‘Android-powered’ Nokia feature phone gets leaked, but it’s probably running KaiOS

Google presently has two platforms for low-end telephones. The firm’s personal resolution is Android Go, a watered-down model of Android designed for smartphones with 1GB or much less of RAM. At the identical time, it has partnered with Kai Technologies to deliver Google companies to feature telephones running the KaiOS working system. Images have surfaced of a reported Nokia feature phone running a light-weight Android construct, but it’s extra seemingly that it’s a KaiOS phone.

9to5Google revealed a picture right this moment of what seems to be an in-development Nokia phone. The nameless supply claimed it was running some type of Android, and whereas there is no such thing as a branding anyplace, it bears a putting resemblance to Nokia’s line of candybar feature telephones. However, it’s way more seemingly that the phone is definitely running an up to date model of KaiOS, the feature phone OS that Google has already invested thousands and thousands of {dollars} in.

The leaked phone

While we solely have one picture to go on, the house display screen is specified by the identical method as present KaiOS units — standing icons on the highest proper (in the identical order), with toolbar on the backside containing three labels. One of the labels is called ‘Alerts,’ which can be what KaiOS calls notifications. A Google Assistant button can be current, which KaiOS already has (normally triggered by holding down the middle button).

The presence of Chrome would possibly seem to be a smoking gun that the phone is running Android. While KaiOS is presently based mostly on prime of Firefox (since it’s a fork of Firefox OS), it’s attainable Google helps the OS transition to a Chromium base. As 9to5Google identified, code commits have revealed {that a} touchless model of Chrome is in growth, and there is no motive why that might be restricted to Android.

Current KaiOS format

There is a chance that the leaked phone is running some variation of Android designed for feature telephones, and whereas there is just one picture to go on proper now, the proof offered appears a bit slim. Google has already invested thousands and thousands of {dollars} into KaiOS, and introduced Google Assistant and different purposes to the platform — why duplicate all that effort? The related format to KaiOS provides extra credibility to the concept that is an upgraded model of that working system, and Nokia has already constructed a number of telephones running KaiOS, just like the Nokia 8810 4G.

Regardless of the working system be used, it’s fascinating to see Google investing so closely into feature telephones. If you are focused on KaiOS, take a look at our hands-on evaluate from earlier this 12 months.