Top 3 Upcoming Linux Based Mobile OS That Can Challenge Android

1. Tizen

Tizen is a Linux-based mobile OS. it was earlier known as LiMo (Linux on mobile) but was renamed to Tizen after Meego project was stopped and Intel joined LiMo project.  As the case with most of the OS’s these days, Tizen is also an OS for multiple category of devices like mobile phones, smart TVs, tablets etc. The USP of Tizen is the ease through which network carriers can provide Value Added Services (VAS) to their subscribers.

Linux foundation oversees Tizen project while Samsung and Intel that form the technical steering group (TGS) play an active role in governing this project. Network Carriers especially in Japan have shown a good interest in Tizen while Samsung is expected to roll out new Tizen based devices soon.

Despite of a steady growth that Tizen is experiencing, the only point of concern is the app store for this OS. Application store for any smart phone OS has become an important factor that can make or break the market. We have to wait and see how Tizen performs on this aspect.

2. Jolla Sailfish

Sailfish OS Another upcoming Linux-based OS for mobile platform. It is a product of Jolla Mobile that is currently in development stage but is being developed keeping in mind the tough competition it may face from Android. The UI is Qt based and the company claims that Sailfish OS would be a real alternative to the existing mobile OS.

Sailfish OS is clearly based on the Meego project. It is said to contain the revived core of Meego. The company Jolla Mobile is planning to compete with existing leaders like Android and iOS through the Sailfish UI.  The best part of this OS is that many Android application would run on Sailfish without any change and this could prove a game-changer feature for Sailfish OS.

3. Ubuntu OS

Here comes the most anticipated of all the upcoming Linux-based OS for mobile platform. Touted as a game changer from canonical, Ubuntu OS brings a seamless experience for users across the devices like mobile phones, Ubuntu TVs, Ubuntu Desktops etc.

The most talked about feature of this OS is the UI. The UI boasts of :

• Unity – Standard User interface for all devices
• Button less UI
• The ‘edge magic’ feature – a swipe through the edges of the screen brings in a lot of options for the user.
• Same code base as that of Ubuntu desktop – easy to develop application on desktop and port onto mobile.

Canonical has managed to create a buzz and excitement of this new OS in the recent CES where it demonstrated Ubuntu OS running successfully on Samsung Galaxy nexus but it is still to be seen how the market reacts to the final product which will be launched some where in 2014.