Upstart platform developer Jolla has announced that its Sailfish operating system is fully compatible with Android applications without the need for external runtimes or interpreters as well as full compatibility with common Android smartphone hardware configurations.
This means that Sailfish OS can run directly on over 95% of Android devices on the market without additional work needed by manufacturers to adapt the operating system to existing hardware platforms. With full Android compatibility in terms of hardware and software, Jolla is aiming to address two of the biggest obstacles to widespread adoption as an alternative platform to Android and Windows Phone.
Currently, Jolla’s Sailfish OS and its first device are on track for a 4th quarter release later this year in Finland, though the company has also announced that it will reopen pre-orders for its first device, with this production batch being meant for Finnish customers. Jolla has yet to commit to international releases of its hardware and platform outside of China and Finland, where it already has retail and distribution agreements lined up with local carriers and retailers.
