Jolla launches Sailfish OS 2.0 for early access users

With big brands like Android, iOS, and Windows 10 Mobile dominating tech headlines, it’s easy for Jolla’s Sailfish operating system to slip through the news net.
Fortunately, Jolla has just reminded us of its existence by announcing early access availability for the new Sailfish OS 2.0.
It’s the next generation version of the Finland-based company’s Sailfish OS.
The software, which will be distributed first to what Jolla calls “more advanced users”, will update Jolla smartphones with the brand new 2.0 interface.
The main change is that
For instance, there’s now a “mental model of core views”, which purportedly improves the flow of the gesture-based operating system dramatically.
Navigation now works by swiping left or right between Home and Events, just like a carousel.
The App Grid is also easily – and quickly – accessible from anywhere within the UI by swiping over the bottom edge of the smartphone.
The Events tool now has a built-in weather widget that can display five-day forecasts. There’s also a calendar widget too.
Jolla also says users “can now see and do more” with notifications directly through Events, whether they’re in native apps or Android apps.
There have been a number of improvements to existing apps too, including the Jolla Store, Calendar, and Camera.
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“Sailfish OS has always been a people powered platform,” explains Jolla. “While maturing to Sailfish OS 2.0 Jolla has listened closely to user feedback through customer polls and together.jolla.com, and worked together with the community to build the best user experience possible.”
The company continues: “The key objectives for this update are to ease and simplify the first time experience and to improve the overall quality and flow of the OS.”
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