China reveals plan to launch new PC operating system by October
China has revealed plans to release a new operating system for PC’s as early as October as part of efforts to migrate away from reliance on US software.
It follows a ban on the Windows 8 operating system by authorities on official government computers, ostensibly as an energy-saving measure, although in reality there is underlying fear of surveillance.
The new system is being backed by an alliance of Chinese firms, including handset maker Xiaomi, which have opted to create a customised version of Google’s Android OS.
In a report on the issue alliance head Ni Guangnan said: “Creating an environment that allows us to contend with Google, Apple and Microsoft, is the key to success>”
Developed by the Chinese Academy of Engineering the interface could presage a mobile version likely to be delivered around 2019.