Android is an operating system based on the Linux kernel designed for touchscreen mobile devices. The green robot Android logo came to be inspired by restroom signage - featuring figures instantly recognizable. Android is an open source platform managed by the Open Handset Alliance consortium of companies allowed to use its source code. Key Android features include an application framework, Dalvik virtual machine, integrated browser, and optimized graphics. Early Android versions like Beta, Astro, Cupcake, and Donut focused on usability testing and performance improvements. [END SUMMARY]