Jolla today began distributing Sailfish OS 2.0 to members of its early access group.
Jolla, a company formed by former Nokia employees, first revealed Sailfish OS 2.0 in March.
The platform is more compatible with Android applications thanks to a stronger technical core. Jolla improved the platform’s multitasking capabilities, tweaked the user interface, added privacy and personalization features, and simplified interacting with notifications thanks to swiping gestures. Jolla said the improved OS is meant to provide a more premium experience.
This particular release introduces a carousel home screen and a new app grid that can be accessed from any screen. The buttons and icons have a fresher visual style, as do the calendar, store, clock, and email apps. Jolla took pains to improve the camera, which now records video in the H.264 format. The events tool offers more data regarding notifications, and an improved weather widget shows the five-day forecast.
Jolla made changes specific to the tablet version of the operating system, as well. Jolla said members of the early access group should receive Sailfish OS 2.0 starting today. Sailfish was born from Nokia’s discarded Maemo and Moblin Linux platforms. Earlier this summer the company separated its hardware and software businesses.
