Android is an open-source, Linux-based operating system designed for touchscreen mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. It was initially developed by Android Inc, which was later acquired by Google in 2005. The first Android-powered phone was released in 2008. Android has seen many version updates over the years with new features like improved cameras, encryption, multi-core processor support, and more languages added. The latest version is Android 5.0 "Lollipop" which was unveiled in 2014 and focuses on security enhancements, a refreshed dialer interface, and wireless printing capability.