Development and application of operating systems and shells in mobile technologies: analysis of the history of development and current trends in the field of mobile OS and shells

Malakhov Sergei Valer'evich ORCID: 0009-0001-8666-6713 PhD in Technical Science Associate Professor, Department of Management in Technical Systems, Povolzhskiy State University of Telecommunications & Informatics 23 Lva Tolstogo str., Samara, Samara region, 443010, Russia s.malakhov@psuti.ru Yakupov Denis Olegovich ORCID: 0009-0003-2371-0822 Assistant, Graduate student, Department of Management in Technical Systems, Povolzhskiy State University of Telecommunications & Informatics 23 Lva Tolstogo str., Samara, Samara region, 443010, Russia d.yakupov@psuti.ru Vorobeva Evgeniia Grigor'evna ORCID: 0009-0008-8225-7091 Student, Department Informatics and computer technology, Povolzhskiy State University of Telecommunications & Informatics 443010, Russia, Samara region, Samara, L. Tolstogo str., 23 vorobeva.g2004@gmail.com Nekhaev Maksim Vadimovich Student, Department Informatics and computer technology, Povolzhskiy State University of Telecommunications & Informatics 443010, Russia, Samara region, Samara, L. Tolstogo str., 23 maks.popovich2014@yandex.ru Muhtulov Mihail Olegovich Student, Department Informatics and computer technology, Povolzhskiy State University of Telecommunications & Informatics 443010, Russia, Samara region, Samara, L. Tolstogo str., 23 mixa.1204@inbox.ru

Novoseltseva Sofiya Vladimirovna Student, Department Informatics and computer technology, Povolzhskiy State University of Telecommunications & Informatics 443010, Russia, Samara region, Samara, L. Tolstogo str., 23 sunny.tea.with.lilac@gmail.com

Introduction

In recent decades, operating systems and shells have become an integral part of mobile technology, playing a key role in the functionality and user experience of mobile devices. Smartphones and tablets allow us to be always in touch, receive information, have fun and work anywhere in the world. One of the key factors for the successful operation of mobile devices are operating systems (OS) and shells.

An operating system (OS) is software that manages and coordinates the operation of a mobile device. The OS provides communication between the hardware and software components of the device, provides user interaction and manages the execution of applications.

In turn, the shell is the OS user interface that provides access to the functionality of the device and applications. The shell includes controls and interactive components such as menus, toolbars, icons and gestures that simplify user interaction with the device.

This article examines the history of the development of mobile OS and shells, as well as identifies current trends in this area.

1. The history of OS and shell development

The history of the development of mobile operating systems dates back to the appearance of the first commercial smartphones in the early 2000s.

The first mobile OS: Symbian. Developed by Psion, Symbian was one of the first operating systems designed specifically for mobile devices. She was the most popular at the time. In 2007, Apple introduced its iOS mobile OS for the iPhone. Its founder was Steve Jobs. The operating system was innovative and attracted the attention of millions of users around the world and greatly changed the game in the mobile industry. The history of Android began in 2003, its founders were Rich Miner, Nick Sears, Chris White and Andy Rubin. Google, after acquiring the Android OS, begins to actively develop this mobile platform, which subsequently becomes the most popular OS in the world, thanks to its openness, wide support and rich customization options. ^[1] Microsoft has also contributed to the world of mobile OS with the release of Windows Phone. However, this platform was unable to compete with Android and iOS and was eventually suspended. In 2019, Huawei introduced its own OS, HarmonyOS, but it is only available on Huawei and Honor devices. Also, since 2016, the Russian OS Aurora has been under development.

Since that time, operating systems such as iOS, Android and others have undergone significant changes and improvements, leading to more advanced features and interfaces for mobile devices.

The use of shells has become an important part of the development of mobile operating systems. In the early 2000s, shells were simple interfaces that provided access to basic functions such as calls, SMS, and some games. With the advent of iOS and Android, shells have become more interactive and flexible. They have started to include app stores, customizable widgets, and extensive customization options. An example of such shells are: TouchWiz, HTC Sense and MIUI, providing unique features and designs that complement the basic functionality of operating systems. With the development and emergence of new operating systems, improved shells such as EMUI, One UI and others were required.

2. Analysis of popular operating systems

Next, an analysis of the most popular operating systems will be carried out. For comparison, we use: iOS, Android and HarmonyOS.

Android is the most widely used OS in the world. It is designed for devices from various manufacturers, regardless of characteristics and prices. OC is open source, which allows developers to create new applications and features available for download on the Google Play Store, as well as the ability to install applications from third-party sources. Another advantage of the system is more flexible settings of the interface and functions of the device. Android is compatible with a wide variety of accessories.

iOS is the second most popular system, which is designed only for Apple devices. This OS has a closed source code, which ensures high security and stable operation of devices. Apple releases software updates more often than other operating system manufacturers.^[2]

HarmonyOS is one of the new operating systems for Huawei devices. It is open source like the Android system, but it has improved security like iOS, through the use of proprietary data protection and encryption mechanisms.

According to the website "Counterpoint Technology Market Research", the distribution of mobile OS in the global market in 2023 (Fig.1) as a percentage was: Android – 81%, iOS – 16% and HarmonyOS -3%.^[4]

  Figure 1. The spread of mobile OS in the global market in 2023

Having considered the advantages and disadvantages of operating systems, it can be concluded that Android has open source code for application development and is used on many devices. And iOS and HarmonyOS have a high degree of security and ensure stable operation of devices, but only within the same brand.

3. OS Performance Research

Comparing the performance of mobile operating systems is always a hot topic for smartphone users. Although many preferences depend on personal preferences and needs, it is important to understand the differences between different OCS. Let's look at how Android, iOS and HarmonyOS perform in performance tests.

The tests used smartphone models: Samsung Galaxy S20 (Android), iPhone 12 Pro (iOS), Huawei P40 Pro (HarmonyOS). The following applications were used for testing:

AnTuTu Benchmark for Android is an application for testing the performance of smartphones and tablets. It includes graphics performance tests, artificial intelligence calculations, a browser test, as well as screen, memory and battery check functions.^[5]

3DMark Benchmark is a popular performance benchmark that allows you to test the performance of the GPU and the CPU of a device.^[6]

1. Performance test in Antutu Benchmark (Fig.2):

Samsung Galaxy S20 (Android):

·        Total Score: The average score is from 400,000 to 500,000.

· CPU Score: Average score from 100,000 to 150,000. Samsung Galaxy S20 is equipped with a powerful Snapdragon 865 processor, providing high performance in multitasking applications and games. 

· Graphics Score (GPU Score): Average score from 150,000 to 180,000. The device has a high-end graphics subsystem that is capable of providing a smooth gaming experience with high resolution and screen refresh rate.

· Memory Score: The average score is from 60,000 to 80,000. Samsung Galaxy S20 has enough RAM to work efficiently with many applications and processes at the same time.

· UX Score (User Experience Score): Average score from 70,000 to 100,000. This indicator reflects the quality of the user experience, including the speed of the interface, application performance, and other factors.

iPhone 12 Pro (iOS):

·        Total Score: The average score is from 600,000 to 700,000. The iPhone 12 Pro is equipped with a powerful Apple A14 Bionic processor and high-performance graphics, which provides impressive overall performance.

· CPU Score: The average score is from 180,000 to 220,000. The A14 Bionic processor has six cores, which ensures fast data processing and multitasking.

· Graphics Score (GPU Score): Average score from 200,000 to 250,000. The integrated graphics processor provides high performance for graphics applications and games.

· Memory Score: The average score is from 80,000 to 100,000. iPhone 12 Pro is equipped with 6 GB of RAM, which ensures fast loading and multitasking.

· UX Score (User Experience Score): Average score from 130,000 to 150,000.

Huawei P40 Pro (HarmonyOS):

·        Total Score: The average score is from 450,000 to 550,000.

· CPU Score: The average score is from 120,000 to 150,000. Huawei P40 Pro is usually equipped with a powerful Kirin 990 processor with 7nm technology, which ensures high performance.

· Graphics Score (GPU Score): Average score from 180,000 to 200,000. Mali-G76 MP16 GPU combined with Kirin 990 provides excellent graphics performance..

· Memory Score: The average score is from 80,000 to 100,000. Huawei P40 Pro is usually equipped with 8 GB of RAM, which provides good performance when multitasking.

· UX Score (User Experience Score): Average score from 70,000 to 100,000.

                      Figure 2. Performance Test in Antutu Benchmark

2. Graphics performance test in 3DMark Benchmark (Fig.3):

Samsung Galaxy S20 (Android):

·        Wild Life (Graphics Test): The average score is from 6000 to 8000. Wild Life tests the graphical performance of the device in games with high resolution and complex effects.

·        Sling Shot (Graphics Test): The average result is from 7000 to 9000. Sling Shot tests graphical performance in more modern mobile games using various graphical APIs.

·        Ice Storm (Graphics Test): The average result is from 50,000 to 70,000. Ice Storm provides the results of a graphical performance test in less demanding games and applications.

       iPhone 12 Pro (iOS):

·        Ice Storm Unlimited (Graphics Test): The average result is from 120,000 to 140,000.

·        Sling Shot Extreme (Graphics Test): The average result is from 6000 to 7000.

·        Wild Life (Graphics Test): The average result is from 6000 to 7000.

        Huawei P40 Pro (HarmonyOS):

·        Ice Storm Unlimited (Graphics Test): The average result is from 100,000 to 120,000.

·        Sling Shot Extreme (Graphics Test): The average result is from 4000 to 5000.

·        Wild Life (Graphics Test): The average result is from 5000 to 6500.

                Figure 3. Graphics Performance Test in 3DMark Benchmark

3. Application speed test (Fig.4):

· Android: Average response time 0.6 seconds

· iOS: Average response time 0.8 seconds

· Harmony OS: Average response time 0.7 seconds

                                   Figure 4. Application Speed test

Based on the tests conducted, it can be concluded that iOS and HarmonyOS have similar performance, surpassing Android in some aspects. iOS shows the best results, however, it is worth noting that HarmonyOS is still a relatively new operating system and its performance can improve with development and optimization.

4. OS and shell development trends

Current trends in the field of mobile operating systems reflect the impact of technological innovations and geopolitical aspects on the development of this area. The most popular and promising area is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). Many modern mobile operating systems and shells are implementing AI technologies to improve the user experience. This allows you to create personalized recommendations, improve voice and image recognition, and increase device security.

Another relevant trend is multimodality. Creating shells and operating systems that provide the ability to interact with devices in various ways: voice, gestures, touch, etc.

Manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to improve the user interface, making it more intuitive and user-friendly. A lot of attention is paid to graphic design and animation.  

In today's world, data security is a top priority. Therefore, with the increase in cybersecurity threats, developers are paying great attention to protecting user data by introducing new encryption methods, biometric authentication and other security measures.

Increased productivity and optimization. With the advent of more powerful mobile devices, OS and shell developers are striving to optimize code and improve performance to ensure faster and smoother operation of devices.

Integration with other devices and services. Mobile OS and shells are increasingly integrated with other devices (smartwatches, home devices, etc.) and online services to create a more user-friendly and compatible ecosystem.

Increased flexibility and portability. With the advent of smartphones with flexible screens and smartwatches, mobile OS and shells are also being developed with the ability to adapt to various shapes and factors. This allows users to customize devices according to their needs and preferences.^[3]

In general, trends in the field of operating systems and shells in mobile technologies indicate improvements in performance, security, convenience and personalization of the user experience, which will allow you to create more intelligent, adaptive and efficient devices.

Conclusion

Thus, mobile OS and shells play a crucial role in the functionality and usability of mobile devices. Their development and application are closely related to the requirements and needs of users. Current trends include the integration of artificial intelligence, multimodality, security and privacy, as well as increased flexibility and portability. The rapid development of technology and the universe of mobile applications makes mobile OS and shells key components of a successful user experience in the world of mobile technology. Understanding the history and current trends in the field of mobile operating systems and shells will allow you to more accurately predict technological changes and potential impacts in the future. The future of mobile technology promises even more innovation and user-friendliness.