Android is an open source, Linux-based operating system originally developed by Android Inc which was acquired by Google in 2005. It was designed for touchscreen mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. The Open Handset Alliance was formed in 2007 between Google and other companies like HTC, Samsung and Intel to develop open standards for Android. Some key aspects of the Android architecture include its Linux kernel, Java-based programming framework, and core applications. Android source code is released under an open source license and it has grown to be the world's most popular mobile operating system due to factors like low device prices.