On the Android working system, utility knowledge is primarily saved in two distinct areas: inside storage and exterior storage. Inside storage is a personal listing allotted to every utility by the system. This area is accessible solely by the applying itself and the working system. It’s sometimes used for delicate knowledge, consumer settings, and different recordsdata that shouldn’t be accessible by different functions. An instance of information saved right here contains consumer login info or utility preferences.
The situation of utility knowledge is crucial for knowledge safety and utility performance. Traditionally, improper dealing with of utility knowledge has led to vulnerabilities, comparable to unauthorized entry to consumer info. Correct administration ensures that delicate knowledge stays non-public and that functions perform accurately. It additionally contributes to the general stability and safety of the Android ecosystem.
The next sections will delve deeper into the particular directories used for each inside and exterior storage, outlining the implications for builders and customers. Moreover, the dialogue will cowl the strategies for accessing and managing utility knowledge, alongside the safety issues related to every storage kind. The goal is to supply an intensive understanding of the structure governing the dealing with of any such info on Android units.
1. Inside Storage
Inside storage represents a personal, sandboxed space inside an Android machine’s file system, devoted to every utility. It’s a main location for storing application-specific knowledge and is a crucial element when discussing areas for this info on Android.
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Non-public Knowledge Realm
Inside storage is solely accessible to the applying that created it and the working system. No different utility can immediately entry or modify knowledge saved inside this location. This isolation is prime for knowledge safety and prevents unauthorized entry to delicate consumer info or utility settings.
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Storage of Delicate Data
Because of its restricted entry, inside storage is the suitable place to retailer confidential knowledge comparable to consumer login credentials, API keys, or different application-specific secrets and techniques. Storing such info in additional accessible areas, comparable to exterior storage, will increase the danger of unauthorized entry and knowledge breaches.
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Utility Uninstallation Implications
When an utility is uninstalled, the information saved inside its inside storage listing is often eliminated by the working system. This habits ensures that no residual utility knowledge stays on the machine after removing. Nevertheless, it additionally signifies that any unsynchronized knowledge saved solely in inside storage might be misplaced.
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Code Cache & Libraries
Inside Storage doesn’t solely retailer consumer knowledge but in addition utility code and libraries. These recordsdata are crucial for working the applying and should be protected, influencing the choice to retailer them internally as a result of safe nature of that area.
The traits of inside storage – its privateness, its use for delicate knowledge, and its lifecycle tied to the applying’s set up – are very important for understanding how Android functions handle and shield their knowledge. It underlines the Android working system’s method to knowledge segregation and safety inside cellular functions.
2. Exterior Storage
Exterior storage, within the context of Android working techniques, represents a storage medium that’s sometimes accessible by each the applying itself and, probably, different functions or the consumer immediately. Its accessibility distinguishes it from inside storage and introduces completely different issues concerning utility knowledge areas inside the Android ecosystem.
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Shared Storage Surroundings
In contrast to inside storage, exterior storage is just not solely restricted to a single utility. Whereas functions can create non-public directories inside exterior storage, the potential for entry by different functions or the consumer necessitates cautious consideration of the kind of knowledge saved. Media recordsdata, paperwork, and different user-generated content material are sometimes discovered right here.
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Permissions and Entry Management
Entry to exterior storage requires particular permissions granted by the consumer throughout utility set up or runtime. Android’s permission mannequin restricts entry to stop malicious functions from indiscriminately accessing or modifying knowledge. Correct permission dealing with is important to make sure each performance and consumer privateness.
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Implications for Knowledge Safety
The shared nature of exterior storage signifies that delicate or confidential knowledge ought to by no means be saved right here. Usernames, passwords, API keys, and different delicate info ought to be confined to inside storage. Failure to take action may lead to unauthorized entry and knowledge breaches if different apps are compromised.
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Storage Capability and Media Recordsdata
Exterior storage is often used for storing bigger recordsdata comparable to photos, movies, audio recordings, and different media content material. The ample storage capability makes it appropriate for housing knowledge that will in any other case overwhelm the restricted area of inside storage. SD playing cards, if current, are thought-about a part of the exterior storage.
The traits of exterior storage its shared nature, permission-based entry, and suitability for big recordsdata necessitate a cautious method to knowledge administration. Builders should fastidiously select the suitable storage location primarily based on the sensitivity and measurement of the information. It highlights the trade-offs between accessibility and safety inherent within the design of Android’s file storage system.
3. Non-public Utility Listing
The Non-public Utility Listing is a core component defining “the place is app knowledge saved on android,” performing as a segregated storage space assigned to every utility. This listing, positioned inside the machine’s inside storage, enforces strict entry management. By default, the applying itself and the Android working system are the one entities permitted to learn, write, and modify knowledge inside this designated area. This basic side of the Android safety mannequin ensures that delicate consumer knowledge and application-specific recordsdata stay protected against unauthorized entry by different functions put in on the machine. A sensible instance is the storage of consumer authentication tokens inside the Non-public Utility Listing. These tokens, essential for sustaining consumer classes, require a excessive diploma of safety to stop account compromise.
The utilization of Non-public Utility Directories immediately influences utility habits and knowledge safety. When an utility requires storage for configuration recordsdata, consumer preferences, or momentary knowledge, the Non-public Utility Listing gives a safe and dependable location. Think about a note-taking utility that shops encrypted notes inside its Non-public Utility Listing. This technique ensures that solely the applying itself can decrypt and show the notes, even when the machine is compromised. The listing’s inherent isolation minimizes the danger of information leakage or tampering, contributing considerably to the general integrity of the applying and its knowledge.
In abstract, the Non-public Utility Listing is just not merely a location for storing utility knowledge however a cornerstone of Android’s safety structure. Its function in isolating utility knowledge, stopping unauthorized entry, and making certain knowledge integrity is paramount. Whereas different storage choices exist inside the Android ecosystem, the Non-public Utility Listing stays the popular selection for delicate knowledge and application-specific assets, underscoring its significance in answering “the place is app knowledge saved on android” with a concentrate on safety and privateness.
4. Shared Preferences
Shared Preferences represents a mechanism for storing small quantities of primitive knowledge inside an Android utility. This storage methodology is intrinsically linked to the query of the place utility knowledge resides. Particularly, Shared Preferences recordsdata are saved inside the utility’s non-public knowledge listing, accessible solely by the applying itself. This placement underscores its function as a element within the broader context of utility knowledge storage on the Android platform. As a trigger, the choice of Shared Preferences for knowledge storage necessitates consideration of its limitations; its capability for dealing with massive datasets is restricted. As an impact, builders sometimes make use of Shared Preferences to persist easy settings or consumer preferences, comparable to theme alternatives, login standing, or utility configurations. An instance of its sensible utility contains storing a boolean worth indicating whether or not a consumer has accomplished an preliminary utility tutorial. This knowledge informs the applying’s habits upon subsequent launches. Understanding Shared Preferences’ storage location and utilization patterns is paramount for environment friendly utility growth and knowledge administration.
Additional evaluation reveals sensible functions and issues surrounding Shared Preferences. Accessing and modifying Shared Preferences entails using the SharedPreferences API supplied by the Android framework. This API facilitates studying and writing knowledge as key-value pairs. When an utility requires persistent storage of user-specific settings, Shared Preferences provides a handy and light-weight resolution. One instance is storing the consumer’s most popular notification settings, comparable to notification quantity or vibration preferences. These settings can then be retrieved and utilized every time the applying launches. It’s important to notice that whereas Shared Preferences gives a level of information persistence, it isn’t supposed for storing delicate info, comparable to passwords or API keys. Such knowledge requires extra strong safety measures and ought to be saved utilizing different strategies, such because the Android Keystore system.
In conclusion, Shared Preferences serves as a basic element within the panorama of utility knowledge storage on Android units. Its location inside the non-public knowledge listing ensures a level of isolation, whereas its API facilitates easy knowledge storage and retrieval. Challenges might come up in managing knowledge consistency and concurrency when a number of threads entry Shared Preferences concurrently. Builders should handle these challenges by way of applicable synchronization mechanisms. Regardless of these challenges, Shared Preferences stays a invaluable instrument for persisting small quantities of information, contributing considerably to the general consumer expertise and utility performance. It highlights a key side in understanding the various choices obtainable for knowledge storage inside the Android ecosystem, linking on to the broader inquiry of “the place is app knowledge saved on android.”
5. Cache Listing
The Cache Listing is a delegated location on Android units for the momentary storage of information. Its goal and administration are crucial issues when analyzing the query of “the place is app knowledge saved on android,” particularly regarding utility efficiency and storage optimization.
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Function of Non permanent Knowledge Storage
The Cache Listing serves as a repository for knowledge that functions incessantly entry however don’t require persistent storage. This usually contains downloaded photos, audio recordsdata, and pre-processed knowledge. Storing this info within the cache permits functions to retrieve it rapidly, bettering response instances and lowering the necessity to re-download or re-calculate the information every time it’s required. For instance, a information utility would possibly cache article photos to facilitate quicker loading throughout subsequent views.
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Location inside the File System
Every utility on Android is allotted a particular Cache Listing inside the machine’s file system. This listing is often positioned inside both inside storage or exterior storage, relying on the machine configuration and the applying’s settings. The working system manages these directories, offering functions with APIs to entry and manipulate the cached knowledge. Whereas the particular path might range throughout units, the precept stays constant: every utility has its personal remoted cache space.
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Working System Administration and Clearing
The Android working system actively manages the Cache Listing to optimize storage utilization. When the machine is low on space for storing, the system might mechanically clear the cache of functions that haven’t been lately used. This habits is meant to unlock space for storing for important capabilities and stop the machine from changing into overloaded. Customers may manually clear the cache of particular person functions by way of the machine’s settings menu.
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Implications for Utility Growth
Builders should fastidiously handle the information saved inside the Cache Listing to make sure optimum utility efficiency and stop storage-related points. They need to implement methods to clear outdated or pointless cached knowledge commonly. Moreover, they need to keep away from storing delicate info within the cache, because the working system might clear it with out prior discover. Correct cache administration contributes to a smoother consumer expertise and prevents the applying from consuming extreme space for storing.
In conclusion, the Cache Listing is an integral a part of the Android storage system, influencing utility efficiency and storage effectivity. Understanding its goal, location, and administration is essential for each builders and customers. The environment friendly utilization of the Cache Listing contributes considerably to answering the broader query of “the place is app knowledge saved on android,” showcasing one side of information’s lifecycle and administration on the Android platform.
6. Databases
Databases are a crucial element in addressing the inquiry “the place is app knowledge saved on Android.” They supply a structured and protracted methodology for functions to retailer and handle substantial quantities of information. Understanding database implementation is important for comprehending knowledge storage mechanisms inside the Android working system.
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SQLite Integration
Android working techniques natively help SQLite, a light-weight, disk-based database. Functions can create and handle SQLite databases inside their non-public inside storage. This ensures knowledge stays native to the applying and inaccessible to others until explicitly shared. An instance is a contact administration utility storing contact particulars in an SQLite database. This integration immediately influences the place utility knowledge resides, putting it securely inside the utility’s designated storage space.
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Knowledge Group and Construction
Databases facilitate structured knowledge group, permitting builders to outline tables, columns, and relationships to successfully handle info. This structured method contrasts with less complicated storage strategies like Shared Preferences, that are appropriate just for small quantities of primitive knowledge. A health monitoring utility, as an illustration, would possibly use a database to retailer consumer profiles, exercise logs, and dietary info. The inherent construction of the database permits for environment friendly knowledge retrieval and manipulation, contributing to the applying’s performance.
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Knowledge Persistence and Administration
Databases provide persistent knowledge storage, which means knowledge stays obtainable even after the applying is closed or the machine is restarted. Android gives APIs for creating, querying, and updating database content material. Correct database administration, together with knowledge backup and restoration methods, is essential for making certain knowledge integrity and availability. Think about a banking utility storing transaction historical past in a database. This knowledge must be persistent and dependable to supply customers with an correct file of their monetary actions.
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Safety Concerns
Whereas databases provide structured knowledge storage, safety should be thought-about. Functions should implement measures to guard in opposition to SQL injection assaults and unauthorized entry to database recordsdata. Storing delicate info, comparable to passwords, requires encryption. An encrypted database gives a stage of safety even when the machine is compromised. These safety practices immediately affect how and the place utility knowledge, notably delicate knowledge, is saved on Android units.
These aspects illustrate the integral function databases play in defining “the place is app knowledge saved on Android.” SQLite databases, residing inside the utility’s non-public storage, provide structured knowledge group, persistence, and administration capabilities. Nevertheless, safety measures are obligatory to guard delicate knowledge saved inside these databases, making certain knowledge integrity and consumer privateness inside the Android ecosystem.
7. Root Entry
Root entry, within the context of Android, signifies privileged management over the working system. This stage of management has important implications for knowledge storage areas. Whereas normal functions function inside a sandboxed setting, root entry bypasses these restrictions, affecting “the place is app knowledge saved on android” and the way it may be manipulated.
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Unfettered Entry to File System
Gaining root entry removes the boundaries that sometimes prohibit functions to their designated knowledge directories. This permits customers or functions with root privileges to entry any file on the machine, together with knowledge belonging to different functions. For instance, a file supervisor with root entry can browse and modify the information directories of any put in utility, probably exposing delicate info. This unrestricted entry essentially alters the panorama of information storage areas, as the same old safety boundaries are circumvented.
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Modification of System Recordsdata
Root entry permits the modification of system recordsdata, which might not directly influence knowledge storage. For example, adjustments to system settings can alter the default location for storing sure forms of knowledge or modify the permissions governing file entry. Think about a state of affairs the place a rooted machine has its system settings modified to redirect the default storage location for downloaded recordsdata. This demonstrates how root entry can affect “the place is app knowledge saved on android” by altering system-level configurations.
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Set up of Customized ROMs and Modifications
Root entry is usually a prerequisite for putting in customized ROMs (Learn-Solely Reminiscence) or different system modifications. These customized ROMs can implement completely different knowledge storage methods, probably altering the areas the place functions retailer their knowledge. For instance, a customized ROM would possibly embody modifications to enhance storage efficiency or improve knowledge safety, resulting in alterations in “the place is app knowledge saved on android” in comparison with the inventory working system.
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Knowledge Backup and Restoration Capabilities
Root entry can improve knowledge backup and restoration capabilities. With root privileges, customers can create full backups of their machine, together with utility knowledge, whatever the typical entry restrictions. This permits for complete knowledge restoration in case of machine failure or knowledge loss. For example, a consumer with root entry can create a full system backup that features the information directories of all put in functions, offering a security internet for knowledge saved in numerous areas on the machine.
In abstract, root entry essentially alters the parameters of “the place is app knowledge saved on android” by eradicating the usual entry restrictions. It grants the power to entry, modify, and relocate knowledge throughout the complete file system. Whereas root entry can present superior performance and customization choices, it additionally introduces safety dangers and potential instability. Customers should fastidiously weigh the advantages in opposition to the potential drawbacks earlier than gaining root entry to their Android units, contemplating the implications for knowledge safety and system integrity.
8. Cloud Backup
Cloud backup providers present a mechanism for replicating knowledge saved on an Android machine to distant servers. This course of is intrinsically linked to the query of the place utility knowledge resides, because it determines what knowledge is eligible for backup and the way it’s accessed throughout a restoration.
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Selective Backup of Utility Knowledge
Cloud backup providers sometimes provide selective backup choices, permitting customers to decide on which utility knowledge to incorporate within the backup. This choice course of might be influenced by the storage location of the information. For example, knowledge saved inside an utility’s non-public inside storage is usually included by default, whereas knowledge saved on exterior storage would possibly require specific consumer consent. For example, a consumer would possibly decide to again up utility settings and consumer profiles whereas excluding cached knowledge or massive media recordsdata. This selectivity demonstrates how the situation of utility knowledge impacts the scope and content material of cloud backups.
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Synchronization and Restoration Processes
Cloud backup facilitates the synchronization of utility knowledge throughout a number of units and permits the restoration of information in case of machine loss or failure. The restoration course of depends on precisely figuring out the storage areas of the backed-up knowledge and restoring it to the right directories. When restoring an utility’s knowledge, the cloud backup service should make sure that knowledge is positioned again into its authentic location, whether or not or not it’s inside storage, exterior storage, or particular database recordsdata. This synchronization and restoration are depending on the right dealing with of storage areas on the Android machine.
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Implications for Knowledge Privateness and Safety
The usage of cloud backup providers introduces knowledge privateness and safety issues. Knowledge transferred to and saved on distant servers is topic to the safety insurance policies and practices of the cloud service supplier. Customers should pay attention to the potential dangers related to storing their utility knowledge within the cloud, particularly delicate info. Think about an occasion the place a consumer’s cloud backup contains unencrypted knowledge from a messaging utility. The safety of this knowledge is determined by the cloud supplier’s encryption and entry management measures. Thus, the cloud’s storage location impacts the safety and privateness of information originating from numerous factors on the Android machine.
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Storage Limitations and Price Elements
Cloud backup providers sometimes provide restricted storage capability, usually requiring customers to pay for extra storage past the free tier. This limitation can affect the choice of knowledge to be backed up, with customers prioritizing important knowledge over much less crucial recordsdata. The price of cloud storage will also be an element, prompting customers to selectively again up knowledge primarily based on its significance and the related storage prices. For instance, a consumer with restricted cloud storage would possibly select to again up solely utility settings and doc recordsdata, excluding massive media recordsdata to remain inside their storage quota. These financial and sensible issues additional underscore the connection between knowledge storage location and cloud backup methods.
In conclusion, cloud backup providers are inextricably linked to the panorama of information storage on Android units. The selective backup choices, synchronization processes, safety issues, and storage limitations all underscore the importance of understanding the place utility knowledge is saved. The selection of what to again up, how it’s synchronized, and the related dangers are all influenced by the storage location of the information. This understanding is important for each customers and builders to make sure knowledge safety, availability, and environment friendly storage administration inside the Android ecosystem.
Incessantly Requested Questions
The next questions handle widespread issues and misconceptions concerning the situation of utility knowledge on Android units.
Query 1: What are the first areas for storing utility knowledge on Android?
Utility knowledge is primarily saved in inside storage and exterior storage. Inside storage is non-public to the applying, whereas exterior storage is probably accessible to different functions and the consumer.
Query 2: Is it protected to retailer delicate info on exterior storage?
It’s typically not beneficial to retailer delicate info, comparable to passwords or API keys, on exterior storage because of its shared nature and potential accessibility by different functions. Inside storage is the popular location for delicate knowledge.
Query 3: What occurs to utility knowledge when an utility is uninstalled?
Knowledge saved inside the utility’s inside storage listing is often eliminated when the applying is uninstalled. Knowledge saved on exterior storage might persist until explicitly deleted by the applying or consumer.
Query 4: How can an utility entry knowledge saved by one other utility?
Direct entry to a different utility’s inside storage is restricted. If functions have to share knowledge, they have to use mechanisms comparable to content material suppliers or shared exterior storage areas with applicable permissions.
Query 5: What’s the goal of the cache listing, and the way is it managed?
The cache listing is used for storing momentary knowledge that an utility incessantly accesses. The Android working system might mechanically clear the cache to unlock space for storing.
Query 6: How does root entry have an effect on utility knowledge storage?
Root entry bypasses the usual entry restrictions, permitting customers or functions with root privileges to entry and modify any file on the machine, together with utility knowledge. This will have important safety implications.
Understanding these key elements of utility knowledge storage is essential for making certain knowledge safety, privateness, and environment friendly machine administration.
The next article sections will delve into greatest practices for knowledge storage and safety on Android.
Knowledge Storage Greatest Practices on Android
The next ideas provide steering on successfully managing knowledge storage on Android, making certain knowledge safety, privateness, and optimum utility efficiency. These tips handle numerous elements of information dealing with, emphasizing accountable and environment friendly storage methods.
Tip 1: Prioritize Inside Storage for Delicate Knowledge
Delicate info, comparable to consumer credentials, API keys, and private knowledge, ought to all the time be saved inside an utility’s inside storage. This storage space provides the best stage of privateness and safety, defending knowledge from unauthorized entry by different functions.
Tip 2: Make the most of Exterior Storage Judiciously
Exterior storage ought to be reserved for knowledge that’s not delicate and will profit from being accessible by different functions or the consumer, comparable to media recordsdata or paperwork. Specific consumer consent ought to be obtained earlier than storing knowledge on exterior storage.
Tip 3: Make use of Encryption for Saved Knowledge
Encryption ought to be carried out to guard delicate knowledge, no matter its storage location. Encrypting knowledge ensures that even when unauthorized entry happens, the information stays unreadable and unusable.
Tip 4: Handle Cache Knowledge Successfully
Functions ought to effectively handle cached knowledge, commonly clearing outdated or pointless recordsdata. This follow helps to stop extreme storage consumption and improves utility efficiency. Implement a technique for clearing cache knowledge primarily based on its age or relevance.
Tip 5: Implement Sturdy Knowledge Validation Strategies
Knowledge validation ought to be built-in into knowledge storage processes to stop corrupted or invalid knowledge from being saved. This helps preserve knowledge integrity and prevents surprising utility habits.
Tip 6: Adhere to Android’s Permission Mannequin
Functions ought to adhere strictly to Android’s permission mannequin, requesting solely the required permissions for accessing storage and different assets. Keep away from requesting pointless permissions, as this may elevate consumer issues and negatively influence utility belief.
Tip 7: Think about Knowledge Backup and Restore Methods
Develop methods for backing up and restoring utility knowledge, permitting customers to recuperate their knowledge in case of machine loss or utility reinstallation. Make use of cloud backup providers or native backup mechanisms to supply knowledge redundancy.
Implementing the following pointers promotes accountable knowledge administration, enhancing knowledge safety, consumer privateness, and utility efficiency. Adhering to those practices is important for creating dependable and reliable Android functions.
The concluding part will present a abstract and last ideas on knowledge storage inside the Android ecosystem.
Conclusion
The previous dialogue has explored numerous aspects of information storage on the Android working system, addressing the elemental query of “the place is app knowledge saved on Android.” Inside storage, exterior storage, shared preferences, databases, and cloud backups have been examined, every presenting distinctive traits and implications for knowledge safety and accessibility. This exploration underscores the complexity inherent in managing knowledge inside the Android ecosystem.
The structure governing knowledge location considerably impacts utility performance, safety, and consumer expertise. Builders are tasked with understanding these nuances and implementing methods that prioritize knowledge safety and accountable useful resource administration. Continued vigilance and adherence to greatest practices are paramount in sustaining the integrity of the Android platform and safeguarding consumer knowledge. Additional developments in knowledge storage applied sciences and safety protocols will undoubtedly form the long run panorama of utility growth and knowledge administration on Android units.
