Glossary - Android & Tech Terms
Welcome to our comprehensive glossary of Android and technology terms. Find definitions and explanations for common terms related to Android rooting, custom ROMs, firmware, and all Android versions from Cupcake to Android 15.
A
Android Rooting
The process of gaining privileged control within Android's subsystem.
AOSP
Android Open Source Project - the base for Android development.
Android Cupcake
Android 1.5 - The first named Android version.
Android Donut
Android 1.6 - Introduced universal search.
Android Eclair
Android 2.0/2.1 - Major visual overhaul.
Android Froyo
Android 2.2 - Introduced portable hotspot.
Android Gingerbread
Android 2.3 - Enhanced gaming and NFC support.
Android Honeycomb
Android 3.0 - Designed specifically for tablets.
Android Ice Cream Sandwich
Android 4.0 - Unified phone and tablet experience.
Android Jelly Bean
Android 4.1-4.3 - Project Butter for smooth UI.
Android KitKat
Android 4.4 - Optimized for low-memory devices.
Android Lollipop
Android 5.0/5.1 - Introduced Material Design.
Android Marshmallow
Android 6.0 - Granular app permissions.
Android Nougat
Android 7.0 - Multi-window support.
Android Oreo
Android 8.0/8.1 - Picture-in-Picture mode.
Android Pie
Android 9 - Gesture navigation.
Android 10
System-wide dark theme.
Android 11
Conversation notifications.
Android 12
Material You dynamic theming.
Android 13
Per-app language settings.
Android 14
Lock screen customization.
Android 15
Private Space and theft detection.
B
Bootloader
The program that loads the operating system when you turn on your device.
Bloatware
Pre-installed apps that consume resources but provide little value.
C
Custom ROMs
Customized versions of Android created by developers.
CWM
ClockworkMod Recovery - popular custom recovery solution.
Chainfire One-click Root
Easy rooting solution by Chainfire.
CF-Auto-Root
Chainfire's automated root tool for Samsung.
D
Download Mode (Samsung)
Samsung's firmware flashing mode.
E
Enable USB Debugging
Developer option for ADB access.
Enter Download Mode
How to access download mode on various devices.
F
Firmware
Software programmed into read-only memory of devices.
Factory Reset in Android
Restore your device to original settings.
Flash Custom ROMs
Guide to installing custom ROMs.
I
ID:COM Section
Device identification in Odin for Samsung flashing.
K
Kernels
The core of the Android operating system.
N
NAND
Flash memory type used in mobile devices.
O
OEM Unlock
Setting to enable bootloader unlocking.
OTA Update
Over-the-air wireless software delivery.
Official Firmware
Manufacturer-released firmware updates.
OmniROM
Community-driven custom Android ROM.
P
Phablet
Devices between phone and tablet size.
R
ROM
Read-Only Memory - contains device programming.
Recovery Mode in Android
Boot mode for system maintenance.
Recovery Mode (Samsung)
Samsung-specific recovery mode.
S
Stock ROM
Original operating system from manufacturer.
T
TWRP
Team Win Recovery Project - touch-driven custom recovery.
U
Unofficial Firmware
Third-party firmware not from manufacturer.