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Mobile Operating System

A mobile operating system allows the user to run other different
application software on the mobile, tablets, etc. Moreover, we can
say that it is a type of operating system which is specially designed
for mobiles, tablets, smartwatches, etc. Furthermore, they are a
mixture of computer OS with some additional features for mobiles.
Also, they are comparatively light and simple.

An operating system (OS) is a program that acts as an interface

between the system hardware and the user. Moreover, it handles all
the interactions between the software and the hardware. Before
knowing different mobile OS, let us study some functions of an
operating system.

Types of Popular Mobile Operating System

1. Android OS
The Android OS is the most common operating system among the
mobile operating system. Furthermore, Google is the developer of
Android. Moreover, it is an open source and free operating system.
This OS is based on the Linux kernel. The name for every new
version of update is based on ‘desserts’ for example Cupcake, Donut,
Eclair, Oreo, Kitkat, etc.

2. Bada
Samsung is the launcher of this operating system. It came into
market in 2010. Moreover, it includes features like 3-D graphics,
application installation, multipoint touch etc.

3. Blackberry OS

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The developer of this operating system is ReasearchIn Motion
(RIM). It was specifically designed for blackberry devices.
Furthermore, it is useful for corporate users.

4. Apple iOS
After android, it is one of the most popular OS. It is designed to run
on Apple devices such as iPhones, iPad tablets, etc. Moreover, like
the android devices have the playstore for apps download. Likewise,
apple iOS contains the app store. Also, it has very strong security
features.

5. Windows Mobile Operating System

The developer of this OS is Microsoft. It is basically designed for
pocket PCs and smartphones. Moreover, it has the features of
computer based Windows OS and additional features for mobile
phones.

6. Symbian OS
Symbian Ltd. is the developer of this OS. Moreover, Nokia was the
first to use this OS on its mobile phones. Furthermore, it provides
high level integration with communication. This OS is based on java
language.

7. Harmony OS
It is a latest OS moreover, Huawei is its developer. It is specifically
designed for use in IoT devices.

8. Palm OS
Its other name is Garnet OS. Furthermore, Palm Ltd. is its
developer which developed this OS for use in Personal Digital
Assisstants (PADs).

9. WebOS

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Palm Ltd is its developer. Moreover, it is based on Linux kernel
and HP uses it in its mobile devices and touchpads.

Features of Mobile Operating System

1. Easy to use
 The graphics should be attractive.
 The buttons and features should be easy to use. moreover, the
functionalities should not be very complicated.
 Features should be powerful and useful.
2. Good app store
 An app is one of the basic part of an OS.
 Good and useful apps forms an important part of an OS.
 The apps should be simple and interactive.
3. Good battery life
 Power is one of the main requirement of a smartphone.
 They require power for processors sensors etc. Therefore, the
battery holds a very important role.
 Smartphones power usage keeps on increasing therefore, a good
battery backup is very essential.
4. Data usage and organization
 An operating system should focus on controlling the data and
network usage. It should keep the limit and requirement in focus.
 Secondly, the organization of data related to to-do lists, calendars,
alarms, reminders etc is very important. A good OS should keep
this data in a very organized and safe manner. Moreover, the data
should be readily and easily available.
Components of a Mobile Operating System
The components of a mobile OS are same as a basic OS. The
components are as follows:

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1. Kernel
A kernel is the core/heart of an OS. It contains all the functions and
operations to manage the working of OS.

2. Process Execution
The OS executes various process so that the statements will execute
and connect the application program to the hardware. Whenever a
process executes it uses memory, space and other resources as well.

3. Interrupt
Interrupts are basically used be the hardware devices to communicate
with the CPU. It is basically a signal which the device generates to
request the CPU. Moreover, whenever an interrupt occurs the CPU
temporarily stops executing its current process.

4. Memory Management
It is the management of the main or primary memory. Furthermore,
whatever program is executed, it has to be present in the main
memory. Therefore, there can be more than one program present at a
time. Hence, it is required to manage the memory.

The operating system:

 Allocates and deallocates the memory.

 Keeps a record of which part of primary memory is used by whom
and how much.
 Distributes the memory while multiprocessing.
5. Multitasking
It is performing more than one tasks at a time. The OS allows the
user to work with more than one process at a time without any
problem.

6. Security
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The OS keeps the system and programs safe and secure through
authentication. A user id and password decide the authenticity of the
user.

7. User Interface
GUI stands for Graphical User Interface. As the name suggests, it
provides a graphical interface for the user to interact with the
computer. It uses icons, menus, etc. to interact with the user.
Moreover, the user can easily interact by just clicking these items.
Therefore, it is very user friendly and there is no need to remember
any commands.

SPECIAL CONSTRAINTS AND REQUIREMENTS

Design and capabilities of a Mobile OS (Operating System) is very

different than a general purpose OS running on desktop machines

Physically Constrained

 Battery-powered device

 Small screens of varying shapes, sizes, and resolutions

 Memory

 Storage space

Working in Uncertainty

 Networks come and go

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  Other devices appear and disappear

 OS need to provide robust methods for handling connections and coping

with service interruptions and ad hoc attempts to communicate

Today's mobile devices are multifunctional devices capable of hosting a broad

range of applications for both business and consumer use. Smartphones and
tablets enable people to use their mobile device to access the Internet for email,
instant messaging, text messaging and Web browsing, as well as work
documents, contact lists and more.

Mobile devices are often seen as an extension to your own PC or laptop, and in
some cases newer, more powerful mobile devices can even completely replace
PCs. And when the devices are used together, work done remotely on a mobile
device can be synchronized with PCs to reflect changes and new information
while away from the computer.
Much like the Linux or Windows operating system controls your desktop or
laptop computer, a mobile operating system is the software platform on top of
which other programs can run on mobile devices.
A mobile operating system, also called a mobile OS, is an operating system that
is specifically designed to run on mobile devices such as mobile phones,
smartphones, PDAs, tablet computers and other handheld devices.

ARM and Intel Processors: What Are They?

Processors, or Central Processing Units, are microscopic chips that serve as the
brains of computers and cell phones. Calculations, caching vital information for quick
access, and other tasks are handled by the CPU.
Most computing devices today are likely to have an Intel processor, or an ARM
(Advanced RISC Machine) processor, such as the CPU in your smartphone or tablet.
Both chip architectures are optimised for low-power operation in order to provide
mobile devices with the long battery life they require.

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Since ARM processors are a form of architecture, there is no one manufacturer for
them. This technology is used by both Apple and Android in their mobile devices,
whereas Intel is used in computers.

Also, ARM has long powered portable devices, whereas Intel is a relative newcomer.
For the time being, ARM is the dominant architecture: iPads and iPhones, as well as
Windows Phone devices, use ARM entirely, so if you're interested in these platforms,
the difference between ARM and Intel isn't something you should be concerned
about.

Comparison Between ARM and Intel

Before jumping into the comparison, we need to mention that both have their advantages
and disadvantages. In general, there isn't a better option, yet one may be superior to the
other depending on how you intend to use it.

1 Instruction Set

Intel processors use Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC), whereas ARM
processors use Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC). While both handles
command fast in 2021, due in part to the numerous cores, the former employs a little
more complex instruction set that necessitates multiple cycles to complete
operations.

The primary idea behind CISC is complex hardware and simple software. That
indicates more fundamental assembly language functionality in this case.

Since ARM processors execute commands in a single cycle, functions are reduced.
As a result, ARM processors are more suited for power-conscious devices, such as
mobile and embedded devices. RISC is based on the idea of simple hardware and
complex software. Greater capability in lower-level programming languages, such as
assembly, can be a game-changer when it comes to lowering power usage.

#2 Software Compatibility

Intel processors are incapable of comprehending ARM code, and vice versa. As a
result, the operating system and software must be tailored to a single CPU type.

It is possible to execute software designed for one type of CPU on another, although
this usually results in significant speed and efficiency losses.

Apple's Rosetta 2 code translation software is an exception. Their custom ARM

CPUs were created with Rosetta 2 in mind, and they enable near-seamless software
execution on Intel-based Macs. Rosetta 2 has a modest performance penalty overall,
yet it isn't perfect.

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Microsoft's ARM-based Surface devices are a more common example. When these
attempt to run x86 code using emulation, the performance penalty is so severe that
the software may become unusable.

#3 Power Consumption

The power consumption of ARM-based CPUs is a considerable advantage over Intel

and other x86 processors. It turns out that the RISC technique, along with ARM's
design innovation, results in extremely cheap CPUs. This is why the smartphone and
tablet markets have been controlled by ARM.

It's why your phone may last up to 24 hours on a single charge, yet your Intel
laptop's larger battery may only last a few hours if you're lucky. Of fact, with an M1
Mac, you can achieve close to 20 hours of movie playback, which is a lot for a
laptop.

#4 Pure Performance

When power consumption is taken into account, as it is with a computer connected

to the wall, Intel and other x86 CISC processors crush ARM-based RISC CPUs.

However, as a result of the large sums of money invested in ARM CPU development
as a result of the advent of smartphones and tablets, the performance of ARM CPUs
has risen rapidly with each generation.

In terms of computing power, mid-range smartphones have now exceeded the "good
enough" threshold and are powerful enough to suit user needs on a daily basis.

#5 Per-Watt Performance

Things don't seem so good for x86 Intel CPUs if we flip the storey to how much work
an ARM CPU can do for every watt of energy it consumes. Despite the fact that
businesses like Intel have worked hard to develop power-efficient CPU models, there
is still a gap.

Mobile phones are the most popular device for communication today. Every mobile
requires some type of mobile operating system as a platform to run the other
services and being easy for the users to use the services like voice calling,
messaging service, camera functionality, Internet facilities and so on.

The previous mobile operating systems were simple and were unable to provide an
effective interface, therefore the capabilities of the phones they supported were

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limited. However, modern smartphones are laced with most advanced features of a
full-fledged computer which includes high-speed central processing units (CPU) and
graphics processing unit (GPU), large storage space, multitasking, high-resolution
screens and cameras with clarity, multipurpose communication hardware and so on.

Architecture of Mobile OS
Mobile phones are the most popular device for communication today. Every mobile
requires some type of mobile operating system as a platform to run the other
services and being easy for the users to use the services like voice calling,
messaging service, camera functionality, Internet facilities and so on.
The previous mobile operating systems were simple and were unable to provide an
effective interface, therefore the capabilities of the phones they supported were
limited. However, modern smartphones are laced with most advanced features of a
full-fledged computer which includes high-speed central processing units (CPU) and
graphics processing unit (GPU), large storage space, multitasking, high-resolution
screens and cameras with clarity, multipurpose communication hardware and so on.

Fig: General Architecture of Mobile

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 Comparison iOS, Android, Window
iOS, Android, and Windows Phone are very different operating systems. For
one thing they are developed by different companies (Apple, Google, and
Microsoft respectively).

Android is owned by Google and is a more ‘open’ operating system with

many customisation options. It is run on the Linux kernel and is the only OS
of the three major contenders that releases its source code under open-
source licenses. It is the most widely-used by far with versions for phones,
tablets, notebooks, watches, and even cars and TVs.

Apple’s iOS takes a more different approach, with a closed-source,

proprietary structure. It focuses on user experience, with an (arguably)
easier-to-use interface based around a central home screen. Unfortunately,
iOS is only available on Apple devices and the OS is nowhere close to being
as open as Android with less customisation options.

Windows Phone is the oldest of the three, with its origins in Windows CE and
Windows Mobile. It is designed to be a connected operating system, with your
notebook, laptop and desktop all running the same OS. It features a Windows
8-like central Start menu as its home screen. Despite being the oldest, it has
the least apps developed and the smallest market share of the three.

Android iOS

Developer Various, mostly Google and Open Handset Apple Inc.

Alliance

Initial release September 23, 2008 July 29, 2007

Latest stable Android 12 iOS 15.3.1 and

release and iPadOS 15.3.1
Updates

Customizability A lot. Can change almost anything. Limited unless

jailbroken

Source model Open source Closed, with open

source
components.

File transfer Easier than iOS. Using USB port and Android More difficult.
File Transfer desktop app. Photos can be Media files can be
transferred via USB without apps. transferred using
iTunes (Windows
and macOS pre-
Catalina) desktop

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Android iOS
app (via Finder in
newer version of
macOS). Photos
can be transferred
out via USB
without apps.

Widgets Yes, except on lockscreen Yes

Internet browsing Google Chrome (other browsers are available). Safari. Any
Any browser app can be set as default. Ad browser app can
blocking is supported with Firefox. be set as default
but they all use
the same
rendering engine
(Safari/Webkit)
behind the
scenes. Ad
blocking is
supported via
content blockers
like Firefox Focus,
or by jailbreaking.

Web mapping Google Maps Apple Maps

service (default). Google
Maps also
available via a
separate app
download, but not
as default.

Available 100+ languages 40 languages

language(s)

Video chat Google Meet and other 3rd party apps FaceTime (Apple
devices only) and
other 3rd party
apps

Virtual assistant Google Assistant Siri

Available on Many phones and tablets. Major manufacturers iPod Touch,

such as Samsung, Oppo, OnePlus, Vivo, Honor iPhone,
and Xiaomi. Android One devices are pure iPad, Apple
Android. Pixel line of devices is made by TV (2nd and 3rd
Google, using a almost pure version of Android generation)

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Android iOS
Calls and Google Messages. 3rd party apps like iMessage,
messaging Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Google Duo, FaceTime (with
Discord and Skype all work on Android and iOS other Apple
both. devices only). 3rd
party apps like
Google Hangouts,
Facebook
Messenger,
WhatsApp,
Google Duo,
Discord and
Skype all work on
Android and iOS
both.

App store , Google Play Store – 2,500,000+ apps. Other Apple App Store –
Affordability and app stores like Amazon and Aptoide also 1,800,000+ apps.
interface distribute Android apps. (".APKs"). Apps Apps containing
containing virus occasionally to rare, but virus very rare or
existing. nonexistent.

Alternative app Several alternative app stores other than the Apple blocks 3rd
stores and side official Google Play Store. (e.g. Aptoide, Galaxy party app stores.
loading Apps) The phone needs
to be jailbroken if
you want to
download apps
from other stores.

Battery life and Many but not all Android phone manufacturers Apple batteries
management equip their devices with large batteries with a are generally not
longer life. as big as the
largest Android
batteries.
However, Apple is
able to squeeze
decent battery life
via
hardware/software
optimizations.

Open source Kernel (Based on Linux), UI, and some The iOS kernel is
standard apps not open source
but is based on
the open-source
Darwin OS.

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Android iOS
File manager Yes. (Stock Android File Manager included on Files app, limited
devices running Android 7.1.1) and less useful
(iOS 12).

Photos & Videos Apps available for automatic backup of photos Up to 5 GB of

backup and videos. Google Photos allows unlimited photos and videos
backup of photos at a compressed quality. can be
OneDrive, Amazon Photos and Dropbox are automatically back
other alternatives. up with iCloud,
more paid iCloud
storage available
via subscription.
All other vendors
like Google,
Amazon,
Dropbox, Flickr
and Microsoft
have auto-backup
apps for both iOS
and Android.

Security Monthly security updates. Android software Occasional

patches are available soonest to Pixel device security updates.
users. Manufacturers tend to lag behind in Security threats
pushing out these updates. So at any given rare, because iOS
time a vast majority of Android devices are is locked and
running outdated OS software. downloading apps
out of the App
Store is
complicated.

Rooting, Access and complete control over your device Complete control
bootloaders, and is available and you can unlock the bootloader. over your device
jailbreaking is not available.

Cloud services Native integration with Google Drive storage. Native integration
15GB free, $2/mo for 100GB, 1TB for $10. with iCloud. 5GB
Apps available for Amazon Photos, OneDrive free, 50GB for
and Dropbox. $1/mo, 200GB for
$3/mo, 1TB for
$10/mo. Apps
available for
Google Drive and
Google Photos,
Amazon Photos,
OneDrive
and Dropbox.

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Android iOS
Interface Touch Screen Touch Screen

Biometric Fingerprint and/or Face Authentication. Fingerprint or

Authentication Availability depends on manufacturer's Face
hardware. Authentication.
Touch ID
available on
iPhone (5s and
later) and iPad
(Air 2 and later)
but not on iPhone
X or later. Face ID
available on
iPhone X and
later, replacing
Touch ID

OS family Linux OS X, UNIX

Headphone Jack Some current Android smartphones and many None on iPhone 7
don't. and later, lighting
to 3.5mm no
longer comes with
phone after
iPhone XS

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