Android is a leading mobile operating system and technology organization originally founded in 2003 by Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, and Chris White in Palo Alto, California. Initially, Android Inc. aimed to develop smarter digital cameras but pivoted to creating an operating system for mobile phones before smartphones became mainstream. In 2005, Google acquired Android, leveraging its Linux-based architecture to offer an open-source OS freely to hardware manufacturers, fostering widespread adoption[1][2][3][5][6]. Under Google's stewardship, Android rapidly evolved from its first public beta release in 2007 and commercial launch in 2008 to become the world’s most popular mobile OS. Its open model enabled device makers to customize and deploy Android on smartphones, tablets, wearables, smart TVs, and automotive systems. Key milestones include the introduction of Android 2.0 (Eclair) with multi-touch support in 2009, Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) with a unified design in 2011, and subsequent versions featuring Google Assistant, Material Design, and advanced privacy controls[2][6][7]. Android's success hinges on its open-source foundation, enabling a vast ecosystem of applications via the Google Play Store, and its flexible integration across diverse hardware. It currently powers over 2.5 billion devices worldwide, dominating markets globally and shaping the mobile and connected device landscape[5]. Notably, Andy Rubin led Android’s early development at Google until 2013, after which he departed to pursue other ventures. The operating system continues to be developed on an annual cycle, with major releases announced at Google I/O and stable versions generally released between August and October[1][7]. In summary, Android transformed from a small startup concept into a global technology powerhouse, fundamentally changing how billions interact with mobile technology and digital services. Its combination of open-source innovation, strategic Google backing, and broad device compatibility remains central to its ongoing industry leadership.