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Remember when we first talked about Jolla? It’s an ambitious new smartphone project by a group of folks whose passion it was to make an open and liberating experience.
Jolla’s biggest promise was Android compatibility within the phone’s Meego-based Sailfish OS, which would be the ability to run Android apps within a runtime (similar to how Blackberry 10 allows developers to easily port Android apps with very, very little work involved). They also promised unique functionality in “other-half,” which would change the OS’s look and feel based on the color of the smart cover you have attached to it.
Well, Jolla has recently announced that Android compatibility has been achieved. What does this mean? Well, pretty much the same as it meant for Blackberry — developers will be able to get their apps ported over to Sailfish OS with a simple shake of a leg. There won’t be Google Play Store support, of course, but if the device catches on with enough people they might be able to build up a sizable app market in no time.
With that, Jolla also announced the specs they’re looking to shove inside their first smartphone. We’ve been looking for these for a quite a bit, so let’s dive right in:
- Easy-to-use, gesture-based Sailfish OS
- Android app compatible
- “Other-half” expandability with changeable smart covers
- 1.4GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor
- 1GB of RAM
- 16GB of internal storage
- 4.5-inch 960 x 540 display
- 8MP rear camera; 2MP front camera
- 2,100 mAh battery
They say their goal is to ship by the end of 2013, though they don’t sound entirely confident that they can reach said goal. Regardless, we’ll definitely be looking to keep our eye on Jolla to see how this phone – and the Sailfish OS as a whole — shapes up. If you aren’t already hip to the Jolla movement and want to learn more, don’t hesitate to hit the big play button on the video embedded above.
[via Facebook]
If the price is right..
Underwhelming specs, I can’t imagine all apps will perform well on this phone. Good luck to them, maybe in time they will catch up.
Pretty similar specs compared to my galaxy note 1 that runs every app fine so far.
Them sub-par specs though…
They aren’t trying to compete with the GS4 and the HTC One. They’re trying to make an impact in developing markets, and with budget minded people. As far as that goes, this thing has potential to lead the pack in those markets with these specs, but only if it’s priced right.
Good on you… rational discourse on Phandroid!
Android and iOS are the big two to contend with. Windows phone third, and BB10 fourth, the others in my opinion, have little if no hope at all.
I just want to say… Well yes the iOS is really hard to beat with the app system it has got amazing quantity and quality of apps but the os is pretty beatable otherwise, Sailfish os is much more handy or simpler. Stupid iOS everywhere back buttons and so closed that it just makes you mad. Android then is way more open and suitable for example me. But you will get bored with android… Apps are ok. If you want to play then buy an Ipad. Windows phone is just ugly. The square style and no apps is so lame. WP shouldn’t even be listed with the others.
Yea, it’s another duopoly. I wouldn’t recommend anything outside Android and iOS.
It’s not even about the specs. It doesn’t seem appealing at all as far as the OS looks.
but even the specs, im sure the gpu is already outdated on this thing.
This can’t survive in a world with Xiaomi.
It will not have a google play store and will not have google services.
No use after investing in android ecosystem.
GMail supports the open IMAP protocol for email, CalDav for calendar, and CardDav for contacts. The biggest Google service, Search, is available everywhere. Amazon sells music, videos, and books. All is missing is everything Google+ related (hangouts, picture uploading, gaming network, etc…) and Google+ is nowhere near the most popular social networking service. I’m sure Google Now will one day be made as a web service for other platforms to use (since that’s how Google rolls).
No interest in another OS. Especially one this ambiguous and with such a silly name.
My question to this design wise is… Does it have full access to the play store… App compatibility is well and good but unless they allow Play store and stuff to be installed directly.. yeah..