Introduction to Sailfish OS
Sailfish OS is a mobile operating system built on the Linux kernel and the Mer project, initially developed by the Finnish company Jolla. Since its launch in 2013, it has offered an open, privacy‑focused alternative to the dominant Android and iOS ecosystems, standing out for its gesture‑based interface and its ability to run Android applications via a compatibility layer.
Origin and evolution
The project was born as a response to the closure of MeeGo, the joint initiative of Nokia and Intel. Jolla took the MeeGo source code and, together with the Mer community, created Sailfish OS. The first commercial version debuted on the Jolla Phone smartphone in November 2013. Since then, the system has received periodic updates that have improved performance, security, and compatibility with diverse hardware, including devices from Sony, F(x)tec, and several tablet models.
Distinctive features
- Gesture‑based interface: Navigation is primarily performed by swiping from the screen edges, eliminating the need for traditional physical or virtual buttons.
- Fluid multitasking: Applications are presented as cards that can be stacked and slid sideways, allowing task switching with a simple motion.
- Android compatibility: Thanks to Alien Dalvik (later replaced by Alien Dalvik/ART), Sailfish can run most Android applications without modification.
- OTA updates and open development model: Updates are delivered over‑the‑air and the source code is available under permissive licenses, favoring security auditing and customization.
- Privacy focus: The system includes granular permissions, an integrated privacy manager, and avoids unnecessary data collection by the manufacturer.
Technical architecture
Sailfish OS consists of several layers:
- Linux kernel: Provides hardware support and process management.
- Mer middleware: Includes systemd, PulseAudio, NetworkManager, and other essential components for a mobile Linux environment.
- Qt user environment: The graphical interface is built with Qt Quick, enabling fluid animations and a consistent experience across different screen sizes.
- Android compatibility layer: A container that runs the Android runtime, translating system calls to their Linux equivalents.
This modular architecture facilitates adaptation to new devices and integration of additional functionalities without breaking existing compatibility
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