Android is a powerful Linux-based operating system developed by Google for smartphones. It was created to provide an open platform for software development with full phone software stacks and applications. Android uses 2G for basic calling and 3G for additional features like mobile internet, GPS, and video calls. While it has many useful features and applications, security issues could allow for identity theft and spyware if not properly secured. Overall, Android aims to be an open platform that facilitates building mobile applications similarly to developing for the web.