Android is an open source operating system originally developed for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. It was founded in 2003 by Andy Rubin and later acquired by Google in 2005. Google along with several other companies formed the Open Handset Alliance to further develop Android. Android supports a wide variety of hardware and software features including connectivity technologies, multiple languages, media formats, touchscreens, GPS, cameras and more. It also allows for multitasking and is no longer limited only to smartphones, as Android powers many other devices today including tablets, TVs, and home appliances.