Regular readers of this blog might have noticed a lack of activity here since past few days. That’s because Techn0treats was on a break. No, not because I wanted to take rest. But because I was just too busy preparing for the arrival of my second novel which is going to arrive soon.
But then, I’m not just a novel writer. I’m also a tech. blogger, right? And can a tech blogger resist writing about the arrival of a new smartphone operating system? Yes, a new Operating System!
Well, the news is that a new mobile operating system called Sailfish has finally arrived in India. The first Jolla smartphone, running on Sailfish OS, is now available in India. The device is available exclusively on Snapdeal.
To begin with Jolla (pronounced Yola) is a smartphone company from Finland, incorporated in 2011. It is as yet a small company, compared to the giants that are ruling the smartphone scene. In fact, the word Jolla means ‘small boat.’ Their mobile operating system Sailfish, an open operating platform based on the heritage of Nokia and Meego, was introduced to public in 2013.
Till now, Jolla devices were only available in Europe, Switzerland and Norway. But now, Jolla has also made its entry into the Indian market.
The highlights of the Jolla phones is better security of user data. In fact, the company promises that the user information won’t be leaked out or sold to third parties. Jolla devices also have a new and different user interface that has been designed to provide more convenient single-handed use. Using its gesture commands and easy swipes, the user can access various features and view more information at a single glance. It also promises better multi-tasking. Several different apps can stay active simultaneously and user can easily switch in and out of those. There’s no split-screen functionality, but all the active apps become visible on the homescreen for an easy access and switching between various apps.
The homescreen of the Jolla device looks a little like Windows phones with various tiles showing live information of the apps. And no matter what app is being used, returning to the homescreen requires just one finger sweep from right to left. While using any app, sweeping a finger upwards from the bottom of the screen will reveal notifications. Another sweep would bring up the app folder. The pull down Pulley Menu also provides shortcuts for making calls, accessing camera etc.
The Jolla phone that has been launched in India features a sleek, buttonless design. It also features Jolla’s unique ‘Other Half’ covers. These are changeable back covers. These are smart covers powered with NFC technology and capable of adapting the look and feel of the device’s user interface to the back cover. That is, the themes and tones of what’s displayed on the phone screen gets adapted to match the back. These customizations don’t just include themes and colours, but can also include different sets of apps, music, sounds etc.
As has been said, Jolla phone runs on Sailfish OS. But the good news is that it can seamlessly run all the Android apps. Jolla claims that the Android apps won’t just run on Sailfish as if on a compatibility mode with limited functionality. Instead, the company claims, the Android apps would perform even better on Sailfish.
Another thing that I liked about the Jolla device was that the device won’t come loaded with a bundle of applications. Instead, the first time the device is switched on, it gives the users choice to select and install the preferred apps.
Overall, the jolla device launched in India felt quite swift and fluid to use. However, Jolla has launched only one device in India as of now. It is available exclusively from Snapdeal at a price of Rs. 16499.
Specifications and Price of Jolla smartphone in India:
Display: 4.5″ IPS qHD (960×540) display with 5 point multi-touch and Gorilla 2 Glass
Dimensions: Height: 131 mm, Width: 68 mm, Thickness: 9.9 mm
Weight: 141 g
Processor: Qualcomm Dual Core 1.4GHz
RAM: 1 GB
Storage: 16 GB internal stora, expandable to 32 GB using microSD card
Camera: 8 MP Primary auto-focus camera with LED Flash, Front Camera: 2 MP
Battery: User-replaceable battery (2100mAh, 3.8V, 7.98Wh) with Talk & stand-by time (approx.): 9 / 10hrs (GSM/3G) & 500hrs
Sensors: Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyro, E-compass, Ambient ligh
Network / Connectivity: GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, WCDMA: 900/2100 MHz (Bands 1/8), 4G LTE 800/1800/2600 Mhz (Bands 3/7/20)*, WLAN802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 4.0 EDR HS, AGPS & GLONASS, USB2.0 HS, Standard 3.5mm 4-pin audio jack, Micro SIM, Standard MicroUSB connectivity and charging, Extension interfaces for wireless NFC, power in/out and I2C data connectivity (*LTE wireless service may not be available even if listed bands are supported by your carrier.)
Others: LED notification indicator, Other Half back covers
