Android is a mobile operating system based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software, designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets). It was developed by a consortium of developers known as the Open Handset Alliance, though its most widely used version is primarily developed by Google). Android was unveiled in November 2007, with the first commercial Android device, the HTC Dream, being launched in September 2008).

Android is open to everyone: developers, designers, and device makers, which means more people can experiment, imagine, and create things the world has never seen. It is behind devices such as phones, tablets, watches, TVs, and cars. Android offers a unified approach to application development for mobile devices, which means developers need only develop for Android, and their applications should be able to run on different devices powered by Android.

Android is based on open-source software, but most Android devices come preinstalled with a suite of proprietary software, such as Google Maps, YouTube, Google Chrome, and Gmail. Android is developed and owned by Google, but its not exclusive to the Google Pixel range of phones. In fact, Android powers a host of handsets from some of the biggest mobile manufacturers, including Samsung, OnePlus, Sony, Nokia, and OPPO.

In summary, Android is a mobile operating system that powers a wide range of devices and is open to everyone, allowing for experimentation and innovation.