OS family Linux | Initial release 2014 | |
Developer Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code: Google
Modifications: Microsoft Mobile (formerly Nokia) Written in C (core), C++, Java (UI) Source model Proprietary software based on open source Android and in all devices with proprietary components Latest release Nokia X software platform 2.1 | ||
The Nokia X platform was 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.
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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. The phones have been succeeded by low-cost Lumia devices under the Microsoft Mobile brand name.
Overview
The Nokia X software platform is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and the Linux kernel. 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Google's applications have been replaced by Nokia's and Microsoft's. When first released, the Google Play store is not included, with Nokia offering apps from their own Nokia Store.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.
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.
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. Nokia's VP of developer relations has commented that the Nokia imaging SDK will likely be ported to the platform from Windows Phone.