Chapter 16 - Supporting mobile operating systems

Android app creation

Google maintains the Android website at android.com where an app developer can download Android Studio, which includes Android SDK tools and an Android emulator, from developer.android.com. An SDK (Software Development Kit) is a group of tools that developers use to write apps. Android Studio is free and is released as open source. Most Android apps are written using the Java programming language. All the parts of an app are published as a package of files wrapped into one file with an .apk file extension using the APK (Android Application Package) package file format.

What does handoff on an iOS device do?

Handoff is also used to Sync Content. Handoff is another synchronization tool designed to connect devices that all use the same Apple ID Can start a task on one device and then pick up that task on another device.

What 3 things do you need when you first connect to a cellular network?

Information that might be used when a connection is first made: - IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) - a unique number that identifies each mobile phone or tablet device - IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) - a unique number that identifies a cellular subscription for a device or subscriber - ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier) - identifies the SIM card if the card is used

Is there a large variety of Windows phone apps currently available?

NO. - The availability of apps for Windows mobile devices is much more limited than what can be found for Android or ios. - The number of apps for Windows smart phones should increase soon, as Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 Mobile will be more compatible with both Android and ios apps. This means app developers will more easily be able to adapt their existing apps for posting in the Microsoft Store. - Additionally, like Android apps, Windows Phone apps can be obtained from third-party websites.

Cellular connection

Recall that a cellular network provided by a carrier (for example, AT&T or Verizon) is used for voice, text, and data communication. A cellular network uses GSM or CDMA for voice and another layer of technology for data transmissions. Options are 2G, EDGE (an earlier version of 3G), 3G, 4G, and 4G LTE. GSM and LTE require a SIM card installed in the device, and CDMA does not use a SIM card. (Although a CDMA and LTE carrier does require the SIM card for the LTE technology to work.) To make a cellular data connection, you must have a subscription with your carrier that includes a cellular data plan and then connect your device.

What are the names of the Android releases?

Releases of Android are named after desserts and include: - Froyo 20th May 2010 - Gingerbread 6th December 2010 - Honeycomb 22nd February 2011 - Ice Cream Sandwich 18th October 2011 - Jellybean 9th July 2012 - KitKat 31st October 2013 - Lollipop 12th November 2014 - Marshmallow 5th October 2015 - Nougat 2016

What are some trouble shooting tips for Android?

Some steps to try to resolve Android problems: - Force a reboot by pressing and holding the power button or by removing the battery - Uninstall and reinstall an app - Update Android - Use Safe Mode - Update the firmware - Use Recovery mode - Factory reset or hard reset using the Settings app Should be last resort (erases all data and settings)

Back up

Syncing emails contact, calendar, photos, etc., through online accounts servers as a useful backup App data, Wi-Fi passwords, and other settings can be backed up directly through the Android OS Go to Settings app, tap Backup & reset Make sure that Back up my data is checked Backup data is stored on Google's servers and is connected with your Google account

What OS does the windows phone use?

The Windows Phone operating system by Microsoft is more or less a simplified version of the Windows operating system designed for desktop computers, laptops, and tablets. Windows Phone and Windows version numbers correspond: Windows Phone 8.1 corresponds to Windows 8.1.

Wi-Fi Connection

Use Setting to turn on Wi-Fi On the Wi-Fi screen you can - view available Wi-Fi hotspots, - see which Wi-Fi network you are connected to, - turn Wi-Fi off and on, - and decide whether the device needs to ask before joining a network

What does VPN mean?

Virtual private network (VPN) connection

VPN Connection

- A mobile device can be configured to communicate securely over a VPN - To create a VPN connection, tap Settings, General, scroll down and tap VPN - Tap Add VPN Configuration - Follow directions to complete the connection

What is jail breaking?

- A process called jailbreaking allows users to download software from sources other than Apple on Apple devices (Similar to Rooting a device running Android) - Jailbreaking gives you root or administrative privileges to the operating system and the entire file system (all files and folders) and complete access to all commands and features. Note: This will void your warranty.

What is the main difference between Android and iOS?

- Android are open source, which means the source code for the operating system is available for free and anyone can modify and redistribute the source code. Open source software is typically developed as a community effort by many contributors. - iOS - Because Apple is the sole owner and distributor of iOS, this means because Apple is the sole developer and manufacturer, it can maintain strict standards on its products, which means iOS is extremely stable and bug free.

Android OS

- Android's launcher (GUID) supports windows, panes, 3d graphics - Connects to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular networks - Users can configure up to five custom software buttons Called Home touch buttons - Up to seven apps can be pinned to Favorites tray - Notifications provide alerts and related information about apps and social media

Trouble shooting cont...

- Apps not loading May be due to insufficient space - Uninstall unused apps and delete unnecessary files Slow performance May have too many apps open, try closing some - Short battery life Disable wireless connections and close apps when you're not using them May need to look into a replaceable battery - Dim display Use brightness slider to change brightness Make sure the Auto option is not selected so you have control over the screen's brightness level - Inaccurate touch screen response Remove the protective cover Check accessibility settings in the Settings app - Overheating Turn the screen off for a while and close unneeded apps - Unable to decrypt email May need to generate a new public key and private key and distribute new public key to those who send you encrypted email - System lockout Wait until timer counts down and try again If passcode or screen swipe doesn't work, enter your Google account and password associated with device Google offers many solutions Go to accounts.google.com and search for methods

Android apps

- Are sold or freely distributed from any source or vendor - Google Play is the official source for apps Called the Android marketplace - Most apps are written using Java using the Android software developer kit (SDK) - All part of an app are published as a package of files wrapped into one file with an .apk extension Android Application Package (APK) format

Android

- Based on Linux - Used on a variety of smart phones and tablets - Most popular OS for smart phones - Nearly 80 percent of the smart phones sold today use Android. Combining both smart phones and tablets, Android holds about 50 percent of the market.

Apple iOS

- Based on Mac OS X - Used on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch - Almost 20 percent of smart phones sold today are made by Apple and use iOS. About 40 percent of smart phones and tablets combined use iOS.

Windows phone interface

- Most Windows phones have three buttons below the screen - Start button accesses the Start screen - Windows phones rely primarily on the Start screen for accessing apps

Bluetooth Connection

- Use Settings to turn on Bluetooth - Two Bluetooth devices begin the pairing process - A Bluetooth PIN code might be required

Sync, Back Up and Restore Windows Mobile Devices

- Windows Phone automatically syncs contacts, calendars, and email with an online email account - Documents can be automatically synced through OneDrive

What is rooting?

- You can access the OS's Kernel at privileged control or root access can be gained from ROOTING the Android device (Similar to jailbreaking devices running the Apple iOS) - Gives you complete access to the file system, and all commands and features - To root a device: Download and use third-party software - For some manufacturers, rooting will void a warranty - Some carriers will refuse technical support for a rooted device

Apple iOS

- iOS is proprietary software from Apple based on Mac OS X - Only used by Apple devices iPhone iPad iPod touch - Apple is sole developer and can maintain strict standards on its products

What are some common iOS problems?

-Touch screen not responsive Clean the screen with a soft, damp cloth Don't use the touch screen when your hands are wet Remove any plastic sheet or film protecting screen -Dim display Open Control Center and adjust brightness - Weak cellular signal Use Wi-Fi to connect to the Internet - No sound or distorted sound from speakers Check volume setting and check to see if Bluetooth is on - Screen won't rotate Look in Control Center to ensure the orientation isn't locked Orientation Lock icon is a padlock symbol with an arrow circling around it - Bluetooth connectivity issues Delete all unknown devices - Wi-Fi connectivity issues Make sure access point and router are working Disconnect and then reconnect to the network - Overheating If device is too hot to touch safely, power off and replace the device Don't use device in direct sunlight for long periods of time - Location services not working in apps Check the Location Services settings - System lockout Wait until timer counts down on the screen and attempt to enter passcode again

What are the 3 main operating systems used on mobile devices?

1. Android OS by Google 2. iOS by Apple 3. Windows Phone (WP) by Microsoft

What are the advantages and disadvantages of open source?

Advantages - Apps can be purchased or downloaded from Google Play, but they can also be obtained from other sources such as Amazon.com or directly from a developer. Disadvantages - This freedom comes with a cost because users are not always assured of high-quality, bug-free apps, and developers are not always assured of a convenient market for their apps. - Because any smart phone or tablet manufacturer can modify the Android source code, many variations of Android exist this can make it difficult for developers to write apps that port to any Android platform. It can also make it difficult for users to learn to use new Android devices because of these inconsistencies.

What is AirDrop used for on iOS devices?

AirDrop is used to sync content. AirDrop is a feature (beginning with iOS 7) that can be used to easily transfer files between devices Uses Bluetooth to detect nearby compatible devices Creates a peer-to-peer network Use AirDrop and Handoff to Sync Content

What are the different types of networks iOS uses?

An iOS mobile device can contain up to four antennas 1. Wi-Fi 2. GPS 3. Bluetooth 4. Cellular The device uses a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular antenna to connect to each type of network, and settings on the device allow you to enable or disable each antenna.

Sync, Back Up and Restore Android

Android offers a number of options for these tasks 1. Automatically sync using online accounts: Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, Dropbox, LinkedIn etc. have sync functions 2. Use third-party syncing apps: for personal files such as pictures, music, and videos there are several sync apps - OneDrive will sync entire folders in the background - Dropbox only sync fires placed in the app's own folder Sync apps with your app source - Google Play allows apps to be updated automatically or manually

Where can you get Apple apps?

Apple is the sole distributer of iOS apps at its App Store. Other developers can write apps for the iPhone, iPad, or iPod, but these apps must be sent to Apple for their close scrutiny. If they pass muster, they are distributed by Apple on its website. One requirement is that an app be written in the Objective-C, C, or C++ programming language. Apple offers app development tools, including the iOS SDK (Software Development Kit) at developer.apple.com.

Troubleshoot Windows Mobile Devices

Before troubleshooting, back up your phone's data and then attempt the following options: - Power down and power up - Force a restart Press and hold the volume down button and the power button together for 10-15 seconds - Remove the battery May need to go to Settings and tap Date+time to reset the time - Update Windows Phone - Reset the phone Wipes all user data and settings off the phone Make sure you back up data and settings first - Force reset Use if phone is completely unresponsive Check manufacturer documentation for specific steps - Software Recovery Tool Some Windows phones can be reset and recovered using the Software Recovery Tool on your computer Check manufacturer documentation for information

Cellular connection 2

CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) - carriers are likely to require that a cellular device have a Removable User Identity Module (R-UIM) - A small card similar to a SIM card - Contains a database file called the PRL (Preferred Roaming List), which lists the preferred service providers or radio frequencies the carrier wants the device to use

Windows smart phones

Windows Phone (WP) by Microsoft (microsoft.com) is based on Windows and is used on various smart phones (not on tablets). Less than 3 percent of smart phones sold today use Windows Phone (Windows tablets use the 32-bit version of the same Windows operating system used on desktop and laptop systems.)

Where do you get windows apps from?

Windows apps are obtained through the Microsoft Store (microsoftstore.com).

Why would you turn off data roaming?

You can enable or disable Data Roaming and Cellular Data. Using data roaming might mean additional charges if you are in a different country, and disabling cellular data might save on carrier charges in certain situations.

Each mobile OS is a separate entity that offers various features, however one way of measuring popularity regarding each OS is the amount of Apps Available

iOS - App Store: Available Apps (2016): - 2 Million + Downloads to date (2016) - 2 Million + Android - Google Play: Available Apps (2016) - 2.2 Million + Downloads to date (2016) - 65 Billion WP - Windows Store: Available Apps (2016) - 669 Thousand + Downloads to date (2016) - 1.2 Billion