BharOS: 6 key questions about India’s ‘homegrown’ mobile operating system answered – Times of India

What is BharOS?

Based on the Linux kernel, BharOS is an operating system, which is quite similar to Google’s Android. The one big difference being BharOS comes with absolutely no apps. Notably, Android is based on a Linux kernel as well, which means in terms of look and feel, it will resemble Android. But it gives users the option to not use any app that they aren’t familiar with. The idea is to give users more control over what apps they can use or give access to their data.

How does BharOS provide app access to users?

Through something called PASS or Private App Store Services, which is a list of apps that have been thoroughly vetted and have met certain security and privacy standards of organisations. The firm claims that this ensures the safety of apps.

Where is BharOS being used?

As of now, it’s not clear who exactly is using BharOS. The firm says that they have given access to the OS to certain organisations “that have stringent privacy and security requirements whose users handle sensitive information that requires confidential communications on restricted apps on mobiles.”

When can you expect BharOS to reach mobile phones?

Again, it’s not clear when and how BharOS will roll out to smartphones. However, the firm has mentioned that it tested BharOS on a Google Pixel phone. We can expect BharOS developers to reach out to Android OEMs but when that happens or whether OEMs embrace an alternate OS remains to be seen.

What apps will BharOS run?

Almost every Android app. But it’s not clear what happens to apps that require Google Play Services will run on BharOS or not.

Is it a replacement for Android?

Certainly not. At least not as of now as the dominance of Android is unlikely to end anytime soon.