Android comprises a whole ecosystem of apps, games, functions, and features, so it might only add up that it's its own lexicon. Words, phrases, and acronyms that did not exist ten years ago are now utilized in a casual style by developers and support technicians across the online .
As the platform matures, this list of unique Android words continues to evolve, which makes it hard to remain on top of the newest terminology. But breaking things down into simple terms is what we do best here at Gadget Hacks, so below, we'll cover all of the newest Android lingo in layman's terms.
If you are looking to define a selected term, use the "Find" function in your browser (Ctrl + F or Command + F) to leap right thereto . Bold italicized links will take you directly to that word's definition within this very page.
Activity
A screen or menu within an app which will be called on specifically. Use an application like Tasker or
Activity Launcher to open an activity directly.
ADB
Short for "Android Debug Bridge." Software that overcomes any issues between your Android and a PC, permitting you to send high-level commands to your phone or tablet over a USB data cable.
Always-on Display
A minimalistic screen that shows up when your phone is locked, serving as a quick way to see the time, weather, and pending notifications without having to wake the device. This feature, commonly mentioned as "AOD," typically requires an OLED display since the black background doesn't use power and only the white lettering will consume battery on these types of screens. Also called "Ambient Display" or "Active Display," counting on the OEM.
AMOLED
Short for "active-matrix organic light-emitting diode." A marketing term used by Samsung to describe their OLED panels.
Android
The world's hottest OS for any platform, even eclipsing Windows in market share. An open-source platform that's currently developed by Google, but was originally derived from Linux as a touch-oriented fork of the favored desktop OS.
AOSP
Short for the "Android Open Source Project." the bottom of Android as an entire, which is employed by manufacturers and independent developers to make the firmware an Android device runs on. Used colloquially to ask an unmodified version of Android in some cases (see Stock Android below).
API
Short for "application program interface." As it pertains to Android, an API is a set of tools available to apps that will allow third-party software to access system-level functions. As an example, Camera2 API allows apps you download from the Google Play Store to access the full capabilities of your phone's camera hardware.
APK
Short for "Android application package." The extension utilized in Android app installation files (e.g., app.apk). Comparable in nature to an EXE file on Windows.
App
Short for "application." A software program, generally developed for a mobile platform, which will be wont to perform any number of tasks.
App Standby
A battery-saving feature presented with Android 6.0 Marshmallow that forces unused applications into a hibernation mode. When you have an app installed but don't use it for an extended period of your time , Android will prevent the app from syncing within the background or holding a wakelock until you launch the app again.
ARCore
Android's built-in framework for augmented reality applications and features. The full ARCore suite consists of a software development kit (SDK), an API, and an app that updates these tools on the device through the Google Play Store. ARCore is currently only available to select high-end flagships, but the supported devices list is always expanding.
ARM
Originally known as "Acorn RISC Machine," (reduced instruction set computer), then "Advanced RISC Machine," ARM is an instruction set architecture for processors. Architectures lay out all of the hardware-level coding ("instruction sets") that software developers will need to interact with the device — think of these like a bridge between hardware and software. ARM was the foremost common architecture employed by early Android SoCs, because it was more power-efficient than x86, however, today's commonest architecture is now ARM64.
ARM64
A newer iteration of the ARM instruction set architecture designed for modern 64-bit mobile SoCs.
ART
Short for "Android Runtime." Android's new virtual machine library that changes the older Dalvik. ART enables an equivalent applications to run on vastly different hardware by acting as a go-between.
Augmented Reality
Commonly referred to as "AR," augmented reality is software that overlays digital creations on top of real-world scenes. With Android, AR apps typically use the camera to display the real-world scene, then augment the view with software features like interactive objects. Android's ARCore framework allows app developers to access the built-in plane detection features so as to accurately portray the scene.
Baseband
In mobile communications, a baseband is that the initial frequency of a sign before it's modulated (converted). A baseband signal could originate as something within the audible frequency range, but as it's transmitted, it might be modulated up to a better , non-audible frequency before being down-converted to the baseband frequency again on the target device.
As it pertains to Android, however, this term is more commonly used in reference to the "Baseband version" entry in Settings –> About Phone. This refers to the firmware that controls all radio signals on the device, such as Bluetooth, GPS, mobile data, NFC, and Wi-Fi.
Bezel
With smartphones, the bezel is that the area of the front face of the phone that may not be occupied by the screen. The top bezel is colloquially known as the forehead and sometimes contains a notch, while the bottom bezel is referred to as the chin. Reducing the size of bezels all around led to a trend of all-screen phones in 2018.
Biometrics
As it pertains to Android, biometrics are body-based authentication methods. For example, a phone can scan your fingerprint, face, or iris to verify your identity before permitting access. Typically, biometrics are used on the lock screen in addition to a pattern or PIN, though they can also be used to authenticate in-app purchases.
Bloatware
Term utilized in regard to generally unwanted apps that come pre-installed on an Android device by its manufacturer or carrier. Our in-house definition is "A duplicate app that performs the same functionality as another pre-installed app, or an app that the OEM was paid to install on the device." Bloatware typically can't be uninstalled, so it occupies space, thus "bloating" the device's software.
Bluetooth
A type of wireless connectivity for battery-powered devices that permits for data transfer at speeds of up to 24 Mbps over a theoretical range of up to 100 meters. Used commonly to attach accessories like headphones and speakers to an Android device.
Bootloader
The software that launches Android and its ancillary services once you power on your device. It also provides an interface for sending fastboot commands over a USB computer connection.
Bootloop
An error that happens when software has become corrupt and your device immediately restarts when attempting else into Android, then repeats this process infinitely. Like a soft brick (see bricked section below).
Bricked
A device whose software has been compromised (generally by the user) to the purpose where it'll not boot into Android, rendering it as useless as a paperweight or brick. The term hard bricked is employed to ask a tool in such a state as a results of failed hardware, while the term soft-bricked generally denotes a software failure that can potentially be fixed.
Build.prop
A document located in Android's system folder which contains many lines of code that determine several settings for the device. Editing these lines of code can remove restrictions, give users access to new features, change display density, or maybe boost performance—but root access is required so as to switch the file.
Burn-In
More accurately described as differential aging, burn-in is that the colloquial term for what happens when a static image is consistently displayed on certain sorts of screens (typically OLEDs). The components that were displayed for prolonged periods will sometimes remain visible on the screen when seeing other content. See the differential aging definition below for the explanation for this issue.
BusyBox
A set of specialised commands or tools which will be installed on a rooted device to offer certain apps more functionality. Generally, a BusyBox installer app is used to add the commands to a rooted device.
Camera2 API
An API that permits third-party apps to access your camera hardware in ways in which previously were only possible with the stock Camera app. Debuting in 2014 with Android Lollipop, Camera2 API allows camera apps like Instagram to regulate exposure, shutter speed, focus, and more.
Carrier
The service provider for calls, mobile data, SMS or MMS, and other communication resources that are used by a mobile phone or tablet. North American carriers involved AT&T, Bell, Sprint, T-Mobile, Telus, and Verizon Wireless.
Cast
Used as a verb to describe the act of sending media from a mobile device over to television or a larger screen. Generally used in reference to Google's Chromecast, but can also be used to describe this act with regards to DLNA, Miracast, or other similar technologies.
CDMA
Short for "code division multiple access." A mobile voice and data communications standard employed by cellular carriers like Sprint and Verizon. A competing standard for GSM.
Chin
The portion of the front face of a phone underneath the display. The chin and forehead of a phone, combined with the side bezels and notch (if applicable), are the only portions of a phone's face that aren't occupied by the screen.
ClockworkMod
Abbreviated CWM, ClockworkMod was one among the primary custom recoveries to be made available for a good array of Android devices. Like all custom recoveries, ClockworkMod can be used to perform NANDroid backups, apply third-party modifications to Android, or install a custom ROM.
Command Line
A text-based interface for executing tasks. Also referred to as "Command Prompt," "Terminal," or "Shell." Command-line interfaces are commonly used with Android to remotely execute ADB or Fastboot commands from a connected computer, or with a terminal emulator app within Android.
Cupcake
The code name for the primary public version of Android (1.5). Released on April 27, 2009.
Custom Launcher
See Launcher below.
Custom Recovery
Third-party software that replaces the stock Android recovery menu, adding the power to put in modification packages (flashable ZIPs), create NANDroid backups, and install custom ROMs.
Custom ROM
A version of Android made by independent developers to exchange the prevailing OS on a phone or tablet. Normally installed through custom recovery, and usually includes several optimizations, also as extra features.
CVE
Short for "common vulnerabilities and exposures," these are publicly-known security issues within an OS (OS). All OSes have CVEs, and Google is consistently fixing these with security patches to stay Android safe from external threats like hackers.
CyanogenMod
Also Cyanogen, CM, CM 12.1, etc. one among the primary Android custom ROMs to incorporate support for a good range of devices. supported AOSP, CyanogenMod included several additional features and tweaking options. This project has since been abandoned and replaced with LineageOS.
DAC
Short for "digital-to-analog converter," this piece of hardware changes the phone's audio output from its digital origins to an analog signal which will be employed by standard headphones and speakers. A higher-quality DAC will end in better audio performance.
Dalvik
The virtual machine library used from Android Cupcake to Android KitKat . Dalvik was deprecated in favor of ART in 2014.
Differential Aging
Colloquially mentioned as burn-in, this is often a condition that happens when a static image is consistently displayed on OLED screens. because the phone is employed , the pixels within its screen slowly lose luminance, leading to a less vibrant display. However, if parts of the screen remain black while the opposite portions naturally age, these parts will look more vibrant than the remainder . the top result's an impact that creates it appear as if non-black portions of the screen are etched into the display, hence the burn-in misnomer.
Donut
The code name for Android version 1.6. Initially released on September 15, 2009.
Doze Mode
A battery saving feature introduced in Android 6.0 Marshmallow that forestalls apps from disrupting a device's low-power deep sleep cycle. After Android has detected that the device has been laying flat and motionless for a period of your time (sitting on a table, for instance), Doze Mode kicks in and ensures that no nonessential apps request a wakelock or sync within the background, which might otherwise drain the battery during a situation where the user is clearly not actively using their device.
Driver Binaries
Hardware-level code that lets software interact with the varied pieces of a phone, like the display, radios, and touch screen. If a phone has its driver binaries publicly published, it becomes easier for third-party developers to make custom ROMs.
Droid
Verizon's marketing term for its line of Android devices, mainly manufactured by Motorola. The term isn't synonymous with Android, though it's mistakenly used this manner quite bit.
Dual SIM
Support for quite one SIM within the same phone, typically used for adding two phone numbers to a tool or splitting telephone company and cellular data across two carrier plans. Traditionally, dual SIM has meant support for 2 physical SIM cards, but newer phones allow the usage of 1 physical SIM and one eSIM.
Eclair
The code name for Android versions 2.0 thru 2.1. Initially released on October 26, 2009.
Emulator
Software that lets an OS run non-native apps or games from another OS. most ordinarily, Android emulators are wont to play console games or ROMs from Nintendo, PlayStation, et al.
Encryption
The process of encoding an enter how that creates it unreadable without a special decoder key. Internal storage is encrypted by default all modern Android phones, so if an outdoor attacker removed the storage drive and tried to read it, all of the files it contained would seem as gibberish without the decryption key. For the top user, decrypting storage is as simple as entering your lock screen password, PIN, pattern, or scanning your biometrics. Android devices use one among two encryption methods: full disk encryption (FDE) or file-based encryption (FBE).
eSIM
Short for "embedded SIM" or "embedded subscriber identification module." Incorrectly mentioned as "electronic SIM" by some, this is often a chip built into a smartphone that will be programmed to function as a virtual SIM card.
Factory Reset
To return a device's software to its initial state by deleting user settings and files. A factory reset is often performed in custom recovery or through Android's Settings menu.
Fastboot
A protocol used for sending commands from a computer to an Android device over a USB data connection meanwhile the device is in bootloader mode. Fastboot is usually wont to manually install firmware or to put in a custom recovery.
Fast Charging
A capability of some phones that permits the battery to be charged in less time than a typical charger. Typically, this is often accomplished by increasing the voltage and/or amperage of the charging system to extend the height wattage, though other safety measures are required to scale back the probabilities of battery overheating. Select fast charging standards include Qualcomm's QuickCharge and therefore the open standard, USB Power Delivery.
File-Based Encryption
An encryption method that permits individual files on a drive or partition to be encrypted using separate keys for every file. Abbreviated as "FBE," Android 7.0 Nougat added support for this feature. Also, see full disk encryption below.
Firmware
The base-level software installed on a tool, up to and including the OS. "Factory firmware" is employed to explain the software that comes pre-installed on Android devices before any apps or modifications are added.
Flagship
The highest-end device made by a manufacturer (or OEM) during a release cycle or year, generally the foremost expensive devices sold by a specific manufacturer. Famous flagship Android devices include Samsung's Galaxy S collection, LG's G series, HTC's One series, Motorola's Moto X series, Google's Pixel series, and Sony's Xperia Z series.
Flash
To install a custom ROM or flashable ZIP through a custom recovery, or to put in a factory OS image using either Fastboot or Odin.
Force-Close
A term wont to ask an app suddenly closing, either as a result of a bug, or the user intentionally stopping the app through Android's "App Info" menu. Often abbreviated as "FC."
Forehead
The part of the front face of the phone above the display eliminates the notch. The forehead combined with the chin, side bezels, notch (if applicable), and screen structure the whole front face of the phone.
Froyo
The code name for Android versions 2.2 thru 2.2.3. Initially released on May 20, 2010.
Full Disk Encryption
One of the 2 primary methods of encrypting files, the opposite being file-based encryption. Abbreviated as "FDE," this method encrypts the whole storage drive or partition, then the drive is fully decrypted when the user enters their password.
Galaxy
Samsung's call for its line of Android smartphones and tablets. Popularized by the Galaxy S series of flagship phones that are the highest-selling Android smartphones thus far . almost like Droid, many folks mistakenly conflate the name "Galaxy" with "Android" as a results of selling .
Geotag
A piece of knowledge embedded into common media files that displays geographical location data. Geotags are generally included as metadata in pictures, video, and even SMS messages, and may usually contain GPS coordinates that describe where the file was created.
Gingerbread
The code name for Android versions 2.3 through 2.3.7. Initially released on December 6, 2010.
Google Assistant
Google's AI-powered virtual assistant, baked into every Google-certified Android device that runs Lollipop or higher. The Google Assistant are often accessed by long-pressing your home button (or squeezing the sides of your phone on select devices), where you'll then use your voice to urge quick answers to any question or perform sort of tasks like booking an Uber or adding a calendar event.
See Also: Tips & Tricks for Getting the foremost Out of Google Assistant
Google Feed
The common name for what's now being called "Google Discover" officially. The leftmost page on the house screen of the various Android devices, which uses data culled from your Google account to supply you relevant information. Tracing its roots to the old Google Now, the Google Feed has been split into two sections recently: one which is particularly comprised of stories stories, and another that shows personal information like transit times and upcoming shipments. The Google Feed is additionally accessible through the Google app, the Google Assistant, and on Google's mobile site.
Google Now
A service that debuted with Android jelly bean that used information gleaned from various sources throughout Android to predict the knowledge users will want to determine at a given time. Google Now has since been deprecated in favor of the Google Assistant and thus the Google Feed.
Google Play Store
Android's primary app store, where users can download and install software like apps and games. The Google Play Store is additionally home to additional content, including movies, books, music, and tv shows. Generally mentioned as simply "Play Store" or "Google Play."
GPS
Short for "Global Positioning System." A technology utilized in smartphones and navigational aides that uses a network of satellites to pinpoint a device's location.
GSM
Short for "Global System for Mobile Communications." A mobile voice and data communications standard employed by the overwhelming majority of cellular carriers, generally distinguished from CDMA by its usage of SIM cards.
Hard Brick
When a tool is during a state where it'll not boot into Android, typically as a results of hardware failure. If you've a hard-bricked phone on your hands, there's rarely the way to repair it yourself. against this , a soft brick are often recovered from if you restore the factory firmware using fastboot or Odin.
Hard Reboot
Also mentioned as a "hard reset." The act of pressing and holding the power button (or power and volume down on Samsung devices) to force a tool to reboot when its software is misbehaving.
HDR
Short for "high dynamic range." HDR comes into play with two common areas in Android: photography and displays. When a phone has an HDR or HDR+ mode in its camera app, it can capture photos similarly to how the human eye sees the scene, so darker areas won't be underexposed, nor will brighter areas be overexposed. When a phone has an HDR screen, it's compliant with standards like HDR10 or Dolby Vision, enabling it to display more accurate colors and better contrast in HDR-compatible apps.
Hibernate
A term popularized by the app Greenify, which partially disables other apps once they aren't in use many |to avoid wasting"> to save lots of lots of battery life. Android Marshmallow includes a uniform feature called App Standby, and "Hibernate" is typically utilized in reference to the actions performed by this feature also .
Holo
Android's first unified interface design language, containing dark gradient backgrounds, light blue accent coloring, and tabbed app interfaces.
Honeycomb
The code name for a tablet-specific release of Android (versions 3.0 through 3.2.6). Initially released on Washington's Birthday , 2011.
Ice Cream Sandwich
Often abbreviated as "ICS." The code name for Android versions 4.0 through 4.0.4. Initially released on October 18, 2011, dessert Sandwich combined the previous phone-optimized versions of Android with the tablet-only Honeycomb release employing a replacement UI design called Holo.
IMEI
Short for "International Mobile Station Equipment Identity." a singular number assigned to all or any or any smartphones that's employed by carriers to identify valid devices. If a phone is reported stolen, its IMEI gets flagged, which prevents the device from connecting to most cellular networks.
Infinity Display
Samsung's marketing term for its OLED screens with minimal bezels and curved side edges, starting with the Galaxy S8.
IP Rating
Short for "International Protection Rating," or more commonly, "Ingress Protection Rating." If a phone has an IP rating, like IP68, it's resistant to water up to a specific depth for a period of some time , and typically completely dust-proof.
IPS
Short for "in-plane switching." A technology utilized in LCD display panels that drastically increases the viewing angles.
Jelly Bean
The code name for Android versions 4.1 thru 4.3.1. Initially released on July 9, 2012.
Kernel
Base-level software in Android and other Linux-based systems that translates requests from apps into code that hardware like the CPU can understand. A custom kernel is often installed by users to feature functionality and convey additional hardware controls like double-tap to wake.
Kernel Sources
Documentation for a device's kernel. If the phone's kernel sources are published by the OEM, you will see a more active third-party development scene — particularly with custom ROMs and custom kernels.
KitKat
The code name for Android versions 4.4 thru 4.4.4. Initially released on October 31, 2013.
Launcher
The home screen on Android devices wont to open and manage apps. The default launcher on any device is often replaced by simply installing a third-party launcher from the Google Play Store.
LG UX
A themed version of Android that has additional features not found in AOSP. employed by LG altogether of its devices.
LineageOS
A popular custom ROM that has been made available to a good sort of device. The successor to CyanogenMod.
Linux
An open-source desktop OS created in 1991 by Linus Torvalds that might later function the bottom upon which Android was built.
Live Wallpaper
A sort of wallpaper for Android devices that displays non-static pictures on your home screen. Generally installed as an app from the Google Play Store, many live wallpapers are capable of responding to the touch, detecting motion, looping video, or shuffling between multiple images.
Lock Screen
A menu that needs interaction before a user can access the most software on their device. Lock screens are wont to prevent touchscreen devices from accidentally activating inside a pocket, as an example, but also can be wont to secure an Android device from unwanted access by requiring the user to enter a pattern, PIN, password, or scan their fingerprint or face.
Lollipop
The code name for Android versions 5.0 through 5.1.1. Initially released on November 12, 2014, Lollipop marked the abandonment of Android's previous Holo design language and therefore the introduction of its new Material Design interface.
LTE
Short for "Long-Term Evolution" and used interchangeably with the terms "4G" or "4G LTE." A communications standard created in 2004 to be a future-proof platform for faster mobile data connections.
Magisk
A systemless platform created by developer TopJohnWu which will root your phone and supply the framework for Magisk modules without tripping SafetyNet, Google's new security platform which will lock users out of certain apps if they're rooted using typical root methods.
Magisk Module
Small pieces of software which will modify your phone's apps or firmware using Magisk. The advantage of Magisk Modules over Xposed Modules is that the previous won't trip SafetyNet. However, the latter are generally more powerful, as they are not constrained by the systemless root.
mAh
Short for "milliampere-hour," a specification that provides you the simplest idea of a phone's battery capacity.
Manufacturer
The company that physically assembles and markets a tool. Common Android manufacturers include Samsung, LG, Google, HTC, Motorola, Huawei, Sony, BlackBerry, ASUS, ZTE, and OnePlus.
Marshmallow
The code name for Android versions 6.0 through 6.0.1. Initially released on October 5, 2015.
Material Design
Android's predominant interface design philosophy, replacing the previous Holo design, Material Design was implemented to unify app design with system menus. Recently, a renewed push by Google with updated examples has spawned the term "Material Design 2" (or "MD2"), but technically, it's still just Material Design.
MEID
Short for "Mobile Equipment Identifier." almost like IMEI, just another format for a singular serial number that's assigned to smartphones so that a carrier can identify the actual unit on its network.
Micro USB
A type of knowledge and power connector that was commonly utilized in Android phones from 2008 through 2016. Micro USB has considering been supplanted by USB Type-C.
MMS
Short for "Multimedia Messaging Service." a kind of text message which will contain media like photos. Also, wont to facilitate group messaging threads over your carrier's network.
Module
See Magisk Module above or Xposed Module below.
Mobile Data
An internet connection provided by your
carrier that's generally available altogether areas of your country.
MTP
Short for "Media Transfer Protocol." atypical that permits for the transfer of media files from one device to a different without rendering the originating device's storage temporarily inaccessible to other apps or processes. MTP is employed in the latest Android devices when connected via USB to a computer or external device and is an expansion of the PTP standard that's compatible with more sorts of media files.
MVNO
Short for "Mobile Virtual Network Operator." a kind of carrier that operates on a minimum of one other carrier's network. Typically, an MVNO will enter an affect a bigger carrier network to use their cell towers to supply service — effectively making MVNOs resellers of cellular service. Google's Project Fi may be a well-known MVNO that operates on Sprint, T-Mobile, and US Cellular's networks.
NANDroid Backup
Also mentioned simply as "Nandroid" or "nandroid." A snapshot of your device's entire software suite because it currently stands. NANDroid backups are created in custom recovery and may be restored within the event of any critical error to bring the device's software back to the precise state it had been in when the backup was created.
Nexus
Google's former line of gadgets that were created in partnership with diverse manufacturers. Nexus devices were released annually as a hardware companion to showcase new software features that were recently added to Android and were renowned for his or her Vanilla Android software, prompt OTA updates, and high-end specs at a comparatively low price point. However, Nexus phones have now been deprecated in favour of Google's first-party Pixel line.
NFC
Short for "near field communication." a really low-power wireless communication standard that's wont to power Android Pay and Android Beam.
Notch
Also referred to as a "display cutout," this is often a neighbourhood of the front face of a phone that cuts down into the screen to accommodate the front camera and sensors in devices that otherwise wouldn't have room for these parts because of minimal or no bezels.
Notification Drawer
Also commonly called "notification tray," "notification shade," and "notification panel." this feature is accessible by sliding one finger down from the status bar, and shows all new notifications, like messages and missed calls, which may be swiped away or cleared, also as persistent notifications. Indicators will appear within the status bar whenever new notifications are available.
Odin
A software program for Windows computers which will be wont to install the firmware on Samsung devices over a USB data connection.
Open Source
Software with a codebase that's freely accessible to the general public and licensed for reuse and modification by other developers. Most open-source software is liberal to consumers and falls under the overall Public License (GPL), which allows any developer to switch and redistribute the first work by simply complying with the initial license of the software. Android itself is open-source software, with its codebase being published in AOSP.
OEM
Short for "original equipment manufacturer." wont to ask software, firmware, hardware, or accessories that were created by a device's manufacturer. Also used synonymously with the term "manufacturer."
OTA
Short for "over the air." The term generally utilized in regard to a firmware update that's sent to your device wirelessly from your carrier or device manufacturer. If a tool is rooted, OTA updates will generally fail to use.
OLED
Brief for "organic light-Emitting Diode." A kind of display panel pioneered through Samsung in which individual pixels emit their very own light, eliminating the need for the backlight required in conventional LCD panels and leading to deep blacks and saturated colours. OLED screens are marketed under other names like AMOLED, POLED, and Super AMOLED, but the underlying technology is all an equivalent.
OxygenOS
A customized version of Android made by the manufacturer OnePlus to be used on their smartphones.
