Handset layouts

The platform is adaptable to larger, VGA,2D graphics library, 3D graphics library based
on OpenGL ES 2.0 specifications, and traditional smartphone layouts.
Storage
SQLite, a lightweight relational database, is used for data storage purposes.
Connectivity
Android supports connectivity technologies including GSM/EDGE, IDEN,CDMA, EV-
DO, UMTS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE, NFC and WiMAX.
Messaging
SMS and MMS are available forms of messaging, including threaded text messaging and Android
Cloud To Device Messaging (C2DM) and now enhanced version of C2DM, Android Google Cloud
Messaging (GCM) is also a part of Android Push Messaging service.
Multiple language support
Android supports multiple languages.[4]
Web browser
The web browser available in Android is based on the open-source WebKitlayout engine, coupled
with Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine. The browser scores 100/100 on the Acid3 test on Android
4.0.
Java support
While most Android applications are written in Java, there is no Java Virtual Machine in the
platform and Java byte code is not executed. Java classes are compiled into Dalvik executables
and run on Dalvik, a specialized virtual machine designed specifically for Android and optimized
for battery-powered mobile devices with limited memory and CPU. J2ME support can be provided
via third-party applications.
Media support
Android supports the following audio/video/still media formats: WebM,H.263, H.264, AAC, HE-
AAC (in 3GP or MP4 container), MPEG-4 SP,AMR, AMR-WB (in 3GP
container), MP3, MIDI, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, WAV,JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, WebP.[3]
Streaming media support
RTP/RTSP streaming (3GPP PSS, ISMA), HTML progressive download (HTML5 <video> tag).
Adobe Flash Streaming (RTMP) and HTTP Dynamic Streaming are supported by the Flash
plugin.[5] Apple HTTP Live Streaming is supported by RealPlayer for Android,[6] and by the
operating system in Android 3.0 (Honeycomb).[7]
Additional hardware support
Android can use video/still
cameras, touchscreens, GPS, accelerometers,gyroscopes, barometers, magnetometers,
dedicated gaming controls,proximity and pressure sensors, thermometers, accelerated 2D bit
blits(with hardware orientation, scaling, pixel format conversion) and accelerated 3D graphics.
Multi-touch
Android has native support for multi-touch which was initially made available in handsets such as
the HTC Hero. The feature was originally disabled at the kernel level (possibly to avoid infringing
Apple's patents on touch-screen technology at the time).[8] Google has since released an update
for theNexus One and the Motorola Droid which enables multi-touch natively.[9]
Bluetooth
Supports A2DP, AVRCP, sending files (OPP), accessing the phone book (PBAP), voice dialing
and sending contacts between phones. Keyboard, mouse and joystick (HID) support is available
in Android 3.1+, and in earlier versions through manufacturer customizations and third-party
applications.[10]
Video calling
Android does not support native video calling, but some handsets have a customized version of
the operating system that supports it, either via theUMTS network (like the Samsung Galaxy S) or
over IP. Video calling through Google Talk is available in Android 2.3.4 and later. Gingerbread
allows Nexus S to place Internet calls with a SIP account. This allows for enhanced VoIP dialing
to other SIP accounts and even phone numbers. Skype 2.1 offers video calling in Android 2.3,
including front camera support. Users with the Google+ android app can video chat with other
google+ users through hangouts.
Multitasking
Multitasking of applications, with unique handling of memory allocation, is available.[11]
Accessibility
Built in text to speech is provided by Talk back for people with low or no vision. Enhancements for
people with hearing disabilities is available as is other aids.
Voice based features
Google search through voice has been available since initial release. [12]Voice actions for calling,
texting, navigation, etc. are supported on Android 2.2 onwards. [13] As of Android 4.1, Google has
expanded Voice Actions with the ability to talk back and read answers from Google's Knowledge
Graph when queried with specific commands.[14] The ability to control hardware has not yet been
implemented.
Tethering
Android supports tethering, which allows a phone to be used as a wireless/wired Wi-Fi hotspot.
Before Android 2.2 this was supported by third-party applications or manufacturer
customizations.[15]
Screen capture
Android supports capturing a screenshot by pressing the power and volume-down buttons at the
same time.[16] Prior to Android 4.0, the only methods of capturing a screenshot were through
manufacturer and third-party customizations or otherwise by using a PC connection (DDMS
developer's tool). These alternative methods are still available with the latest Android.
External storage
Most Android devices include microSD slot and can read microSD cards formatted
with FAT32, Ext3 or Ext4 file system. To allow use of high-capacity storage media such as USB
flash drives and USB HDDs, many Android tablets also include USB 'A' receptacle. Storage
formatted withFAT32 is handled by Linux Kernel VFAT driver, while 3rd party solutions are
required to handle other popular file systems such as NTFS, HFS Plus andexFAT.