Chinese computer OS maker releases AI-focused openKylin to tap potential PC demand Rise
China's openKylin has released an AI-focused version for personal computers. openKylin for AIPC fully incorporates AI technology and includes features such as an AI assistant and text-to-image creation. China intends to lessen its reliance on foreign operating systems and processors.
The introduction of openKylin for AIPC (AI Personal Computers) intends to firmly integrate AI technology into the operating system by supporting on-device large language models (LLMs) and including capabilities like an AI assistant and text-to-image generation.
The openKylin community, which is in charge of maintaining the OS, announced the launch on Sunday, emphasising the goal of greatly boosting work productivity and creativity for users of home-grown operating systems. China's state-run publication Science and Technology Daily has described the AI version of openKylin as "secure, stable, and controllable".
This action is part of China's long-term efforts to provide an indigenous alternative to Western operating systems such as Microsoft Windows and Apple's macOS. With rising economic tensions between the US and China, Beijing has been pushing for technical self-sufficiency, including lowering its dependency on Windows and foreign processors.
The original version of openKylin was released in 2022, and since then, the open-source code community has grown significantly. The community, led by Kylinsoft, the maker of Linux-based Kylin and a subsidiary of state-owned China Electronics, along with other Chinese entities, has been working to create a viable alternative to foreign operating systems.
Despite Windows' dominance in the Chinese market, openKylin believes the emerging trend of AI PCs will acquire traction. AI PCs are computers with sophisticated CPUs that can conduct generative AI tasks locally rather than in the cloud. The aim is that AI applications will boost PC demand.
The competition to bring AI PCs to market has heated up with Microsoft's launch of Copilot+ PCs, which run their own generative AI software. Chinese AI PCs, notably openKylin, will have to rely on homegrown LLMs because popular global generative AI services are unavailable in China.
With the release of openKylin for AIPC, China takes a huge step towards minimising its reliance on foreign operating systems and embracing AI technologies. The integration of AI elements and support for on-device LLMs is intended to improve work efficiency and user experience for Chinese PC users.
China's openKylin releases AI-focused version for personal computers
openKylin for AIPC deeply integrates AI technology and offers features like AI assistant and text-to-image generation
China aims to reduce reliance on foreign operating systems and chips
Source: SCMP