| Nokia X software platform | |
|---|---|
 | |
 Nokia X home screen in Vietnamese | |
| Developer | Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code:Google Modifications:Microsoft Mobile (formerlyNokia) |
| Written in | C (core),C++,Java (UI)[1] |
| OS family | Linux |
| Source model | Proprietary software based onopen source Android[2] and in all devices withproprietary components[3] |
| Initial release | 2014 |
| Latest release | Nokia X software platform 2.1 |
| Marketing target | Smartphones |
| Package manager | APK |
| Supported platforms | 32-bit ARM |
| Kernel type | Monolithic (modified Linux kernel) |
| Userland | Bionic libc,[4]mksh shell,[5] native core utilities with a few fromNetBSD[6] |
| Default user interface | Graphical (Multi-touch) |
| License | Proprietary EULA; based onApache License 2.0 ModifiedLinux kernel underGNU GPL v2[7] |
| Official website | developer |
TheNokia X platform was aLinux-basedmobile operating system andsoftware platform originally developed byNokia, and subsequently byMicrosoft Mobile. Introduced on 24 February 2014, it wasforked fromAndroid and used on all the devices of theNokia X family. It was also the next Nokia Linux project after the ill-fatedMeeGo.
On 17 July 2014, after the acquisition of Nokia's devices unit, Microsoft announced that no moreNokia X smartphones would be introduced, marking the end of the Nokia X platform within only a few months after its introduction.[8] The phones were succeeded by low-costLumia devices under the Microsoft Mobile brand name.[9] Microsoft did not release an Android-based device under their own brand until 2020, in the form of thefoldableSurface Duo.[10]
The Nokia X software platform was based on theAndroid Open Source Project (AOSP)[11] and theLinux kernel.[12] Nokia combined Android apps with Nokia experiences (such asHERE Maps,Nokia Xpress andMixRadio) andMicrosoft services (such asSkype andOutlook). Nokia officially described the software as bringing "the best of all worlds". It also encompasses features from theAsha platform, such as theFastlane notification centre. The user interface mimics that ofWindows Phone.
The OS has been compared toAmazon.com'sFire OS, which is also based on AOSP.
Google's applications were replaced by Nokia's and Microsoft's. When first released, theGoogle Play store was not included, with Nokia offering apps from their ownNokia Store. After the v2.1 update in September 2014 users were 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 be "bricked" and would require theNokia Software Recovery Tool to restore the data.[13]
As of February 2014, 75% of Android apps were compatible with the platform. Nokia noted that developers could port the remaining missing apps in a matter of hours, and in an attempt to encourage developers to contribute to the platform, added compatible Android apps without developer approval.[14]
AnSDK was available for the platform, and included an emulator based on the Android emulator. Nokia discouraged developers from using Windows Phone design patterns and encouraged the use of Android design guidelines on the Nokia X.[15] Nokia's VP of developer relations commented that the Nokia imaging SDK would likely be ported to the platform fromWindows Phone.[16]
| Version | Release date | Based on AOSP (Android) version | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 24 February 2013 | API Level 16 (4.1.2 Jelly Bean) |
|
| 1.1.1 | 25 March 2013 | API Level 16 (4.1.2 Jelly Bean) |
|
| 1.1.2.2 | 10 May 2013 | API Level 16 (4.1.2 Jelly Bean) |
|
| 1.2.4.1/1.2.4.21 | 28 July 2013 | API Level 16 (4.1.2 Jelly Bean) |
|
| 2.0 | 24 June 2014 | API Level 18 (4.3 Jelly Bean) |
|
| 2.1 | 3 September 2014 | API Level 18 (4.3 Jelly Bean) |
|
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.
Operating systems by Microsoft | |
|---|---|
| Desktop / Server | |
| Mobile | |
| Embedded / IoT | |
| Network | |
| Others | |
