BharOS: The Indian Operating System That Failed to Launch | Made in India OS
0BharOS: The Indian Operating System That Failed to Launch | Made in India OS
BharOS, the much-hyped operating system from India, promised to be a game-changer in the tech world. Touted as an open-source, privacy-focused, made-in-India OS with its own app store and regular OTA updates, BharOS generated immense excitement and anticipation. However, the journey hasn't been as smooth as expected, and the project has faced several challenges along the way.
When BharOS was first showcased, it was surprisingly running on a Google Pixel phone, raising eyebrows and questions about its true independence from Google's ecosystem. Further investigations revealed that BharOS was based on Google's Android Open Source Project (AOSP), essentially making it a customized version of Android with a new name and fresh coat of paint.
While building software on AOSP is not inherently wrong, as many operating systems and custom ROMs have done so, the challenge lies in creating a truly unique and independent ecosystem. In September 2023, it was discovered that the BharOS repository on GitHub bore striking similarities to Graphene OS, a privacy-focused OS, leading to further questions about its originality.
One of the biggest hurdles for BharOS is finding a smartphone manufacturer willing to take the risk of launching a device with this new operating system. Most manufacturers rely heavily on Android and Google's services, making a complete ecosystem shift a daunting task. While Lava, an Indian smartphone brand, has expressed interest in exploring BharOS, the reality of changing the entire application ecosystem remains a significant challenge.
The crux of the matter lies in the availability of apps. Most Android users rely on the Google Play Store for their app needs, and providing a compelling alternative with a comparable app catalog is a mammoth undertaking. While alternative app stores exist, matching the breadth and depth of the Google Play Store is an uphill battle.
As it stands, the chances of seeing a full-fledged BharOS system in the near future seem slim. If it does materialize, it may be limited to custom ROMs or devices for demonstration purposes. However, if BharOS does make a comeback, it might find a niche among enthusiasts and those seeking custom ROM experiences.
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