes to the tablet market, there are two dominant design philosophies. On one side, we have the Apple iPad. Apple takes full control over the iPad's design, from the user interface (UI) to the hardware itself. Every design aspect is dictated by Apple. On the other side are Android tablets, where Google provides the Android operating system (OS), but various manufacturers produce the hardware. These hardware makers can even modify the UI without changing the functionality of the OS. If you compare two iPad 2 devices, they will look and function identically. However, pick two Android tablets, and you'll likely notice significant differences. Google doesn't impose any size, weight, or screen specifications on Android tablets.

Which design philosophy is better? That depends on your personal preferences. If you appreciate sleek, cohesive design and an operating system that works in a straightforward and predictable manner, the Apple iPad may be the right choice for you. However, if you enjoy the freedom to customize settings and make adjustments, the Android approach might be a better fit. Ultimately, both types of tablets allow you to perform similar tasks while on the go.

Another challenge in defining an Android tablet is that the Android operating system is used on a wide variety of devices from different manufacturers. Some of these devices run older versions of Android that are not optimized for tablet use. These devices may still rely on Android versions prior to 3.0, meaning they are essentially smartphone operating systems being used on tablet devices.

When Google introduced Android 3.0, manufacturers like Motorola Mobility began producing tablets specifically designed for this optimized operating system. This update was tailored with tablets in mind, offering features and options not available on older tablet versions.

A device's value is largely determined by the apps it can support. While Android users might not have access to as many apps as iOS users—at the time of writing, the Apple App Store offers over 90,000 apps for the iPad and more than 400,000 for iOS in general [source: Apple]—Apple restricts iPad owners to purchasing apps only from the official App Store. In contrast, Android owners have the flexibility to install any app designed for Android, whether it's found in the Android Market or another source. Although you may need to adjust your device's settings to accept apps from third-party sources, the choice is there. However, be cautious, as downloading apps from unofficial sources could expose your device to malware.

In simple terms, an Android tablet is a touchscreen mobile device running a version of the Android operating system. While it's not a smartphone, with the appropriate software and hardware, it may allow you to make calls over Wi-Fi networks.

Next, we'll take a closer look at the Android operating system to understand what makes it work.

Features and Specifications of Android Tablets

With the wide range of Android tablets available, summarizing their specifications can be challenging. Essentially, Android tablets are specialized computers. Most tablets generally include the following hardware components:

Some Android tablets may feature additional components or lack certain ones listed above.

Every Android tablet runs on a version of Google's mobile operating system. Most modern Android tablets are equipped with Honeycomb, or Android 3.0. However, older models may still be using operating systems that were initially intended for smartphones. A few even run Android 1.5, known as Cupcake, which puts them in the 'tablet dark ages.' Tablets with older versions of the operating system might not be able to support some Android apps. As the Android build ages, the number of apps a tablet can run without issues decreases. Many tablets use versions of Android between Cupcake and Honeycomb.

All versions of Android share a common foundation. You can think of the Android operating system as having multiple layers, which computer engineers refer to as a software stack. The upper layers are what users interact with, while the lower layers interface directly with the device's hardware.

At the base of Android's software stack is the hardware—the physical components that make up the tablet, such as processors, sensors, wires, and circuit boards. Sitting above this layer is the kernel, sometimes called firmware. This software controls, manages, and allocates the device's hardware resources, ensuring the device performs tasks as expected. Google's Android kernel is modeled after Linux 2.6, an open-source operating system.

Above the kernel are Android's libraries. These libraries consist of instructions that the device follows when handling different types of data. For instance, the three-dimensional acceleration library contains all the instructions needed for the device to interpret and respond to changes in its orientation and movement. Right next to the Android libraries, you'll find core libraries that support Java applications. Java is a programming language developed by Sun Microsystems.

Also alongside the libraries is the Android virtual machine, a software layer that creates a virtual operating environment. It functions as though it were a physical device with its own operating system. This design allows each Android app to run as a separate process. If one app crashes, it won’t affect the others. The virtual machine also manages the device's memory.

The next layer in the Android system is the application framework. This serves as the core structure for all apps running on your Android device. Acting as an intermediary between Android apps and the rest of the operating system, the application framework allows apps to function seamlessly. Google has established guidelines for developers to interact with this layer through the Android API. By following these rules, developers don’t need to concern themselves with the specific hardware details of each Android device.

At the topmost layer, you’ll find the user interface along with all the apps installed on your Android tablet. This is the portion of the operating system that users directly interact with. Beneath the surface of vibrant animations and user-friendly interactions, however, lies a complex web of code.

Now, let’s explore some important considerations when it comes to purchasing an Android tablet.

How to Choose an Android Tablet

Before purchasing an Android tablet, take some time to ask yourself a few key questions. Are you ready for a device that comes with a learning curve? Navigating through an Android device can be a bit of a learning process. While other operating systems may feel more intuitive at first, an Android device offers greater flexibility.

Another important consideration is your budget. With a wide variety of Android tablets available from numerous manufacturers, prices can vary significantly compared to Apple's iPad lineup. However, remember the saying 'you get what you pay for'—cheaper tablets might be made with lower-quality materials and might feature older versions of the Android operating system.

It's crucial to conduct thorough research. If you want a tablet that can run the latest apps and fully take advantage of Android's features, focus on models with the most up-to-date version of the Android operating system. Older tablets may not support newer operating system versions, which could limit your app options.

Don’t overlook reviewing the tablet's hardware. Not all Android tablets are created equal. For instance, if you need a tablet that supports video calls, ensure it includes a front-facing camera. If you plan to store lots of content such as movies, music, and apps, a tablet with expandable storage, like an SD-card slot, may be important. Will you be using the tablet while traveling? In that case, consider one with a cellular antenna, so you can connect to the internet even when there’s no Wi-Fi available. Keep in mind that you might need to sign up for a cellular service plan to access this feature.

Android tablets are available in various sizes and designs. Consider which form factor best suits your lifestyle. Do you want something compact enough to fit in a large pocket or small bag, or would you prefer a larger screen? If you'll be using your tablet primarily for watching videos, a bigger screen may be a better fit for you.

Be sure to check product reviews before making your final decision. Reviews can highlight any issues with the hardware's design or functionality. They may also provide valuable insights into how you'd personally use the tablet. It's wise to gather reviews from multiple sources, no matter which product you're thinking of buying.

The great news is that there are so many Android tablets available that one will surely meet your needs. The key is figuring out what exactly those needs are before you go shopping.