Android is an open source operating system for mobile devices and a corresponding open source project led by Google. … As an open source project, Android’s goal is to avoid any central point of failure in which one industry player can restrict or control the innovations of any other player.

Is Android Open Source free?

Google imposes certain terms on phone and tablet manufacturers in return for key apps on that free operating system, says The Wall Street Journal. Android is free to device makers, but it seems there are a few catches.

Which OS is not open source?

Examples of computer open-source operating systems include Linux, FreeBSD and OpenSolaris. Closed-source operating systems include Microsoft Windows, Solaris Unix and OS X. Older closed-source operating systems include OS/2, BeOS and the original Mac OS, which was replaced by OS X.