KaiOS Operating System

In this article, you will learn about the KaiOS operating system with its working, features, and uses.

What is KaiOS?

KaiOS is an OS for a phone that is based on the Firefox OS and runs on a web-based platform. KaiOS is derived from the Firefox OS open-source project, which began in 2011 and has run independently from Mozilla since 2016. It is now a web-based operating system that allows a new category of lite phones and other IoT devices with limited memory while providing a great user experience via leading apps and services. It was created by KaiOS Technologies Inc., which is based in San Diego, California. It has now been launched in various nations other than the United States, including India and Canada.

Its key feature is its low memory need of 256 MB. It also supports various modern connectivity features, including 4G LTE, GPS, VoLTE, and Wi-Fi. It will run perfectly on any low-end phone.

KaiOS power some Nokia phones and Micromax and Alcatel phones. This number has increased recently and prompted larger corporations to invest in it. For instance, Google is involved in the KaiOS future and has invested over $20 million into the project. KaiOS is an Android-based operating system that includes popular social media apps like Facebook and Twitter. It comes with all of the requirements you want, and it also enables you to download applications from the app store.

How is the KaiOS operating system different from iOS and Android?

KaiOS is similar to iOS and Android in terms of functionality. It offers texting capabilities, an app store, and a web browser. However, some features of this OS differentiate it from other operating systems.

It has an HTML5-based application store for beginners, making it easier for tech companies to develop apps than iOS and Android. HTML5-based software uses fewer resources than Java-based software, so the apps run much faster on this operating system. In addition, KaiOS's app store is much more open as well. It has spread to areas where iOS and Android are sparse and allows brands like Nokia, CAT, Energizer, and Alcatel to use it. Developers may also upload their programs directly to the app store.

Apps on KaiOS

Various apps are available in this operating system. All of the important messaging apps are available that you require, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google's Maps, Search, and Assistant apps. These applications are only available in their common version, which means that you may not do anything too complicated with them.

If you want to download more apps, go to the app store and browse its various apps that are divided into ten broad categories, including Social, News, Sports, Games, Utilities, Lifestyle, Entertainment, Health, Shopping, and Book/Reference. As KaiOS phones have the lower processing power, these apps will be smaller in size and have limited functionality.

Scope for KaiOS

Most of these low-powered non-touch gadgets are located in emerging markets like India. Reliance Jio is a network that has disrupted the local mobile industry with significantly discounted 4G data plans and other services and sold subsidized phones that run Kai OS software. Therefore, it is perfect for those markets where low-powered, cost-effective, and non-touch devices are required.

Best phones that support KaiOS

There are various best phones that support KaiOS operating system. Some phones are as follows:

1. Nokia 8110 4G
2. Alcatel Go Flip 2
3. Jio Phone 2

Nokia 8110 4G

Nokia 8110 4G phone is also known as Nokia Banana because of its design. It was released in April 2018. It's an old Nokia phone that comes with a 2.4-inch display and a 2-megapixel rear camera. It features 4 GB of extendable storage and 512 MB of RAM. It has a removable battery and supports 4G and Wi-Fi networks. It is unique, inexpensive, and powerful.

Alcatel Go Flip 2

It was the first phone to use KaiOS operating system. It was the first phone to demonstrate the value of this operating system and bring flip phones back from the dead. It has a smooth, simple design that looks like a vintage phone.

It was first released in 2017. It is slightly inferior to both the Jio Phone and the Nokia. Nonetheless, it is a less expensive phone and works very effectively.

Jio Phone 2

It has 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB of storage, just like the Nokia Banana. It was released just a few months after the Nokia 8110 4G phone. It has a 2000mAh battery and extendable storage. It is very similar to the Nokia Banana.

Features of KaiOS

There are various features of KaiOS. Some features of the KaiOS are as follows:

1. It will be working on integrating Google services such as YouTube, search, maps, and its voice assistant into more devices, after launching Google apps for KaiOS-powered Nokia phones.
2. It is a web-based platform that employs in open-source technologies like HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS.
3. It also offers new services like FOTA, cloud services, network stability, and connectivity statistics.
4. It will also include Twitter, WhatsApp, and Facebook applications.
5. It provides an intelligent voice assistant that assists in overcoming some of the constraints of a keypad.
6. It includes important features, such as apps, 4G/LTE, GPS, and Wi-Fi.
7. KaiOS-powered devices may execute tasks that were previously only possible on high-end smartphones. It also considers some features, including app store management, video calls, live TV viewing, etc.
8. Once the Kai Store is operational, you'll have access to various apps, including social media, streaming entertainment, instant messaging, navigation, and gaming.

Drawbacks of KaiOS

There are various drawbacks of KaiOS. Some drawbacks of the KaiOS are as follows:

1. Lack of App Flexibility
   It lacks app flexibility. Only generic apps are available in this OS, and even those aren't always the best. There are also restrictions imposed on applications and system features. You may use Facebook, but you cannot access all of its features. You'll have access to your timeline and everything else, but not the marketplace. The same limits apply to every application that you'd find on a conventional smartphone.
   Although KaiOS has its app store, most of the applications aren't comprehensive. You won't find apps with as much functionality as you would on an Android or iOS phone. Small apps with simply one or two features are the most you'll receive. That also means you won't be receiving any major games.
2. Operating System Problems
   KaiOS is based on the same software as Mozilla Firefox. However, the Firefox software has been abandoned for a long time and hasn't been improved since KaiOS was released. As a result, such phones face the same issues that Firefox had previously. KaiOS phones have minimum memory; therefore, they may be slow at times. It will become a lot more noticeable if your phone has installed various applications. As a result, these phones are far less durable than smartphones.
   Another issue with KaiOS is the lack of updates. Your phone is automatically updated when an update is released, although problem fixes may take some time. Because its software isn't open-source like Android, it will take considerably longer to fix any issues that arise.
3. Privacy Issue
   KaiOS is a closed-source operating system. The corporations may embed data mining techniques inside the phone without knowledge. It potentially puts the system's privacy is at risk. Because these phones don't seem able to run antivirus software, you may be at risk. The applications on the application store are all freely uploaded without any moderation, so there's no security about how applications are managed. If a company wants to design a predatory app while claiming to have amazing features, it can do so without fear of sanctions.