The Little-Known Mobile OS Rivals to Android and iOS

The world of mobile operating systems is dominated by two giants – Android and iOS. With combined market share of over 97%, they have become synonymous with the term "mobile operating system". However, there are other players in the market that are trying to make a name for themselves. In this article, we will be exploring the little-known mobile OS rivals to Android and iOS.

1. Tizen: Tizen is an open-source mobile operating system developed by Samsung, in collaboration with Intel. It was initially designed for use in Samsung smartwatches, but later gradated to full-fledged mobile devices. Tizen OS is known for its flexibility and customization options, and is popular in countries like India and Russia.

Key features:

• Customizable home screen with widgets
• Integration with Samsung’s proprietary services
• Optimized for low-end devices

Pricing: Free

1. HarmanOS: HarmanOS is an Android-based operating system designed by Harman International, a leading provider of audio and infotainment solutions. It was initially released on a few devices in 2014, but has since seen limited adoption. HarmanOS is known for its focus on audio and music capabilities, making it a favorite among audiophiles.

Key features:

• Customizable home screen with music-focused widgets
• Integration with Harman’s audio products
• Enhanced audio quality

Pricing: Free

1. Fire OS: Fire OS is a custom version of Android developed by Amazon, specifically designed for use on tablets. It was initially designed for the Kindle Fire series of tablets, but has since expanded to other devices. Fire OS is known for its seamless integration with Amazon’s services, making it a popular choice for Prime subscribers.

Key features:

• Seamless integration with Amazon services like Prime Video and Music
• Customizable home screen with widgets for Amazon Instant Games and ASAP Music
• Optimized for Amazon’s own devices

Pricing: Free (for Amazon devices), Licensable for other manufacturers

1. Replicant: Replicant is an open-source operating system based on AOSP (Android Open Source Project). It’s designed for use on a wide range of devices, from low-end to high-end devices. Replicant is known for its focus on security and data protection, making it a popular choice for those concerned about online privacy.

Key features:

• Focus on security and data protection
• Customizable home screen with widgets
• Optimized for use on a wide range of devices

Pricing: Free

1. Eita: Eita is an open-source operating system developed by the Georgian company, Eita LLC. It’s designed for use on feature phones and low-end smartphones, and is popular in Eastern Europe. Eita OS is known for its ease of use and customizeability.

Key features:

• Customizable home screen with widgets
• Support for Google Play Store
• Optimized for use on entry-level devices

Pricing: Free

1. KaiOS: KaiOS is a secured, lightweight mobile operating system designed for use on low-cost devices. It’s developed by KaiOS, a company backed by major telcos like Vodafone and Reliance Jio. KaiOS is known for its aplomb compulsory use in India and other emerging markets.

Key features:

• Lightweight and secure
• Support for popular apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter
• Optimized for use on low-end devices

Pricing: Free (for developers), Licensable for device manufacturers

While these operating systems may not be as well-known as Android and iOS, they have their own unique strengths and use cases. For those looking for a more personalized experience, or those who want to explore alternative options, these little-known mobile OS rivals are definitely worth considering.