Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google that is based on the Linux kernel. It was launched in 2008 and was initially primarily used in smartphones. Over time, Android expanded to tablets as well. The plain and intuitive user interface of Android, which allows users to manipulate on-screen objects through natural gestures like swiping and tapping, played a key role in its increasing popularity and adoption. Android is an open source platform that has seen significant growth in the mobile device market.