The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT) recently developed BharOS, which is set to benefit the nation’s 100 million (1 billion) smartphone users by providing a more secure and private mobile operating system. Did. Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS continue to dominate the mobile operating system sector, the core interface of smartphones, but new independently developed software could challenge the former.
A project funded by the Government of India, BharOS is an AOSP (Android Open Source Project) based operating system. Unlike Android, there are no default Google apps or services. This means users don’t have to choose applications they are unfamiliar with or don’t trust.
A free and open source operating system (OS) developed by the non-profit JandK Operations Private Limited (JandKops), fostered by IIT-Madras, for use in government and public systems. This was in line with the project’s aim to reduce smartphones’ reliance on foreign operating systems and contribute significantly to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
Is it different from android?
Technically, it’s very similar to the Android OS, but there’s no Google service that lets users decide which apps to install on their device. In fact, it is known as its own operating system because it is based on his AOSP, but it has one important difference in essence. It’s the No Default Apps (NDA) feature. The Institute claims it gives users more control, freedom, and flexibility to choose apps that serve their needs.
Additionally, the developer says it outperforms both Android and iOS in terms of functionality and security, and that the device may have longer battery life. Similar to Android, BharOS also offers a “Native Over The Air” (NOTA) update. This means that software updates are automatically downloaded and installed on your device.
Privacy and security features
As mentioned earlier, privacy and security were one of the main focuses behind the creation of BharOS, in addition to the NDA. Mobile operating systems allow users to access trusted apps from a company-specific private app store service (PASS).
In a statement, the developer said: This means users can be confident that the app they are about to install is safe to use and has been checked for potential security vulnerabilities and privacy issues. ”
As such, BharOS services are now reportedly offered to users and organizations that work with sensitive information and data that require strict privacy and security requirements.
Can I install BharOS on my device?
BharOS will reportedly be available on various devices such as laptops, phones and desktops, but it is still in development and no release date has been announced yet. Additionally, unlike the Windows OS, a single build of BharOS cannot be installed on all Android phones, so a broader rollout may not be available on all devices. So far, it’s said to be compatible with Google Pixel smartphones, but there’s no official confirmation from the developer.
BharOS: What we know so far about the current version
In particular, current versions of BharOS come with third-party apps like DuckDuckGo and Signal as default browsers and messaging apps. Additionally, with no pre-installed apps and the ability to sideload any app of the user’s choice, the security of the device could be compromised and vulnerable to hacking, Indian Express reports. pointing out.
It’s also unclear how users will replace their current operating system with BharOS, or whether developers will work with OEMs to launch smartphones that support their own built mobile operating system. However, reports suggest that the developer will be working with some smartphone makers to launch phones powered by BharOS.
(with input from institutions)
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