Android has completely taken over the mobile market and each and every company is looking ahead with products developed with new enhanced techniques. The operating system is based on Linux and is based on JAVA language codes. Java codes provide Google enabled Java libraries which help in access and control of various mobile devices. Android was built to be truly open, which means that it can be extended to get incorporated with new features and technologies to keep pace with the market.

A developer can easily access the core functionality of the device such as camera, calls etc to make rich and compelling applications. Android was built from the ground up with the explicit goal to be the first open, complete, and free platform created specifically for mobile devices. The Android Open Handset alliance along with Google collaborated on enhancement work along with maintenance and development of Android. The open handset alliance, also abbreviated as OHA is a business alliance of 80 firms which develops open standards for various mobile devices. Some of the member firms include Google, HTC, Sony, Dell, Intel, Motorola, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, Samsung, LG, T-Mobile, Nvidia, and Wind River Systems.

Today, in every mobile software development firm, the operating system runs on wide range of devices such as smart phones, notebooks and tablets. The Android applications could be purchased or downloaded free from the Android marketplace. Android Market is the online software store developed by Google for Android devices. Also, Google allows independent application stores to operate for Android. The application ranges from games, widgets etc.

The first commercially available phone to run the Android operating system was the HTC Dream. The upcoming version of Android is Ice Cream Sandwich, which is said to be a combination of Gingerbread and Honeycomb into a cohesive whole. The applications for Android are mostly developed in Java language using Android Software Development Kit. Other tools are also available such as a Native Development Kit for applications or extensions in C or C++. Today, Android stands out as the market leader in smart phone. It has grabbed the market share of iPhone, Blackberry and Windows Phone.

Many companies today are providing customized software development services. These firms work on different mobile software development projects built using various mobile platforms in the market. With the help of Android, unique, diverse and customized set of applications are developed ranging from software used for gaming purpose, media related software and many more. Android development has brought a tremendous revolution in the smart phone industry. People are looking for companies that can provide cost-effective mobile application development services matching their business needs.

Some of the free software android applications can be listed as:

1. Android Privacy Guard (APG)
2. Exchange OWA
3. Linphone
4. Sipdroid
5. Twitli
6. Yaaic and many more

Android uses different applications for emulators like Twisty, Android Terminal Emulator and Scummvm. For entertainment, one can check out "Android's Fortune" and "SwallowCatcher" applications.