Android is a Linux-based operating system designed primarily for 
touchscreen mobile devices such as 
smartphones and 
tablet computers, developed by 
Google in conjunction with the 
Open Handset Alliance. Initially developed by 
Android Inc, whom 
Google financially backed and later purchased in 2005. The first 
Android-powered phone was sold in October 2008, and by the end of 2010 
Android had become the worlds leading 
smartphone platform.