Open Handset Alliance facts for kids
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| Abbreviation | OHA |
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| Formation | November 5, 2007 |
| Type | Open mobile platform (Android) development organization |
| Headquarters | Mountain View, California, U.S. |
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Region served
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Worldwide |
The Open Handset Alliance (OHA) is a group of many companies that work together to create open standards for mobile phones and other devices. They are best known for developing Android, the popular operating system found on many smartphones and tablets around the world. The OHA was started by Google and includes big names like Samsung, LG, Sony, and T-Mobile. Their main goal is to make sure Android stays an open and widely used platform for mobile technology.
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How the Open Handset Alliance Started
The OHA was officially formed on November 5, 2007. It was led by Google and began with 34 different companies. These companies included makers of mobile phones, people who create apps, some phone network providers, and companies that make computer chips.
The main software developed by the OHA is Android. Android is based on an open-source license. This means its basic code is available for anyone to see and use. Android quickly became a major competitor to other mobile phone systems like Apple's iOS and Microsoft's Windows Phone.
To keep Android strong and unified, OHA members agree not to make devices that use different, unofficial versions of Android. This helps ensure that apps and features work well across all Android phones.
What Products the OHA Has Developed
When the Open Handset Alliance was announced in November 2007, they also showed off the Android Open Source Project. This is an open-source platform for mobile phones. It is built on the Linux kernel, which is a core part of many computer operating systems. Developers got their first look at the tools to build Android apps on November 12, 2007.
The very first phone that people could buy running Android was the HTC Dream. It was also known as the T-Mobile G1 in some places. This phone was approved in August 2008 and became available to buy on October 22, 2008.
Who Are the Members of the OHA
The Open Handset Alliance has grown to include many companies from around the world. These members come from different parts of the mobile industry. They include:
- Companies that provide mobile phone services (like T-Mobile and Vodafone).
- Companies that create software and apps (like Google and Nuance Communications).
- Companies that make parts for phones (like Qualcomm and Nvidia).
- Companies that build the phones themselves (like Samsung, LG, and HTC).
- Other companies that support the mobile industry.
Many well-known companies have joined the OHA since it started in 2007. This large group of members helps make Android a widely supported and successful mobile platform.
See also
In Spanish: Open Handset Alliance para niños
- Google Nexus
- Symbian Foundation
- Tizen Association
- Open Mobile Alliance
- Automotive Grade Linux
