Linux Smartphones: 6 Operating Systems to Watch

Alternative Smartphone Operating Systems

Beyond the well-known platforms of Android, iOS, Windows Phone, and BlackBerry 10, a number of other smartphone operating systems are currently being developed.

Interestingly, all of these emerging contenders share a common foundation: they are built upon the Linux kernel.

The Role of Linux

While Google's Android is fundamentally rooted in Linux, its implementation diverges significantly from standard Linux distributions.

However, other smartphone platforms, notably Canonical's Ubuntu Phone, maintain a closer resemblance to a traditional Linux environment.

Key Differences in Implementation

The degree to which these operating systems leverage Linux varies considerably.

Android utilizes a modified kernel and a completely different userland, creating a unique experience.

Conversely, Ubuntu Phone aims to provide a more conventional Linux experience adapted for mobile devices.

A Growing Ecosystem

The proliferation of Linux-based smartphone operating systems suggests a desire for greater customization and open-source alternatives.

This trend indicates a potentially expanding ecosystem beyond the dominance of established players in the mobile market.

Firefox OS

Firefox OS represents Mozilla’s initiative to develop a dedicated operating system for smartphones.

This system leverages the core technologies of the Firefox browser, specifically the Gecko rendering engine, and utilizes web technologies such as HTML5 for application development.

Initial deployment of Firefox OS devices is strategically focused on emerging markets.

Mozilla's Vision for the Web

Mozilla believes the web holds the key to the future of application platforms across all devices.

While desktop computer users frequently rely on web browsers for the majority of their tasks, smartphone users often favor native applications.

These native applications are typically restricted to a specific operating system and its associated app store.

Mozilla aims to extend the benefits of the open web to the mobile sphere, substituting native applications with their web-based counterparts.

Comparison to Chrome OS

Google’s Chrome OS, designed for laptops, is an operating system built around the Chrome browser and heavily reliant on web applications.

In essence, Firefox OS can be viewed as a comparable system to Chrome OS, but tailored specifically for smartphones.

Both platforms prioritize web technologies as the foundation for their application ecosystems.

This approach promotes platform independence and accessibility.

Ubuntu Phone

Ubuntu aims to develop a touch-focused interface compatible with smartphones, tablets, and televisions.

This project isn't intended as a distinct operating system. Instead, the goal is a unified Ubuntu Linux distribution.

Core Concept

When deployed on a smartphone, users would experience a touch-optimized interface tailored to their screen dimensions.

Conversely, installation on a PC would present a desktop interface designed for keyboard, mouse, and larger displays.

A key aspect of Ubuntu's strategy is the consistent operation of the Unity desktop and Linux software across both device types.

Unity is designed to dynamically adjust and adapt to varying screen sizes and device configurations.

Seamless Integration

This approach enables the possibility of docking an Ubuntu phone to access a complete Linux desktop environment powered by the same device.

The concept represents a significant undertaking, attempting to merge the functionality of a desktop OS with that of a mobile platform.

It shares similarities with Microsoft's aspirations for Windows Phone and Windows 8 – a single OS supporting the same applications with device-specific interfaces.

However, Microsoft has yet to fully realize this vision.

Amazon Fire OS

Amazon Fire OS, initially developed for the Kindle Fire tablets and subsequently implemented on the Fire Phone, is fundamentally built upon the Android platform.

However, it’s crucial to understand that Fire OS represents more than a simple re-branding of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) with Google services removed.

Instead, it functions as a distinct fork of Android, charting its own evolutionary course.

Amazon’s documentation highlights this shift; earlier Kindle Fire devices were described as “based on Android,” while contemporary models are now designated as “compatible with Android.”

Leveraging the Android Ecosystem

The inherent connection to Android allows Amazon to readily integrate a substantial number of applications, easily ported from the Android ecosystem, into the Amazon App Store.

This also enables Amazon to position the Amazon App Store as a viable alternative for other Android devices, directly challenging Google Play and facilitating the sale of Android applications to its user base.

A Unique User Experience

To the average user, Kindle Fires and Fire Phones present the appearance of operating on a completely independent operating system.

While these devices lack access to Google’s services and the full breadth of applications available on Google Play, they offer a unique set of features aligned with Amazon’s core competencies.

For instance, Fire OS incorporates the Mayday feature, providing users with rapid access to live video support within fifteen seconds.

Furthermore, a dedicated application allows for swift product scanning, streamlining purchases through Amazon’s platform.

Samsung Tizen

Tizen is an open-source operating system largely identified with Samsung. However, it’s important to note that Tizen is actually a project overseen by the Linux Foundation. Both Samsung and Intel hold positions on its steering committee, guiding its development.

The user interface of Tizen bears a striking resemblance to TouchWiz, Samsung’s customized skin for its Android-based "Galaxy" devices. This visual similarity is quite intentional, creating a familiar experience for users.

Essentially, Tizen functions as a strategic alternative for Samsung. Should the company choose to move away from Google’s Android ecosystem, they possess a readily available platform to deploy on future Galaxy smartphones.

Currently, Samsung is releasing a limited number of Tizen-powered smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 smartwatch also utilizes the Tizen operating system, expanding its reach beyond mobile phones.

The App Ecosystem Challenge

A significant hurdle for Samsung and Tizen lies in its limited application availability. The platform is not compatible with applications developed for Android, representing a major constraint.

To successfully transition users to Tizen, Samsung would need to incentivize Android developers to create dedicated applications for the platform. Furthermore, access to Google’s suite of applications would be unavailable.

It’s plausible that Samsung is strategically maintaining Tizen as a negotiating asset in ongoing discussions with Google. This provides leverage in securing favorable terms within the Android partnership.

• Tizen is managed by the Linux Foundation.
• Samsung and Intel are key contributors.
• It offers a visual experience similar to Samsung’s TouchWiz.
• App compatibility remains a critical challenge.

The future of Tizen remains uncertain, but its existence provides Samsung with a valuable degree of independence and flexibility in the competitive smartphone market.

Jolla Sailfish

Prior to their significant investment in Windows Phone, Nokia had been actively developing a smartphone operating system founded on Linux, initially known as Maemo.

This undertaking ultimately converged with Intel’s Moblin initiative, resulting in the creation of MeeGo.

The Nokia N9 stands as the sole device ever released by Nokia running the MeeGo operating system, and it remains well-regarded by many enthusiasts even today.

Nokia ultimately ceased development of the MeeGo project, opting instead to align with Microsoft’s Windows Phone platform.

The Birth of Jolla

Following this decision, a number of developers from the original MeeGo team departed Nokia and established a new company called Jolla.

They leveraged the open-source components of the MeeGo codebase – sourced from the community-driven Mer project – to construct the Sailfish operating system.

This involved rewriting the portions of the code that were previously closed-source and unavailable for use.

Sailfish: A Spiritual Successor

It’s important to note that Jolla’s Sailfish isn’t technically a direct successor to MeeGo.

Nokia retained ownership of the MeeGo name and associated intellectual property, and did not license either to Jolla.

However, in essence, Sailfish represents a continuation of the vision embodied by MeeGo, particularly as experienced on the Nokia N9.

A Linux-Based Approach

Both Sailfish and its predecessor, MeeGo, are notable for their foundation as standard Linux systems.

Application development was facilitated through the use of Qt, and users had the capability to access a terminal for installing Linux packages.

Currently, Sailfish also offers a degree of compatibility with applications designed for the Android platform.

Open webOS

The webOS operating system, originally developed by Palm and featured on devices like the Palm Pre and Palm Pixi, is frequently recognized as being remarkably innovative for its time. Following its acquisition of Palm in 2010, HP also gained ownership of webOS. HP envisioned a broad application of WebOS, intending to integrate it into smartphones, tablets, and even printers.

Furthermore, HP contemplated launching personal computers powered by webOS. The HP TouchPad tablet stands out as the most well-known device released under HP’s stewardship of the platform. Despite a $500 price tag, the TouchPad struggled to compete effectively with the iPad.

Consequently, HP drastically reduced the price to $99 in an effort to accelerate sales. Simultaneously, the company announced its intention to divest its entire consumer PC products division, effectively exiting the market for PCs, tablets, and smartphones. This signaled a significant shift in HP’s commitment to webOS.

HP later reversed its decision, opting to retain its PC and tablet businesses. However, they remained unwilling to continue development of webOS internally. A substantial portion of the code was then released as the "WebOS Community Edition," initiating an open-source project that continued to evolve the operating system through community contributions.

In 2013, LG secured a license for webOS, integrating it into their line of LG smart TVs. This provided a more refined user interface compared to the often-clunky interfaces prevalent in other smart TV models. LG currently supports the Open webOS project.

While no plans have been publicly announced to reintroduce webOS to smartphones, its original design was centered around mobile devices, leaving the possibility open for a future return to that market with LG.

WebOS distinguished itself through its reliance on web applications. Many of its pioneering features proved to be ahead of the curve, with comparable functionalities now appearing in contemporary operating systems. Notably, Apple’s iOS 7 multitasking interface bears a striking resemblance to webOS’s card-based multitasking system, which debuted four years prior.

Microsoft’s Nokia X platform merits acknowledgement. This operating system was designed to emulate the look and feel of Windows Phone, but it is fundamentally based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code.

It lacks Google’s services, instead incorporating Microsoft’s own offerings. Essentially, it’s a Microsoft-branded phone capable of running Android applications without access to the Google Play Store. Unlike Amazon’s Fire OS, which enjoys ongoing support, the future of the Nokia X platform appears uncertain.

Microsoft’s primary focus remains on Windows Phone, and it is anticipated that development of Nokia X will be phased out in favor of further investment in its core mobile operating system.

Image Credits: 月明 端木 on Flickr, John Karakatsanis on Flickr, antoinemaltey on Flickr, Courtney Boyd Myers on Flickr, Matteo Doni on Flickr, whatleydude on Flickr, PatrickMoorhead on Flickr