Android is great for consuming content, but if you’ve ever tried to use it to create content, it can be an hassle, as copy / paste is hard to use, shortcuts aren’t available, and overall the operating system and apps are not designed to work well with a mouse and keyboard. Remix OS is one of the solutions, and Rockchip has been working on improving Android as a desktop replacement for while, starting with multi-window support, and recently they showcased “Light Work OS“. But yesterday Charbax, of ARMDevices.net, uploaded two new videos showing Rockchip Light Biz OS in action, probably renamed from Light Work OS shown a few months ago.
The first video is the “official” Light Biz OS video released by Rockchip, which shows the main features including:
- Based on Android 5.1 with CTS certification
- Light Biz OS features can be enabled/disabled in Android settings using the Multi-window option in the Display settings
- Startup menu similar to Windows
- Windows are re-sizable by double-clicking the top of the apps windows, and can then be moved around as needed
- Copy/paste text and pictures between office apps
- Physical keyboard optimizations: input switching, and shortcuts.
- Mouse optimizations: Selection, copy/paste, long press left click brings up menus…
- Comment mode to take hand written notes with finger or pencil
- Dynamic screenshot mode (screen recording) allowing to record a video of the screen or part of it.
Charbax also went to Rockchip office to see for himself, where they showed Light Biz OS running on a tablet.
Beside the hands-on demo, we also learn that Light Biz OS works with both Rockchip RK3288 and RK3368 SoCs. At least two Freaktab members also have it running in their mini PCs, namely HPH NT-V6 TV box, and a Rockchip RK3288 board by Inphic. One of the current limitations is that the window’s width is pre-defined, i.e. not adjustable, albeit the height is. Light Biz OS also requires a license from Rockchip.
Via Liliputing
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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Are there any tablets shipping with this OS?
What tablets can it be loaded on?
How do you get a copy?
@Occam49
It’s still in development, but close to shipping.
I’ve read manufacturers need a license, so you may have to buy a new tablet once Light Bix OS tablets come out.
I think Google will do this for Android too sooner of later, bring Android to the desktop that is.
If it is based on Android and they distribute it, were is the source?
Light Biz OS, or at least some sort of multi window support, is in the latest Ugoos Android 5.1 beta firmware for their RK3288 TV boxes @ http://ugoos.net/blog/rk3288-ut3-um3-beta-android-lollipop-5.1-firmware_v3.0.2b-lightbiz-ota