Android

Android is a Linux-based operating system for mobile devices such as smart phones and tablet computers. It was developed by the Open Handset Alliance led by Google.

Historical perspective: As of February 2012, there were 450,000 apps in Android Market, nearly tripling from 150,000 last year. The Internet search giant and Android developer also reported that more than a billion app downloads are happening on the Android network each month. At this same time, Apple claims more than half a million apps for the iPhone. Also as of February 2012, there are 850,000 new Android devices activated every day, according to Google. That's a 250% year-on-year growth rate, the company said, bringing the global total to more than 300 million. At the same time, McAfee reported that Android became the number one mobile target for malware.