Currently there are only two real options in the mobile operating system sector: Android, with about 85% of the world share, and iOS, with a world share of 13-14%. Many others, such as Windows Phone, have tried, but have ended up surrendering to the evidence. Currently there are several projects that will try to find a place in our pockets and one of those projects is Plasma Mobile, a version of mobile Linux that is being developed by the KDE Community.
One of the problems that other mobile operating systems have faced has been the absence of applications. Those who have practically all the mobile apps on Google Play and the App Store are Android and iOS, which is why many of us choose a (for example) Samsung or an iPhone, basically so as not to get "lame" and not be able to use an important application . This problem would and would not have Plasma Mobile: initially, I couldn't use many mobile apps, like WhatsApp, but I would have many other Linux applications available that they would be even better, at least in terms of productivity.
Plasma Mobile screenshots
KDE Community posted several screenshots showing what Plasma Mobile looks like right now on a Nexus 5X:
As you can see in the screenshots, we have everything you need for normal use of a mobile phone and some things to highlight:
- Discover (the Plasma software store) is available.
- It has its own message app that includes emojis.
- Apps like Kalgebra or Kirigami.
- Pure Maps map application.
What the captures do not explain (but yes they arise) is whether it will be able to run Android applications. There are several projects that aim to run Android applications on Linux without experiencing any problems, and I am convinced that the KDE Community will achieve something in this regard. If not, most important applications, such as Spotify, are available / there is a client for Android, so I think the only thing we would really lose is the games. In fact, rumored which WhatsApp will use the Facebook servers in the future, which will allow it to run on more than one device, which in turn would mean there would be a "loose" app for mobiles, tablets, watches? and computers.
In any case, we are talking about a long-term future, as Plasma Mobile is still "under construction". Selfishly, I can only wish you all go well.