Skip to main content

Alibaba to release English version of Aliyun mobile OS

Aliyun homescreen
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Chinese ecommerce giant Alibaba says it is preparing to launch an English-language version of its new Aliyun mobile operating system, Reuters reports from a press event in Hangzhou. Rather than go with a widely-used mobile operating system like Android, Alibaba opted to roll its own Linux-based mobile operating system with deeply integrated support for cloud-based Alibaba services and products like email, maps, and news—although, to appeal to the app-hungry masses, Aliyun can also run Android apps. Like the Chinese-language version of Aliyun, the English-language version seems aimed squarely at the Chinese market—where the majority of Alibaba’s services are available—rather than with an eye towards exporting the OS to English-speaking countries.

Alibaba also told Reuters it is working with hardware developers to bundle Aliyun OS into both smartphones and tablets, and expects to launch its first tablet in the next two months.

The moves highlight growing competition for the Chinese mobile market. While Apple is doing strong business in China, China’s own Internet giants aren’t sitting idle: in addition to Alibaba launching its own mobile operating system, Chinese search giant Baidu has launched its own Web browser and this week took the wraps off its own Baidu Yi mobile operating system—then announced U.S. computer maker Dell will be making smartphones and tablets for Baidu Yi. Alibaba may have gotten out of the gate first with Aliyun, but it is still working on lining up additional hardware partners to bring devices to market, although it has already launched its K-Touch Cloud-Smart Phone W700 for about US$420.

Alibaba’s Aliyun operating system is Linux-based and built around apps developed using standard HTML5 and JavaScript technology.

Struggling Internet giant Yahoo owns a 40 percent stake in Alibaba; as Alibaba’s business has grown and Yahoo’s has declined, Yahoo’s share of Alibaba has become one of the companies most valuable assets. Earlier this year, Yahoo was apparently caught flatfooted as Alibaba spun off its online payment service Alipay into a separate company, potentially reducing the value of Yahoo’s investment in Alibaba. Although the companies eventually reached a compensation agreement, turmoil over Yahoo’s involvement with Alibaba was likely a contributing factor to this week’s summary dismissal of Yahoo CEO Carol Bartz.

[Images via Penn Olsen/sina.com]

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Geoff Duncan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
Don’t buy this new Motorola phone — get this other one instead
Renders of the Moto G 5G (2024) and Moto G Power 5G (2024).

the Moto G 5G (left) and Moto G Power 5G Digital Trends

Budget phones can slip under the radar when shiny, powerful flagships launch. But if you're in the market for a smartphone that gets the job done and won't blow a four-figure hole in your bank balance, then a great budget smartphone is the way to go.

Read more
Get 32% off the cellular model of the iPad Pro 12.9 this weekend
The iPad Pro on a desk next to a stylus and AirPods.

If you've been thinking about getting the iPad Pro with cellular connectivity but you've been hoping to buy the tablet from iPad deals for a discount, this may be what you've been waiting for -- a 32% discount from Amazon's Woot on the 12.9-inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular model of the 2021 Apple iPad Pro with 128GB of storage. From $1,199, it's down to just $810, which is a steal price for this device with savings of $389. However, while there are still several days left on this offer, it's highly recommended that you proceed with the purchase immediately because there's a chance that stocks don't last that long.

Why you should buy the 2021 Apple iPad Pro 12.9
It's not the latest version of Apple's top-of-the-line tablet -- the honor goes to the 2022 Apple iPad Pro -- but the 2021 Apple iPad Pro is still a pretty powerful device by today's standards. That's because it's equipped with Apple's M1 chip, which promises fantastic speed and excellent graphics when you're working on your multimedia projects, multitasking between several apps, or playing console-level games. With its 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR touchscreen, you'll enjoy high-brightness and high-contrast content, and its mini-LED display provides deeper black levels and more vibrant colors.

Read more
Samsung Galaxy A55 vs. A54: all the big changes, explained
Renders of the Samsung Galaxy A55 next to the Galaxy A54.

Galaxy A55 (left) and Galaxy A54 Digital Trends

Samsung has been on a roll with new phone releases in 2024. At the end of January, Samsung released the flagship Galaxy S24 lineup. It's fantastic, but not everyone can afford the latest and greatest flagship. Thankfully, Samsung also makes budget-friendly alternatives, and that’s the appeal of the new Galaxy A55.

Read more