In 2015, Android is used by over one billion people around the world, and held an 83% share of the smartphone market last quarter.

Google’s remarkable journey to mobile success first began publicly eight years ago today.

On November 5, 2007, a group called the Open Handset Alliance – which included Google, T-Mobile, HTC, Qualcomm, and Motorola – announced the development of Android.

That same day, the first beta build for Android was released, followed by a software development kit just one week later.

Here’s what some of the industry execs of the day had to say about Android on November 5, 2007:

Eric Schmidt – then Google Chairman and CEO

“This partnership will help unleash the potential of mobile technology for billions of users around the world. A fresh approach to fostering innovation in the mobile industry will help shape a new computing environment that will change the way people access and share information in the future.”

“ Today’s announcement is more ambitious than any single ‘Google Phone’ that the press has been speculating about over the past few weeks. Our vision is that the powerful platform we’re unveiling will power thousands of different phone models.”

Rene Obermann – then Deutsche Telekom CEO

“We see the Android platform as an exciting opportunity to launch robust wireless Internet and Web 2.0 services for T-Mobile customers in the US and Europe in 2008.”

Peter Chou – then HTC CEO

“Our participation in the Open Handset Alliance and integration of the Android platform in the second half of 2008 enables us to expand our device portfolio into a new category of connected mobile phones that will change the complexion of the mobile industry and re-create user expectations of the mobile phone experience.”

Dr Paul E. Jacobs – then Qualcomm CEO

“We are committing research and development resources to enable the Android platform and to create the best always-connected consumer experience on our chipsets.”

Related: Android 6.0 Marshmallow Update: When will my phone get it?

Ed Zander – then Motorola CEO and Chairman

“Motorola plans to leverage the Android platform to enable seamless, connected services to rich consumer experiences in future Motorola products.”

What was your favourite version of Android? Let us know in the comments.

Check out our Android 6.0 Marshmallow video guide below:

Deputy News & Features Editor Writer.