The new platform from Chinese search engine operator Baidu has reportedly been previewed, although the firm has not yet revealed a launch date. The operating system, known as Baidu Yi, is based on Google’s Android platform.
Baidu has seemingly confirmed its intention of putting search functionality at the heart of the OS, but various Baidu applications will also feature. Accessed via the search field, users will have access to maps, an e-reader service and Baidu’s music store, Ting. Customers will reportedly be able to store emails, contacts and photos using 180GB of online storage.
With its position as the Chinese search engine leader established, Baidu is looking to attract manufacturers of both smartphones and components, as well as app developers, to the platform. It faces competition from a number of firms offering bespoke platforms which aim to capitalise on the Chinese smartphone market.
Among these, market leader China Mobile has launched Ophone, while fellow heavyweight operator China Unicom is preparing its Wophone platform. In July, a Chinese e-commerce firm known as Alibaba Group announced that it would launch an OS branded as Aliyun, and supported by a smartphone and tablet from the Chinese manufacturer Beijing Tianyu Communications Equipment.
