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Nokia X platform

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Nokia X software platform
DeveloperAndroid Open Source Project (AOSP) code: Google
Modifications: Microsoft Mobile (formerly Nokia)
Written inC (core), C++, Java (UI)[1]
OS familyLinux
Source modelProprietary software based on open source Android[2] and in all devices with proprietary components[3]
Initial release2014
Latest releaseNokia X software platform 2.1
Marketing targetSmartphones
Package managerAPK
Platforms32-bit ARM
Kernel typeMonolithic (modified Linux kernel)
UserlandBionic libc,[4] mksh shell,[5] native core utilities with a few from NetBSD[6]
Default
user interface		Graphical (Multi-touch)
LicenseProprietary EULA; based on Apache License 2.0
Modified Linux kernel under GNU GPL v2[7]
Official websitedeveloper.nokia.com/nokia-x/platform-overview

The Nokia X platform is a Linux-based mobile operating system and software platform originally developed by Nokia, and subsequently by Microsoft Mobile. Introduced on February 24, 2014, it is forked from Android and used on all the devices of the Nokia X family.

On July 17, 2014, after the acquisition of Nokia's devices unit, Microsoft announced that no more Nokia X smartphones will be introduced, marking the end of the Nokia X platform within only a few months after its introduction.[8] The phones have been succeeded by low-cost Lumia devices under the Microsoft Mobile brand name.[9]

Overview

The Nokia X software platform is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP)[10] and the Linux kernel.[11] Nokia combined Android apps with Nokia experiences (such as HERE Maps, Nokia Xpress and MixRadio) and Microsoft services (such as Skype and Outlook). Nokia officially described the software as bringing "the best of all worlds". It also encompasses features from the Asha platform, such as the Fastlane notification center. The user interface mimics that of Windows Phone, which powers Nokia's Lumia smartphones.

The OS has been heavily compared to Amazon.com's Fire OS, which is also based on AOSP.

Applications

Google's applications have been replaced by Nokia's and Microsoft's. When first released, the Google Play store is not included, with Nokia offering apps from their own Nokia Store. However, since the v2.1 update in September 2014 users are allowed to install Google Play and various other Google services through third party tools, but if users attempt to install Google services on their Nokia X devices it would usually get "bricked" and would require the Nokia Software Recovery Tool to restore the data.[12]

As of February 2014, 75% of Android apps are compatible with the platform. Nokia has also noted that developers can port the remaining missing apps in a matter of hours, and in an attempt to encourage developers to contribute to the platform, had previously added compatible Android apps without developer approval.[13]

Developers

An SDK is available for the platform, and includes an emulator based on the Android emulator. Nokia is discouraging developers from using Windows Phone design patterns and encouraging Android design guidelines on the Nokia X.[14] Nokia's VP of developer relations has commented that the Nokia imaging SDK will likely be ported to the platform from Windows Phone.[15]

Version history

Version Release date Based on AOSP (Android) version Notes
1.0 2014-02-24 API Level 16 (4.1.2 Jelly Bean)
  • Launch version
1.1.1 2014-03-25 API Level 16 (4.1.2 Jelly Bean)
  • Performance improvements
  • Option to change the tile color of 3rd party apps[16]
1.1.2.2 2014-05-10 API Level 16 (4.1.2 Jelly Bean)
  • Bringing new apps OneDrive and Contact Transfer
  • Various performance fixes[17]
1.2.4.1/1.2.4.21 2014-07-28 API Level 16 (4.1.2 Jelly Bean)
  • New app switcher
  • Added call reject with a message
  • Added contact search in the dialler
  • Added Outlook.com & OneNote[18]
2.0 2014-06-24 API Level 18 (4.3 Jelly Bean)
  • Extra tiles with 4th column
  • Apps list
  • Tile resize and movement improvements
  • New camera UI
  • New virtual keyboard
  • Support for hardware-based home button
2.1 2014-09-03 API Level 18 (4.3 Jelly Bean)
  • Smart mode camera feature
  • Live wallpapers and lock-screen widgets
  • Google services
  • Local calendar support
  • Mail accounts auto-configuration
  • Landscape support for mail and messaging
  • Other minor improvements

See also

References

  1. ^ "Android Code Analysis". Retrieved 6 June 2012.
  2. ^ "Philosophy and Goals". Android Open Source Project. Google. Retrieved 2012-04-21.
  3. ^ "Google's iron grip on Android: Controlling open source by any means necessary". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2013-12-08.
  4. ^ android/platform/bionic/
  5. ^ android/platform/external/mksh/
  6. ^ android/platform/system/core/toolbox/
  7. ^ "Licenses". Android Open Source Project. Open Handset Alliance. Retrieved 9 September 2012. The preferred license for the Android Open Source Project is the Apache Software License, 2.0. ... Why Apache Software License? ... For userspace (that is, non-kernel) software, we do in fact prefer ASL2.0 (and similar licenses like BSD, MIT, etc.) over other licenses such as LGPL. Android is about freedom and choice. The purpose of Android is promote openness in the mobile world, but we don't believe it's possible to predict or dictate all the uses to which people will want to put our software. So, while we encourage everyone to make devices that are open and modifiable, we don't believe it is our place to force them to do so. Using LGPL libraries would often force them to do so.
  8. ^ "Microsoft kills off its Nokia Android phones". The Verge. 2014-04-08.
  9. ^ [1]
  10. ^ Nokia X Platform Overview | Nokia Developer
  11. ^ Foley, Mary Jo (2014-02-24). "Why Microsoft may keep, not kill, Nokia's new Android phones". zdnet. Retrieved 2014-03-05.
  12. ^ Chowdhury, Kamal (15 August 2014). "Update: "Nokia X2 Tools" allows Nokia X2 to install Google Play Store & Google services". Nokia PowerUser.
  13. ^ Holly, Russell (13 May 2014). "Nokia is loading Android apps into its store without developer approval". Geek.com. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
  14. ^ UX checklist - Nokia X Design Guidelines
  15. ^ http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2331280/nokia-imaging-sdk-set-for-android-nokia-x-platform
  16. ^ [2]
  17. ^ [3]
  18. ^ "Announcement of software update v. 1.2.4.1/1.2.4.21".
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