Explained: How Is India-Made 'BharOS' Different From Android And iOS?

When we think of mobile operating systems, only Android and iOS come to mind. After all, these widely-known operating software made by Google and Apple are market leaders around the globe. Now, there's an India-made OS in town. Developed by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, "BharOS" was revealed to the world on Thursday.

IIT Madras

Built by JandK Operations Private Limited and incubated at IIT Madras, BharOS can be installed on commercial off-the-shelf devices, its makers claim. A press release stated that it's the most ideal OS for organisations that deal with confidential information and require added security.

"BharOS Service is a Mobile Operating System built on a foundation of trust, with a focus on providing users more freedom, control, and flexibility to choose and use only the apps that fit their needs," said IIT Madras' director V Kamakoti said during the release.

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How is BharOS different from Android and iOS operating software?

BharOS is actually based on Android Open Source Project (AOSP) so it is more similar to Android than iOS. The only difference between Android and BharOS is that the latter doesn't include any Google services, allowing users to download any application of their choice.

IIT Madras

BharOS also comes without any pre-installed applications, giving users the option to download APK files that can be found easily on the internet. However, such files can be potentially dangerous for your devices.

Release of Indigenous #Atmanirbhar Mobile Operating System, ¡°BharOS¡± today. The Operating System has been developed by #IITMadras incubated firm J and K Ops Pvt. Ltd. For full video: https://t.co/uWKIddveqV #AtmanirbharBharat #MakeInIndia pic.twitter.com/Groj8tb7wK

¡ª IIT Madras (@iitmadras) January 19, 2023

According to Karthik Ayyar, the director of JandK Operations Pvt Ltd, BharOS offers "Native Over The Air" (NOTA) updates that help keep the device safe. He also said that trusted apps from specific Private App Store Services (PASS) may be downloaded on devices running BharOS in the absence of any Google Play services.

Also read: New Made-In-India Smartphone Operating Software 'BharOS' Promises More Security

"A PASS provides access to a curated list of apps that have been thoroughly vetted and have met certain security and privacy standards of organisations. This means users can be confident that the apps they are installing are safe to use and have been checked for any potential security vulnerabilities or privacy concerns," the press release stated.

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It appears that BharOS' default browsing and messaging apps are third-party services like DuckDuckGo and Signal. For now, it's unclear if BharOS team will collaborate with manufacturers to develop phones powered by BharOS.

When can we expect BharOS on devices?

BharOS can run virtually all Android apps, and that's how it's much closer to the Android ecosystem than iOS. For now, it's not clear when the operating software will be available to the public, and if it will be available for regular users at all. In a press release, its creators said they hope to benefit 100 crore smartphone users in India through their more secure OS. Its creators also say that BharOS is more secure than both Android and iOS and that it can improve the battery life of each device.

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Also read: Govt Wants Smartphone Makers To Add India-Made 'NavIC' Navigation Before Jan 2023

Since no phones currently come with BharOS pre-installed, users will have to install it manually. But there's no clarity on how to achieve this yet. We also know nothing about the scope of BharOS security updates in the future.

In addition, no details on BharOS' release dates are currently available yet. Over the coming weeks, the team behind BharOS is expected to partner with Android original equipment manufacturers (OEM) to launch phones with the operating system in the near-future.

Would you switch to a device running BharOS? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.