There is little doubt that those manufacturing smartphones have few choices, especially when you consider that the larger base of mobile smartphone users prefer Android. Currently, they are able to take advantage of free services, but consideration needs to be taken should Google chose to no longer offer services for free. Therefore, it is important to look at alternatives to Google, such as Sailfish OS, Ubuntu, Tizen or Plasma Phone.
This is even more so important after the recent issues surrounding Huawei, the United States and Canada. It has seen the rumour mills kicking into high gear suggesting that Huawei is working towards creating its own operating system, but that is speculation. Considering China’s actions resulting from the recent arrest of CFO Meng Wanzhou, its subsequent retaliatory arrests against innocent Canadians and the banning of Canadian canola exports, trusting a dedicated operating system created by Huawei could be a dangerous one to embrace.
It could ultimately leave you hostage should tensions increase ever become an issue as they are currently with the U.S and Canada. While other manufacturers have attempted to develop their own operating system in the past, none have been successful in those pursuits. Even Samsung and Microsoft have failed to go far with their operating systems with both being unable to make a dent in the smartphone market.
However, it is important to consider alternatives, and as such, we look at those most viable, so, therefore, let’s take a look at what’s available.
Sailfish OS
Sailfish OS is quite impressive as an operating system. It acts as an open source and is able to open apps from APK files, and that gives it credibility as it affords users an equal app variety as Android. However, in testing, it did crash and could be somewhat unreliable. The biggest part of the equation is the limited number of manufactures opting to use this system and those that do mostly cater to users in China.
The developer of Sailfish, Jolla, is undertaking great efforts with its Jolla Harbour app creation software for developers. It has its advantageous, especially for sportsbook operators wishing to appeal to a broader audience with a preference for using apps. When you consider the competitive nature of that business, getting a leg up on the competition can often generate substantial streams of revenue. It also is ideal for affiliate sites marketing sportsbooks such as https://nostrabet.com/ as it focuses its energy on producing highly detailed and quality driven sportsbooks reviews, and for sportsbook app users. It is an excellent source for information, especially if looking for a site that offers apps other than Android and iOS.
Plasma Mobile
Plasma Mobile is another viable consideration that is developed around the KDE for Linux. Its Purism smartphone Librem 5 is expected to be used in the same manner as a typical personal computer if it ever gets completed. Its KDE environment is privy to a large user based in the world of Linux and therefore is able to be influential with application developers. It allows for the conversion of existing programs being turned into apps, and it is hoped that eventually, it will work on a single device in the same manner that was envisioned for the Ubuntu Edge.
iOS
iOS is essentially, in terms of functionality and app selection, identical to Android. While there are differences in so far as its design, the big advantage is that there is no outsourcing by Apple to third parties. Yes, there is reportedly some hacks, but they mostly are geared towards the Mac OS. However, the reality is, there has yet to be anything that comes close for smartphones and protection of it is high on Apple’s priority list as the reality of it is, successful hacking would cost Apple a substantial amount of revenue, let alone a serious hit to its reputation.
What to consider
The overall trend today seems to be driven towards openness. While Sailfish and Jolla are popular in South America, China and Russia, they are almost unheard of in the West. The one shining star is the Purism Librem 5, and if it proves to be a success, it will be the first and ultimately be the beginning of digital freedom. However, for most, remaining with the traditional is more than sufficient, and they both work incredibly well with few issues, but it never hurts to understand the alternatives.