Android is a mobile operating system based on the Linux kernel. It is the most widely used smartphone OS in the world. Google acquired Android Inc. in 2005 and has since developed Android with the goal of providing an open and upgradable platform for mobile devices. There are currently over 200,000 apps available for Android through the Google Play store. Some key advantages of Android include multitasking, easy notifications, access to thousands of apps, and diverse phone options. Disadvantages include requiring an internet connection for full functionality and potential security and privacy issues.