ROM vs. RAM

• The primary memory of a smartphone, computer or other similar device is called random access memory. ROM differs from RAM in several key ways. First, all RAM data can be accessed independently and edited at any time. ROM data can be viewed, but never accessed or changed. Second, RAM does not remain active when the device is off. ROM does, which is why start-up programs and other critical software are usually stored as ROM data.
  
  

Android

• The Android platform, developed for smartphones and tablet devices, was released in 2008 by the Open Handset Alliance. The Open Handset Alliance is a coalition of 82 companies specializing in the development of inexpensive, user-friendly mobile technology. Android devices offer a variety of features and applications comparable to the features available for an Apple iPhone, even including some of the iPhone's more popular features (such as multitasking) before Apple introduced them.
  
  

Availability

• As of late 2010, the Android platform was available on close to 100 different phone models. Android phones are available worldwide, though specific model availability may vary from one location to another. Worldwide, more than 200 different cell carriers offer Android phones and more than 30 manufacturers are currently producing Android devices. The Android Market, Android's online store, offers nearly 200,000 different apps for download as well as a large collection of e-books and movies.
  
  

Applications

• The 200,000 applications available from the Android Market can be divided into a number of categories. There are apps for gaming, business, communication, education, entertainment, news and social networking, as well as a collection of other various uses. While a large number of applications can be downloaded for free at any time, there are many that are available only for a fee. As a general rule, the more complex the application, the higher the price to download.