Android is a mobile operating system based on the Linux kernel that was developed by Andy Rubin and his team. Google purchased Android in 2005. It has grown to become the most widely used mobile operating system in the world, powering 78% of all mobile device sales. Android offers advantages like access to millions of applications, support for advanced media formats, and an easy application development process using Java. However, it also faces limitations like attracting hackers due to its open source nature and higher battery usage compared to other systems.