Android

Android

Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google. It is based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open source software. Android is designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
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mobile open-source google linux-kernel touchscreen-devices smartphones tablets

Android: Mobile Operating System

Mobile operating system developed by Google, based on a modified Linux kernel, and open source software, designed for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

What is Android?

Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google. It is based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open source software. Android is designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

Some key things to know about Android:

  • It was first launched in 2008 along with the first Android phone made by HTC.
  • The core Android source code is known as Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and is openly available.
  • Being open source allows device makers to modify and customize Android for their devices.
  • Google releases new versions of Android every year, each named after a dessert in alphabetical order.
  • The latest version is Android 12 which focuses on customization and privacy.
  • Android has the largest installed base of any mobile OS with over 2.5 billion monthly active devices as of May 2021.
  • The Google Play store provides access to over 3 million apps, games and other content for Android devices

Android Features

Features

  1. Open-source platform
  2. Customizable user interface
  3. Wide range of apps and services
  4. Seamless integration with Google services
  5. Support for multiple hardware configurations
  6. Advanced security features
  7. Multitasking capabilities
  8. Rich multimedia support
  9. Extensive developer community
  10. Frequent software updates

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Highly customizable and flexible

Large ecosystem of apps and services

Affordable and accessible for users

Supports a wide range of devices

Continuous software updates and improvements

Open-source nature allows for innovation

Strong community support and development

Cons

Fragmented ecosystem due to many device manufacturers

Security concerns due to potential vulnerabilities

Battery life can be a concern on some devices

Learning curve for new users

Occasional performance issues on lower-end devices

Lack of strict app review process can lead to malware

Compatibility issues with some apps and services


The Best Android Alternatives

Top Mobile Operating Systems and Open Source and other similar apps like Android


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Android TV

Android TV is a smart TV platform developed by Google based on the Android operating system. It was first announced in June 2014 and allows users to access apps, games, movies, TV shows, and other digital content on a big screen TV.Some key features of Android TV include:Access to the...
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LineageOS

LineageOS is a free and open-source operating system for smartphones and tablet computers, based on the Android mobile platform. It is the successor to the highly popular custom ROM CyanogenMod.LineageOS offers an enhanced user experience compared to stock Android, with custom features and increased performance. Some key features include customizable...
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GrapheneOS

GrapheneOS is an open source operating system for mobile devices that is focused on privacy and security. It is based on Android and maintains compatibility with most Android apps from the Play Store.Some key features of GrapheneOS include:Hardened device security through frequent updates, security-focused default settings, and proactive exploit mitigationEnhanced...
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PrimeOS

PrimeOS is an Android-based operating system developed by PrimeOS Technologies as an open source project. It is designed to bring the Android ecosystem into a desktop-centric experience, providing full access to Google Play Store and Android apps in a windowed interface.PrimeOS uses the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) as its...
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Ubuntu Touch

Ubuntu Touch is a Linux-based, open source mobile operating system developed by Canonical and the Ubuntu community. It is designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.Some key features and highlights of Ubuntu Touch include:Beautiful, intuitive touch interface designed for efficiency and ease of useFull Linux environment...
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Phoenix OS

Phoenix OS is an Android-based operating system designed specifically for PCs and laptops. It is built on Android 7.1 and provides a desktop-like experience for non-mobile devices.Some key features of Phoenix OS include:Designed for mouse and keyboard input, with additional keyboard shortcuts and right-click menu supportSupports installing Android apps from...
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IPadOS

iPadOS is the mobile operating system created by Apple Inc. specifically for their iPad tablet devices. It was branched out from iOS starting in 2019 to add enhanced features and capabilities tailored towards the larger displays and more powerful hardware of iPads.Some key capabilities of iPadOS include:Optimized multitasking with features...
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Kali Nethunter

Kali Nethunter is a open source Android penetration testing platform developed by Offensive Security, the creators of the Kali Linux distribution. It is essentially a custom Android ROM overlay that can be installed on compatible Android devices, turning them into portable hacking devices for cybersecurity professionals, ethical hackers and penetration...
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Fire OS

Fire OS is an Android-based mobile operating system created by Amazon for its Fire tablet and Fire TV lines of devices. It is designed primarily to promote and integrate Amazon's content and retail ecosystem with end user devices.Some key features and characteristics of Fire OS include:Tight integration with Amazon services...
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AOKP

AOKP (Android Open Kang Project) is a custom Android firmware based on the open-source AOSP (Android Open Source Project) code. It provides a more customizable and enhanced Android experience compared to stock Android firmware installed on devices by manufacturers.Some key features of AOKP include:Customizable system elements like navigation bar, status...
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CyanogenMod

CyanogenMod is a free, community built mobile operating system based on Android that emphasizes customization and performance. It started as an alternative firmware for Android devices, extending the capabilities of what is possible on stock Android. It eventually grew into its own independent operating system.Some key features of CyanogenMod include:Enhanced...
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Ubports

Ubports is an open source project that develops and maintains Ubuntu Touch, a touch-optimized mobile operating system that is based on Ubuntu. Ubuntu Touch was originally developed by Canonical for smartphones and tablet computers, but Canonical discontinued development in 2017.After this, the Ubports community took over responsibility for Ubuntu Touch...
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Sailfish OS

Sailfish OS is a mobile operating system developed by the Finnish company Jolla. It is based on open source Linux components and focuses on providing a secure, privacy-oriented user experience with high customizability.Some key features of Sailfish OS include:Security and privacy focus - Provides control over app permissions, encrypts user...
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PostmarketOS

postmarketOS is a touch-optimized, pre-configured Linux distribution aimed at bringing newer Linux versions to older Android devices such as smartphones and tablets. It allows users to extend the lifetime of their devices by enabling them to use more recent applications.The goal of the project is to make it possible to...
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Astian OS icon

Astian OS

Astian OS is a Linux distribution originally forked from Arch Linux in 2021. It aims to provide a polished and user-friendly desktop environment while retaining Arch's lightweight foundation and philosophy of minimalism and customizability.Some key features and goals of Astian OS include: An intuitive graphical installer for easy system setupDesktop...
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Carbon ROM

Carbon ROM is a popular custom Android firmware developed by the Carbon ROM team and community of developers. It is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and focuses on providing a clean, smooth, customizable, and stable Android experience.Some key features of Carbon ROM include:Customizable Quick Settings and Status...
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Dirty Unicorns

Dirty Unicorns is a popular Android custom firmware that provides enhanced features and deeper customization options compared to stock Android. Based on the open-source LineageOS codebase, Dirty Unicorns builds upon it by incorporating various tweaks, mods, system-level changes, and unique additions to unlock the full potential of Android devices.Unlike stock...
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ARC Welder

ARC Welder is a free software developed by Google that allows you to run Android apps on Chrome OS devices like Chromebooks. It works by packaging Android APK files into Chrome extensions that can then be launched through the Chrome browser.Here are some key points about ARC Welder:It provides an...
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ProtonAOSP

ProtonAOSP is an open-source Android distribution developed by Proton Technologies focused on user privacy and control. It replaces stock Android with a custom build that removes all Google services and apps, including Google Play Services, Play Store, and telemetry services.Instead, ProtonAOSP relies on open source alternatives to provide core functionality...
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JingOS

JingOS is a Debian-based Linux distribution that has been specially designed and optimized for tablet computers and other touchscreen devices. Its user interface and experience are focused on touch interactions using gestures and swipes to navigate and control the operating system.Some of the key features of JingOS include:A mobile-first user...
BlackBerry OS icon

BlackBerry OS

BlackBerry OS is a proprietary mobile operating system developed by BlackBerry Limited (formerly Research In Motion) for its BlackBerry line of smartphones. It was one of the early smartphone operating systems optimized primarily for email, messaging, and mobile productivity.First released in 1999, BlackBerry OS provided advanced encryption and device management...
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Pixel Experience

Pixel Experience is a custom Android ROM developed by a team of developers and contributors from the XDA forums. It is based on Google's Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and aims to provide a pure stock Android user experience, similar to what you would find on Google Pixel devices.Some key...
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CalyxOS

CalyxOS is an open source privacy-focused mobile operating system based on Android. It is developed by the Calyx Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating privacy-respecting technologies.Some key features of CalyxOS that set it apart from standard Android include:Removing proprietary apps and services like Google Play Services that can track...
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/e/

/e/ is a privacy-focused mobile operating system based on LineageOS that aims to provide an Android alternative without Google services or proprietary apps and software. Instead, /e/ relies on free and open-source software and offers its own suite of applications to replace common Google ones.Some key features of /e/ include:No...
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Tizen OS icon

Tizen OS

Tizen is an open source operating system developed by the Linux Foundation and supported by companies like Samsung and Intel. It is based on Linux and designed to power a wide range of devices including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, wearables, and other Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets.Some key features and...
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Shashlik

Shashlik is an open-source software project that enables users to run Android applications and games on regular Linux distributions and other desktop operating systems like Windows and macOS. It works by providing a compatibility layer and runtime environment that emulates the Android frameworks and APIs that Android apps rely on.Here...
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Pwnix

Pwnix is an open-source Linux distribution that is specifically designed for penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and ethical hacking. It comes preinstalled and preconfigured with many popular hacking and security analysis tools to allow information security professionals, students, and enthusiasts to test the security of networks, systems, and applications.Some key features...
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DivestOS

DivestOS is a Linux distribution focused on privacy, security, and removing corporate influence. It is based on Debian and aims to provide a complete out-of-the-box privacy-respecting system.Some of the main features of DivestOS include:No proprietary software or drivers includedTor and VPN clients pre-installed for anonymous internet accessHardened kernel with security...
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B2G OS

B2G OS (Boot to Gecko) is an open source mobile operating system developed by Mozilla. It is based on Linux and uses Gecko, the rendering engine that powers the Firefox web browser, to run smartphone applications, including the user interface. B2G OS aims to provide an open alternative to proprietary...
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Emteria.OS

emteria.OS is an open-source Linux-based operating system launched in 2021. It focuses on providing an intuitive and user-friendly computing experience right out of the box.Some key features and goals of emteria.OS include:Ease of use - It uses a custom desktop environment and apps tailored for usability and simplicity.Security and privacy...
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Twerk

Twerk is a powerful yet lightweight open-source download manager available for Windows, Linux and MacOS. It helps users efficiently download files from the internet by utilizing multiple connections for faster speeds while also providing a wide range of advanced features to manage downloads.Some of the key highlights of Twerk include:Support...
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AOSP Extended

AOSP Extended is a custom Android firmware developed by many contributors on GitHub. It is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) which provides the core, open-source Android operating system.AOSP Extended takes the stock AOSP code and adds a significant amount of new features and customization options on top...
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AVD Launcher

AVD Launcher is an open source Android emulator launcher and manager developed by Netopia. It provides a streamlined interface to create, manage and launch Android Virtual Devices (AVDs) for the Android emulator that comes bundled with Android Studio and the Android SDK.Some of the key features and capabilities of AVD...
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Firefox OS icon

Firefox OS

Firefox OS is a mobile operating system developed by Mozilla to power smartphones, tablets, and other smart devices. It was first released in 2013.Some key features and characteristics of Firefox OS:It is designed to provide a complete, community-based alternative system for mobile devices.It is open source software based on the...
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Paranoid Android

Paranoid Android is a popular custom ROM (custom firmware) for Android smartphones and tablets. It was initially launched in 2012 with a focus on advanced customization options and bringing new features to Android devices.Some key features and highlights of Paranoid Android include:Hybrid engine - Allows combining aspects of both phone...
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Mokee

Mokee is an open source custom Android firmware based on LineageOS. It is developed by a group of developers from the MoKee Open Source Team and was originally created as a custom ROM forked from CyanogenMod.Some key features and selling points of Mokee include:Emphasis on stability, performance, and longevity over...
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Symbian

Symbian was a mobile operating system and computing platform designed for smartphones. It was originally developed as a proprietary software OS for PDAs in 1998 by the Symbian company. The Symbian OS and platform were then licensed by phone manufacturers like Nokia.During the early 2000s, Symbian OS was the most...
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KaiOS

KaiOS is a lightweight mobile operating system developed by KaiOS Technologies Inc. It is based on Linux and is designed primarily for feature phones and low-end smartphones with limited memory and processing power.Some key aspects of KaiOS include:Uses a Firefox-based web browser as its primary interface, enabling HTML5 apps.Provides support...
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Havoc-OS

Havoc-OS is a popular custom ROM based on LineageOS for Android devices. It focuses on adding performance enhancements, extensive theming options, and unique customization features on top of the stability and experience of LineageOS.Some key features and highlights of Havoc-OS include:Performance optimizations like kernel tweaks for improved battery life, smoothness,...
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ColorOS icon

ColorOS

ColorOS is a mobile operating system developed by OPPO Electronics based on Google's Android operating system. It is installed on OPPO and Realme smartphones and has been customized heavily with additional features and optimizations.Some key features of ColorOS include:App Cloning - Allows duplicating apps so you can use multiple accountsGesture...
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OmniROM

OmniROM is a popular custom Android firmware based on the open-source Android Open Source Project (AOSP). It was initially launched in 2013 and aims to provide Android users with a highly customizable, performance-focused mobile operating system.Some key features that set OmniROM apart from stock Android include:Customization - OmniROM offers various...
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ViperOS

ViperOS is an open-source, community-developed Android custom ROM focused on privacy, security, and customization. Based on LineageOS, ViperOS strips out tracking services, ads, bloatware, and other unwanted data harvesting found in stock Android builds.Key features of ViperOS include:Built-in encryption for SMS, MMS, and other communicationsVarious privacy guard and permission options...
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Mobian

Mobian is a Debian-based open source operating system designed specifically for smartphones and mobile devices. It focuses on providing enhanced privacy, security, and flexibility compared to traditional mobile operating systems.Some key features of Mobian include:Strong encryption and app sandboxing for improved securitySupport for installing regular Linux apps, not just mobile...
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PureOS

PureOS is a Debian-based Linux distribution developed by Purism. It focuses on privacy, security, and freedom.Some key features of PureOS include:End-to-end encrypted by default using coreboot, Librem Key, and other free softwareShips with security focused applications like GNOME, LibreOffice, and ThunderbirdProvides firmware protection against Intel Management Engine and other proprietary...
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HarmonyOS

HarmonyOS is an open-source, microkernel-based operating system first unveiled in 2019 by Chinese technology company Huawei Technologies. It was developed to address limitations in existing mobile operating systems and provide more seamless integration across devices.The key goals of HarmonyOS are to support a broad range of devices and provide a...
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Plasma Mobile icon

Plasma Mobile

Plasma Mobile is a free, open source mobile operating system built on a Qt and KDE software stack. It is designed to provide a customizable, privacy-respecting mobile experience with a focus on freedom and community-driven development.Some key features and highlights of Plasma Mobile include:Graphical user interface optimized for touchscreens and...
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WebOS Open Source Edition

webOS Open Source Edition is an open source mobile operating system initially developed by Palm and later owned by HP. It was initially designed for smartphones and tablet computers and allows developers to build web-based applications using standard web technologies such as HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS.Some key features of webOS...
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DotOS icon

DotOS

DotOS is an open source, Android-based mobile operating system that emphasizes customization, performance, and security. It is developed by an independent team of developers as an alternative custom ROM based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code.Some key features of DotOS include:A clean and intuitive interface with various customization...
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Fairphone Open

Fairphone Open is an open source, privacy-focused mobile operating system developed specifically for Fairphone devices. It is based on Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and aims to provide greater transparency, security, and longevity compared to standard Android.Key features of Fairphone Open include:Increased software update support - Fairphone Open guarantees 3...
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Resurrection Remix OS

Resurrection Remix OS (RR) is a custom Android firmware based on the open-source LineageOS project. It was originally started in 2012 and has grown into one of the most popular custom ROMs in the Android community.What sets RR apart from other custom ROMs is its focus on customization and new...
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Project Sandcastle

Project Sandcastle is an open source application that allows you to install Android on mobile devices that were not originally designed to run it. It exploits vulnerabilities in a device's bootloader to gain access and install a specially customized version of Android.The goal of Project Sandcastle is to extend the...
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Maru icon

Maru

Maru is an open-source personal information manager and knowledge base software. It is designed to help users organize information like notes, tasks, documents, contacts, and more in a flexible hierarchy of user-created categories and tags.Some key features of Maru include:Flexible organization using categories and tagsBasic note taking and document management...
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Ubuntu Phone icon

Ubuntu Phone

Ubuntu Phone is a Linux-based, open source mobile operating system developed by Canonical Ltd. in partnership with the Ubuntu community. It shares the same codebase and foundation as the Ubuntu desktop operating system, allowing seamless convergence across smartphones, tablets, and laptop/desktop computers.Some key features and capabilities of Ubuntu Phone include:Unity...
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Replicant

Replicant is a free and open source operating system that is based on LineageOS and aims to replace all proprietary Android components with free software alternatives. Some key points about Replicant:It is designed to increase privacy, security, and user control over data compared to stock AndroidIt supports several smartphones and...
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Nameless ROM

Nameless ROM is a popular custom Android firmware developed by enthusiasts in the Android community. It is based on LineageOS, which itself is a fork of the open-source Android operating system.Some key features of Nameless ROM include:A clean, stock Android look with dark mode and various customization options for themes,...
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QtMoko

QtMoko is a Linux-based open source platform distribution designed specifically for mobile phones and other mobile devices. It utilizes the Qt cross-platform application framework and development tools originally created by Trolltech (now part of Digia).The goal of the QtMoko project is to provide a touchscreen-friendly and intuitive user interface and...
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PapyrOS

PapyrOS is a free and open-source operating system based on GNU/Linux focused on security, privacy and innovation. It aims to provide a lightweight, customizable desktop experience out of the box with careful attention to design and user experience.Some key features of PapyrOS include:Custom desktop environment built from scratch with focus...
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MeeGo

MeeGo was an open source Linux-based operating system project that aimed to support multiple hardware platforms, including mobile devices. It was launched in 2010 as a merger between Intel's Moblin platform (for mobile internet devices) and Nokia's Maemo platform (for smartphones and internet tablets).The goal of MeeGo was to create...
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SOKP

SOKP is an open-source knowledge management and collaboration software designed for teams and organizations. It provides a central platform to organize and share information, documents, discussions, and project work.Some key features of SOKP include:Document management - Store, organize, search, version, and share files of any formatWikis and pages - Create...
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LuneOS

LuneOS is an open source mobile operating system project that aims to bring greater privacy, security, and customization to mobile devices. It is built using Linux at its core and web technologies like the Linux-based Palm WebOS. The goal of LuneOS is to create a true open source alternative to...
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H5OS

H5OS is an open source, web-based operating system developed by Tencent Cloud. It aims to provide an open platform that can run various types of applications, including web apps, mobile apps, IoT apps, and more.Some key features of H5OS include:Cross-platform versatility - Apps and services built on H5OS can run...
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Cyanogen OS

Cyanogen OS is a customized, open source operating system based on Android. It is developed by Cyanogen Inc. and based on the Android Open Source Project.Some key features of Cyanogen OS include:Enhanced personalization options for theming, widgets, etc.Improved privacy controls and security featuresPerformance optimizations and interface enhancementsAdditional customization options not...
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Maemo

Maemo is a Debian Linux-based computer operating system developed by Nokia, originally for smartphones and other handheld devices. It features the GTK-based Hildon user interface and targets devices like smartphones and Internet tablets. Development of Maemo at Nokia began in 2006 to target devices larger than typical smartphones but smaller...
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LiquidSmooth

LiquidSmooth is a custom Android firmware developed by a team of developers and contributors in the Android community. It is based on the open-source Android operating system and offers various performance optimizations, customization options, and new features compared to stock Android firmware.Some of the key features of LiquidSmooth include:Performance optimizations...