The Most Common Mobile Phone Operating Systems in the Mobile World

A look at one of the most desired operating systems around for some, the iPhone

Have you ever wondered what controls your mobile phone? How does such a compact handset manage to deliver so many applications and options? Basically, this all comes down to the operating system, or an OS for short. An operating system is almost like the ‘brain’ of the phone, and plays the part of providing a software platform for other applications to run off. Not only does it control the features and functions offered by your handset, it also permits further third party applications to be downloaded and installed. In this article, we take a look at some of the most common operating systems in today’s world, analysing in depth their various features, applications, advantages and drawbacks.

 
Windows Mobile 6.5

Windows Mobile 6.5 is the latest operating system from Windows, designed exclusively for use on mobile and smartphone devices. Since making its official début in October 2009, Windows Mobile 6.5 has settled itself as one of the most advanced, complex operating systems ever created.

So, what are the main features of this much anticipated system? Well, the revamped version of Windows Mobile 6.1, 6.5 features an all new ‘today’ screen, which permits the user to review their daily appointments, pending alerts, missed calls and more. And that’s just the home menu!

Another particularly bold feature of the 6.5 software is the honeycomb-styled start screen. The logos of all the various applications are set in a tessellated, honeycomb arrangement, which is quite engaging, but slightly difficult to adjust to.

6.5 also gives users the chance to access the web quickly and easily, with the assistance of the new and improved web browser. Windows Marketplace can also be used at the click of an icon, something which did not feature on previous software.

Android 1.6

Android 1.6 is the latest addition to the Android family, and promises to be a complete facelift of its predecessor, Android 1.5.

The all-new mobile framework delivers several exclusively designed extras, including a one-of-a-kind feature which is able to lead the user to the most relevant search results. It does this by memorising the most popular searches over a period of time, and subsequently revealing the most fitting content.

The software also delivers a new and improved camera experience, which gives users the opportunity to exchange between still and video capture screens. Additionally, the unique camera interface also permits the navigator to capture shots at a rapid rate, with the time taken in between the snapping of shots reduced by a grand total of 28%.

Another promising feature of Android 1.6 is the useful battery usage application. The screen makes the user aware of which particular apps are consuming the most power, so that the purchaser has the opportunity to make informed decisions as to which apps to use and which to avoid. Clever, isn’t it?

Taking in to account the software as a whole, Android are blatantly keen to launch a serious competitor in to the world of mobile phone operating systems. The 1.6 version is certainly worth keeping a close eye on, as it could prove a serious rival to other frameworks.

Symbian OS 9.5

The new arrival on to the Symbian scene, the 9.5 version is set to appear on many phone models in the near to immediate future.

Enriched multimedia facilties are promised as part of the new package, as are a great range of connectivity options.

One feature that particularly stands out about Symbian 9.5 is the camera, which excels in all fields. Through the provision of over 35 different modification options, the camera interface is pretty much unrivalled - giving the user the chance to enhance images and reduce red-eye, whilst also toying with the auto-focus feature.

Symbian is well-known as the worlds most popular operating system, and the 9.5 version lives up to the high expectations entirely. Navigators will have an abundance of connectivity choices ranging from Wi-Fi to 3G.

The Symbian OS 9.5 is the ideal choice for anybody on the lookout for a reliable and unique, yet an intelligent software platform.

iPhone OS

Developed exclusively for the iPhone and iPod touch by Apple, the iPhone OS is a fairly new arrival on to the operating system scene, which focuses mainly around the touch activated interface of the device.

Apple have really formulated something quite individual in the iPhone OS, as it is swishing, swiping and tapping motions that are required to navigate the interface, rather than simple clicks.

The home screen displays an assortment of icons, all of which take the user to separate applications. Although some of the icons come pre-installed, many applications must be downloaded separately, for which there may be some charge.

As a whole, the application support that the iPhone OS offers is quite astounding. Thousands of apps are available to install, courtesy of the ‘App Store’ function, which comes as a complimentary feature. Whether it is news, games or music you are on the hunt for, you can pretty much guarantee that there will be a well-fitting app.

All-in-all, the iPhone operating system focuses mainly upon providing excellent app support, rather than looking to showcase internal Internet services, for instance. There are separate apps for pretty much everything, but the user is directed to a different screen/interface, which explains why the OS takes up so little space of the overall memory.

After reading this article, you will hopefully have generated an improved understanding of how an operating system functions. It is clear to see: the software platform really is the main controller of the phone, the headquarters, so to speak.

Next time you look to purchase a phone – find out about what operating system it runs on first. By getting some background information on the OS of the phone, you’ll find it far easier to identify whether or not it is well-suited to your needs. Just bear in mind: the above examples are a mere few of the most common frameworks in operation, but there really are many more.