Why ask for device and model?

markings

Member
Feb 5, 2012
9
1
I try to get some apps downloaded. On a number of siter e.g. getjar it asks for the device name and model. Why?
Windows apps never ask whether you have an HP or Acer computer, Intel or AMD chip?

What gives? It sounds a bit retarded. Isn't the point of an OS to shield one from device characteristics?
 

pbrauer

Administrator
Staff member
Sep 24, 2010
3,649
561
This is due in part to the core of the Android OS, which is Linux, and also to manufacturers. Due to the broad nature of supported devices that Android runs on this is actually a very important thing to know, as every manufacturers build is different. This is why you cannot take a ROM from one device and just load it on another. Linux is designed so that you only add what you need to the build to get the function you want, as opposed to the Windows approach which is just throw everything into a build. It makes the OS leaner and faster, and makes the ROM image smaller. The downside is just that you have to make sure you know which platform you are building on so that you are able to add anything that you need that is not there by default.

Hope that helps a bit.
 

markings

Member
Feb 5, 2012
9
1
OK, fair enough but why can't Linux/Android figure out what it needs by itself?

Edit: With respect to applications, surely they are independet of the device?
 
Last edited:
Top