China unveils openKylin version 0.7 today
China unveils openKylin version 0.7 today
On July 22, openKylin 0.7 launched as the initial release of the desktop OS built by the root community. This version runs on Linux 5.15 with various open-source tools, aiming for "independent innovation in every line of code." It includes the UKUI3.1 interface by default, offers two themed designs—"Heyin" and "Xunguang"—supports Wayland and tablet modes, and integrates stable libraries and graphics SDKs to enhance usability. The project seeks contributions from developers, researchers, and state-backed organizations to strengthen its position against Windows in the Chinese market.
The Chinese officials aim to enhance their domestic solutions, though it seems they’re focusing on greater influence over citizens. That’s definitely my initial reaction.
I see it as openKylin aimed at government needs rather than everyday Chinese users. There are around 20 to 30 million Chinese government computers running Windows, and they’re being encouraged to move to openKylin. Similar efforts have been observed in Schleswig-Holstein, Munich, France, Italy, and other regions. In many countries—Germany, Norway, Turkey, Romania, India, Russia—Linux is widely used in schools, government institutions, and public broadcasting. I back Linux adoption in educational settings as well. Open source is encouraged for public use: https://publiccode.eu. In schools, children raised solely on Windows or macOS often see their tech skills plateau, leading to lower proficiency later in life. This can become a lasting disadvantage.
*cough cough* because no other nation state has ever done that, right? There are a couple of "versions" of Kylin to keep track of though, this article concerns openKylin (the open source one). There is also the original Kylin (BSD-based), NeoKylin (Linux but not completely open source) , and Ubuntu Kylin (Ubuntu flavour geared for China as I understand it, which is controlled by Canonical as other Ubuntu flavours). China's dependence on "Western" software, for example Windows and MacOS, is problematic for China. The same way the "West's" dependence on "Eastern" silicon is problematic for the "West".