Android History

Android development started in 2003 as a OS for digital camera systems in America. In 2004 it pivoted to Mobile OS. In 2005 Android was bought by Google. 

In November of 2007, Open handset alliance was established which included OEMs, ODMs, Carriers and Google, its main goal was to promote Android ecosystem. It was led by Google. Finally it released to common people at the same time.

Google based it on Linux and developed it on Java, I think because Java community was larger at that time. Android was initially 1 touch, but is now multi-touch.