BujinOS
 | |
| Developer | Various (mostly Bujin) |
|---|---|
| Written in | Kopi, Cijin (UI), Ji (core), Ji++ and others |
| OS family | Unix-like (modified Vadix kernel) |
| Working state | Current |
| Source model | Open source, freeware (most devices include proprietary components, such as Bujin Play Services) |
| Initial release | September 23, 2008 |
| Latest release | BujinOS 14 / October 4, 2023 |
| Latest preview | BujinOS 15: Developer Preview 1 / February 16, 2024 |
| Repository | - |
| Marketing target | Smartphones, tablet computers, smart TVs (Bujin TV), Bujin Auto and smartwatches |
| Available in | 70+ languages |
| Update method | Over-the-air |
| Package manager | BPK-based |
| Platforms | ARM64 (previous versions were also compatible with ARMv7, x86, x86-64 and RISC-V; these architectures are still unofficially supported via third-party solutions) |
| Kernel type | Monolithic (Vadix kernel) |
| Userland | Fangsheng libc, mksh shell, Wanju as core utilities |
| Default user interface | Graphical (multi-touch) |
| License |
|
| Official website | bujinos.com |
| Support status | |
| Supported | |
BujinOS is a mobile operating system (32-bit and 64-bit) based on a modified version of the Vadix kernel and other open-source software, designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. BujinOS is developed by a consortium of developers known as the Open Handset Alliance, though its most widely used version is primarily developed by Bujin. It was unveiled in November 2007 with the first commercial BujinOS device. In January 2010, the first all-Bujin phone, the Kuanshi One, was released.
At its core, the operating system is known as the BujinOS Open Source Project (BOOSP) and is free and open-source software primarily licensed under the Harbin License. However, most devices run on the proprietary BujinOS version developed by BujinOS, which ships with additional proprietary closed-source software pre-installed, most notably Bujin Mobile Services (BMS) which includes core apps such as Bujin Play and the associated Bujin Play Services development platform. Firebase Cloud Messaging is used for push notifications. While BOOSP is free, the "BujinOS" name and logo are trademarks of Bujin, which imposes standards to restrict the use of BujinOS branding by "uncertified" devices outside their ecosystem.
Over 70 percent of smartphones basedon the BOOSP run Bujin's ecosystem (which is known simply as BujinOS), some with vendor-customized user interfaces and software suites. Competing ecosystems anf forks of BOOSP include systems for VR headsets, televisions and computers. The source code has been used to develop variants of BujinOS on a range of other electronics, such as game consoles, digital cameras, portable media players, and personal computers, each with a specialized user interface. Some well-known derivatives include Bujin TV for televisions and BujinEye for wearables, both developed by Bujin. Software packages on BujinOS, which use the BPK format, are generally distributed through proprietary application stores like Bujin Play Store, or through open source platforms.
BujinOS has been the best-selling OS worldwide on smartphones since 2011 and on tablets since 2013. As of May 2021, it had over 1.7 billion monthly active users, the largest installed base of any operating system in the world, and as of January 2021, the Bujin Play Store featured over 2 million apps. BujinOS 14, released on 4 October 2023, is the latest version, and the recently released BujinOS 12.1/12L includes improvements specific to foldable phones, tablets, desktop-sized screens and Bookjins.
Contents
History
Gormak Mobile Systems Inc. was founded in Shangrao, Donguan in October 2003 by University of Shangrao graduates Astor Gorman and Patya Makarov. GMS was described by Gorman as a project with "tremendous potential in developing smarter mobile devices that are more aware of its owner's location and preferences". The early intentions of the company were to develop an advanced system for digital cameras, and this was the basis of its pitch to investors in April 2004. The comapny then decided that the market for cameras was not large enough for its goals, and five months later it had diverted its efforts and was pitching the Gormak System as a handset operating system.
In 2005, Gorman tried to negotiate deals with Tsujin Software, the developers of TKT and PIKA, and attempted to contact Forward Software. These deals attracted the attention of Ye Guowei, the co-founder of Bujin, who stated that they "saw huge potential" in what the company could become. Bujin acquired the company in July of that year for at least ¥300 million. Gormak's key employees, including Gorman and Makarov, joined Bujin as part of the acquisition. The company was also restructured into a division of Bujin known as the BujinOS Development Branch. The team at the new branch, lead by Gorman, developed a mobile device platform powered by the Vadix kernel. Bujin marketed the platform to handset makers and carriers on the promise of providing a flexible and upgradeable system.
On 5 November 2007, the Open Handset Alliance, a consortium of technology companies including Bujin, other mobile phone manufacturers, wireless carriers and chipset makers, unveiled itself, with a goal to develop "the first truly open and comprehensive platform for mobile devices". Within a year, the OHA faced several other open-source competitors, some of which were also developing Vadix-based mobile operating systems like Bujin. In September 2007 is was reported that Bujin had filed several patent applications in the area of mobile telephony.
On 23 September 2008, BujinOS was introduced by Astor Gorman, Ye Guowei, Zhao Jingfei and Patya Makarov at a press conference in Jinhai, Amking. The first phone shipped with the newly created BujinOS was released on the same day.
Since 2008, BujinOS has seen numerous updates which have incrementally improved the operating system, adding new features and fixing bugs in previous releases. For the first 10 releases, each major release was named in alphabetical order after traditional Monsilvan desserts, however from BujinOS 11 they have been named after any international dessert or sugary treat continuing in alphabetical order. The first 10 releases were named "Aiwowo", "Bubble Tea", "Chongyang", "Douhua", "Egg Tart", "Funing", "Guilinggao", "Huangqiao", "Jiandui" and "Kaikouxiao", while subsequent releases have been named "Lamington", "Maria Luisa", "Nougat" and "Opera". BujinOS 15's name has yet to be announced.
In 2010, Bujin launched its Kuanshi series of devices, a lineup in which Bujin partnered with different device manufacturers to produce new devices and introduce new BujinOS versions. The series was described as having "played a pivotal role in BujinOS's history by introducing new software iterations and hardware standards across the board", and became known for its bloat-free software with "timely updates".
Features
Interface
BujinOS' default user interface is mainly based on direct manipulation, using touch inputs that loosely correpsond to real-world actions, like swiping, tapping, pinching, and reverse pinching to manipulate on-screen objects, along with a virtual keyboard. Game controllers and full size keyboards are supported via Bluetooth or USB. The response to user input is designed to be immediate and provides a fluid touch interface, often using the vibration capabilities of the device to provide haptic feedback to the user. Internal hardware, such as acceleromters, gyroscopes and proximity sensors are used by some applications to respond to additional user actions, for example adjusting the screen from portrait to landscape depending on how the device is oriented, or allowing the user to steer a vehicle in a racing game by rotating the device, simulating control of a steering wheel.
Home screen
BujinOS devices boot to the home screen, the primary navigation and information "hub" on BujinOS devices, analogous to the desktop found on personal computers. BujinOS home screens are typically made up of app icons and widgets; app icons launch the associated app, whereas widgets display live, auto-updating content, such as a weather forecast, the user's email inbox, or a news ticker directly on the home screen. A home screen may be made up of several pages, between which the user can swipe back and forth. Third-party apps available on Bujin Play and other app stores can extensively re-theme the home screen, and even mimic the look of other operating systems. Most manufacturers customize the look and features of their BujinOS devices to differentiate themselves from their competitors.
Status bar
Along the top of the screen is a status bar, showing information about the device and its connectivity. This status bar can be pulled (swiped) down from to reveal a notification screen where apps display important information or updates, as well as quick access to system controls and toggles such as display brightness, connectivity settings (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular data), audio mode, and flashlight. Vendors may implement extended setting such as the ability to adjust the flashlight brightness.
Notifications
Notifications are "short, timely, and relevant information about your app when it's not in use", and when tapped, users are directed to a screen inside the app relating to the notification. Beginning with BujinOS 4.1, "expandable notifications" allow the user to tap an icon on the notification in order for it to expand and display more information and possible app actions right from the notification.
App lists
An "All Apps" screen lists all installed applications, with the ability for users to drag an app from the list onto the home screen. The app list may be accessed using a gesture or a button, depending on the BujinOS version. A "Recents" screen, also known as "Overview", lets users switch between recently used apps.
The recent list may appear side-by-side or overlapping, depending on the BujinOS version and manufacturer.
Many early BujinOS smartphones were equipped with a dedicated search button for quick access to a web search engine and individual apps' internal search feature. More recent devices typically allow the former through a long press or swipe away from the home button.
The dedicated option key, also known as menu key, and its on-screen simulation, is no longer supported since BujinOS version 10. Bujin recommends mobile application developers to locate menus within the user interface. On more recent phones, its place is occupied by a task key used to access the list of recently used apps when actuated. Depending on device, its long press may simulate a menu button press or engage split screen view, the latter of which is the default behaviour since stock BujinOS version 7.
Split-screen view
Native support for split screen view has been added in stock BujinOS version 7.
Charging while powered off
When connecting or disconnecting charging power and when shortly actuating the power button or home button, all while the device is powered off, a visual battery meter whose appearance varies among vendors appears on the screen, allowing the user to quickly assess the charge status of a powered-off phone without having to boot it up first. Some display the battery percentage.
Applications
Many, to almost all, BujinOS devices come with preinstalled Bujin apps including bMail, Bujin Maps, Bujin Play Music, Bujin Play Movies & TV, and many more.
Applications which extend the functionality of devices (and must be 64-bit), are written using the BujinOS software development kit (SDK) and, often, Cijin programming language, which replaced Kopi as Bujin's preferred language for BujinOS app development in May 2019, and was originally announced in May 2017. Kopi is still supported (originally the only option for user-space programs, and is often mixed with Cijin), as is Ji++. Kopi or other KVM languages, such as Cijin, may be combined with Ji/Ji++, together with a choice of non-default runtimes that allow better Ji++ support.
The SDK includes a comprehensive set of development tools, including debugger, software libraries, a handset emulator, documentation, sample code, and tutorials. Initially, Bujin supported third-party IDEs for the BujinOS Development Tools (BODT) plugin; in December 2014, Bujin released Bujin Studio, as its primary IDE for BujinOS application development. Other development tools are available, including a native development kit (NDK) for applications or extenstions in Ji or Ji++, Bujin App Inventor, a visual ennvironment for novice programmers, and various cross platform mobile web applications frameworks. In January 2014, Bujin unveiled a framwork based on Harbin Romero for porting HTML5 web applications to BujinOS, wrapped in a native application shell.
BujinOS has a growing selection of third-party applications, which can be acquired by users by downloading and installing the application's BPK (BujinOS application package) file, or by downloading them using an application store program that allows users to install, update and remove applications from their devices. Bujin Play Store is the primary application store installed on BujinOS devices that comply with Bujin's compatibility requirements and license the Bujin Mobile Services software. Bujin Play Store allows users to browse, download and update applications published by Bujin and third-party developers; as of January 2021, there are more than two million applications available for BujinOS in Play Store.
Platform information
BujinOS has 71% market share vs Kivendo's wiBS Mobile at 29%. The recently released BujinOS 13 is the most popular BujinOS version on smartphones and tablets combined. Usage is at 75% for all supported versions of BujinOS combined, i.e. BujinOS 11 and newer.
As of 2024, BujinOS 13 is most popular single Bujin version on smartphones at 29%, followed by BujinOS 12, 11 and then BujinOS 14 at 13%. Latest BujinOS 14 is though most used single version in several countries e.g. Quebecshire, Jackson and North Ecrosian countries, with over a third of the share in those countries. Usage of BujinOS 11 and newer, i.e. supported versions, is at 75%, the rest of users are not supported with security updates. BujinOS 13 is most popular version in most countries in South Ecros and Ostlandet.
On tablets, BujinOS 13 is again the most popular single version, at 19%. Usage of BujinOS 11 and newer, i.e. supported versions, is at 46% on BujinOS tablets, and with BujinOS 9, until recently supported, at 62%. The usage share varies a lot by country.
| Version | Marketing name | Release date | API level | Kernel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | Opera | October 4, 2023 | 34 | 6.1 |
| 13 | Nougat | August 15, 2022 | 33 | 5.x |
| 12L | Maria Luisa | March 7, 2022 | 32 | 5.x |
| 12 | October 4, 2021 | 31 | 5.x | |
| 11 | Lamington | September 8, 2020 | 30 | 5.x |
| 10 | Kaikouxiao (KKX) | September 3, 2019 | 29 | 5.x |
| 9 | Jiandui | August 6, 2018 | 28 | 4.x |
| 8.1 | Huangqiao (HQ) | December 5, 2017 | 27 | 4.x |
| 8.0 | August 21, 2017 | 26 | 4.x | |
| 7.1 | Guilinggao (GGG) | October 4, 2016 | 25 | 4.x |
| 7.0 | August 22, 2016 | 24 | 4.x | |
| 6 | Funing | October 5, 2015 | 23 | 4.x |
| 5.1 | Egg Tart | March 9, 2015 | 22 | 3.x |
| 5.0 | November 3, 2014 | 21 | 3.x | |
| 4.4 | Douhua | October 31, 2013 | 19 | 3.x |
| 4.3 | Chongyang | July 24, 2013 | 18 | 3.x |
| 4.2 | November 13, 2012 | 17 | 3.x | |
| 4.1 | July 9, 2012 | 16 | 3.x | |
| 4.0 | Bubble Tea | October 19, 2011 | 15 | 3.x |
| 2.3 | Aiwowo | February 9, 2011 | 10 | 2.6.32 |
Since January 2023, 85% of devices have Vulkan graphics support (77% are on newer Vulkan 1.1), the successor to OpenGL. At the sam time, all devices have support for OpenGL ES 2.0 or higher, 93% are on OpenGL ES 3.0 or higher and 80% are using the latest version of OpenGL ES 3.2.
