what is middleware in android?

Question

Wikipedia says "Anything between the kernel and the applications is known as middleware". Now, if we look at the android architecture, it consists of:

1. Applications

2. Application Framework

3. Libraries and Runtime

4. Linux kernel

so, my simple question is what is middleware in case of android architecture? Is it Libraries+Runtime or is it Libraries+Runtime+Application Framework. I read somewhere that it consists of Libraries and Runtime. If that's true then why Application Framework is not considered as a part of middleware, because according to the middleware's definition, Application Framework is also between kernel and user applications.

Answer 1

I'd say it's either:

• Application Framework and
• Libraries and Runtime

Or:

• Libraries and Runtime

I would not say there is only one right opinion, this is a question of interpretation.

Answer 2

I believe its the Libraries and Runtime together.