OpenKylin: China’s Open-Source Desktop Operating System Embracing Technological Independence
On Wednesday, China proudly announced the launch of its first domestically developed open-source desktop operating system, this bold move aims to achieve two main goals, reducing reliance on American technology and enhancing technological independence, this step reflects China’s vision to develop its own technological capabilities and assert control over its technological destiny.
OpenKylin and the Development Community
The remarkable new operating system, known as OpenKylin, is based on the Linux kernel and has gathered an active community of 3,867 developers, 74 special interest groups (SIGs), and 271 participating organizations in its development, it is currently being used in China’s space programs and finds applications in diverse industries such as finance and energy, this showcases the strength of the Chinese tech community and its ability to develop advanced technologies that cater to various sector’s needs.
Open Source and Code Control
As an open-source system, OpenKylin allows users to view and modify its source code according to their needs, granting them full control over the operating system, in contrast, major operating systems like Windows and macOS are closed-source, preventing users from accessing their source code.
Resemblance to Ubuntu and Unique User Interface
According to Chinese reports, OpenKylin bears a significant resemblance to Ubuntu, which was developed by the British company Canonical, among the distinctive features of the Chinese system is its unique user interface called UKUI, developed by the Chinese development community, this system stands out with its attractive design and smooth user interface, providing users with an exceptional experience and facilitating efficient system usage.
User Experience with OpenKylin and the Unique User Interface
OpenKylin boasts a unique user interface called UKUI and comes bundled with applications such as the WPS Office Suite, Firefox web browser, and pre-installed video players, the system also includes an application store where users can download native Linux applications, as well as Windows and Android applications that can be run using emulation tools.
Availability on Various Devices
OpenKylin can be run on computers using the widely used x86 architecture, additionally, compatible versions are available for other architectures such as ARM and RISC-V, enabling a wide range of users to benefit from OpenKylin on different types of devices, including personal computers, laptops, and even embedded systems, this multi-platform availability allows the operating system to be used flexibly and effectively in various scenarios and applications.
Head of OpenKylin Comments on the New Release
Jo Chen, the head of the OpenKylin community, emphasized that version 1.0 of the system is not the initial release but represents a “milestone”, Jo expressed hope that more users will try the new version and provide their feedback and comments, Jo Chen hopes that user engagement will contribute to improving and developing the system to meet their needs and foster the overall development of the OpenKylin community, this developer-user communication is crucial for the system’s success and continuous advancement.
Competition with Deepin and the Development of the Open Source Community
OpenKylin competes with Deepin, both of which were developed in China, both systems strive to enhance the open-source community and achieve technological advancement, the Chinese market witnesses intense competition between these two systems in the desktop operating systems field, this competition drives innovation, improves services, and enhances features offered to users in China.
