AOSP

Definitions

1. Android Open Source Project — the publicly available source code and build system for the Android operating system, maintained by Google. AOSP provides the base OS without Google Play Services, allowing manufacturers like Amazon (Fire OS) and custom ROM communities to create their own Android variants without Google's proprietary layer.

   In plain English: The free, open-source version of Android's code that anyone can use to build their own version of the operating system, without Google's apps included.

   Example: "The Chinese OEM ships AOSP with their own app store since they can't bundle Google Play in that market."

Related Terms

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• Material Design
• Cathedral and the Bazaar
• Contributor Covenant
• IRC
• Open Source Governance
• Open Source Sustainability
• The Cathedral
• Agent Smith Attack