Linux-powered devices

Linux-based devices or Linux devices are computer appliances that are powered by the Linux kernel and possibly parts of the GNU operating system. Device manufacturers' reasons to use Linux may be various: low cost, security, stability, scalability or customizability. Many original equipment manufacturers use free and open source software to brand their products. Community maintained Linux devices are also available.

These devices were not intended to run Linux at the time of their production, but a community effort made possible either full or partial Linux support. Because of the open source philosophy that free and open source software brings to the software world, many people have ported the Linux kernel to run on devices other than a typical desktop, laptop or server computer. Some ports are performed by committed individuals or groups to provide alternative software on their favorite hardware.

The original hardware vendors are in some cases supportive of these efforts (Linksys with the WRT54G) or at the least tolerate the use of such software by end users (see TiVo hacking). Others go to great lengths to try and stop these alternative implementations.

Android is a Linux-based operating system optimised for mobile touchscreen environments—smartphones, tablets, e-Books, and the like. Developed, published, and maintained by Google's Android Open Source Project (in consultation with the Open Handset Alliance), Android relieves smartphone manufacturers of the costs of developing- or licensing proprietary handset operating systems.

First unveiled in 2007, Android became the world's most widely deployed smartphone platform in Q4 2010. By September 2012, 500 million Android devices had been activated, with a further 1.3 million devices being activated per day.Google Nexus developer phones are the flagship brand of Android handsets, with features and capabilities that represent the state of the art at the time of launch (typically every eleven months).

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