Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google that is based on the Linux kernel. Some key features of Android include a touchscreen interface with buttons for home, menu, back, and search. It uses widgets, home screens, and notification bars within its user interface. Android syncs with Google services like Gmail, Maps, and the Android Market (app store). The first Android phone was the HTC Dream, also known as the T-Mobile G1, which was released in 2008. Subsequent versions of Android added features like improved UIs, tablet support, and Adobe Flash integration.