This week, Jolla has announced that their Sailfish OS is now compatible with Android hardware and Android applications, enabling users of the Sailfish OS to use the gesture-based operating system in Android app stores worldwide.
The Sailfish OS is a Linux-based mobile operating system developed by Jolla in cooperation with the Mer project and supported by the Sailfish Alliance. It has been specifically designed for mobile devices, offering a unique user experience that emphasizes gestures for navigation. This makes it stand out from other mobile operating systems that rely heavily on buttons and icons.
Enhanced Compatibility and User Experience
In today’s press release, Jolla announced that “Users enjoying the unique gesture-based and modern Sailfish OS user experience will be able to take full advantage of the Android application ecosystem available through various app stores globally.” This means that users can now access a vast array of Android applications, significantly expanding the functionality and appeal of devices running Sailfish OS.
“Jolla has made a major breakthrough in Android hardware compatibility by developing Sailfish OS to run on common hardware produced for Android, particularly smartphones and tablets. Vendors interested to utilise Sailfish OS are now able to develop phones and tablets based on many different chipset and hardware configurations.” This development is a significant milestone, as it allows manufacturers to offer devices with Sailfish OS without needing to design new hardware from scratch. This compatibility can potentially reduce costs and time-to-market for new devices.
Implications for Developers and Consumers
For developers, this compatibility opens up new opportunities to create applications that can run on both Sailfish OS and Android devices. This dual compatibility can lead to a larger user base and increased revenue potential. Additionally, developers can now leverage existing Android development tools and frameworks, making it easier to port applications to Sailfish OS.
For consumers, the ability to run Android applications on Sailfish OS devices means they no longer have to choose between the unique features of Sailfish OS and the extensive app ecosystem of Android. They can enjoy the best of both worlds, with a gesture-based interface and access to popular apps like social media, productivity tools, and games.
Moreover, this compatibility could attract users who are looking for an alternative to the mainstream mobile operating systems like iOS and Android. Sailfish OS offers a different approach to mobile computing, with its emphasis on privacy, security, and user control. The ability to run Android apps makes it a more viable option for those who might have been hesitant to switch due to app availability concerns.
For more information on the new Sailfish OS compatibility with Android devices, jump over to the Jolla website for details.
Source: TNW
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