Android is a Linux-based operating system for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers. It is developed by the Open Handset Alliance, led by Google.

History

Beginnings

Android, Inc. was founded in Palo Alto, California, United States in October 2003 by Andy Rubin, Rich Miner (co-founder of Wildfire Communications, Inc.), Nick Sears (once VP at T-Mobile), and Chris White (headed design and interface development at WebTV).

Acquisition

Google acquired Android Inc. on August 17, 2005, making Android Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Google.  Key employees of Android Inc., including Andy Rubin, Rich Miner and Chris White, stayed at the company after the acquisition.