OpenKylin Update: The Latest Innovation in Chinese AI Operating Systems

In response to the rapid global advancement of Artificial intelligence ( AI ) , the Chinese open - source desktop Operating system , OpenKylin , has been updated to cater to AI personal computers ( PCs ) in order to lessen dependence on foreign systems . The latest version , launched on Sunday , is equipped with on - device large language models ( LLMs ) , an AI assistant , and text - to - image generation capabilities . This move comes as the Chinese government aims to enhance its technological self - sufficiency amid escalating US - China trade tensions.

The community behind OpenKylin emphasized the significance of AI in bringing new challenges and opportunities for infrastructure software , with the goal of enhancing work efficiency and creative experiences for users of domestic operating systems . The state - run Science and Technology Daily lauded the AI version of OpenKylin as " secure , stable , and controllable , " highlighting its resemblance to Microsoft Windows as part of an effort to reduce reliance on Western operating systems.

OpenKylin was initially introduced in 2022 after years of endeavoring to develop a homegrown alternative to Microsoft Windows and Apple 's macOS . The central government of China has been progressively phasing out Windows and foreign chips such as those from Intel in favor of Kylin - based systems . The closed - source precursor , Kylin , is used in critical government projects and is safeguarded as a state secret.

The open - source development community for OpenKylin , spearheaded by Kylinsoft and supported by various Chinese entities , including the National Industrial Information Security Development Research Centre , launched the first open - source desktop OS , OpenKylin 1.0 , in July 2022 . Despite these initiatives , Windows still dominates over 80 % of the market share in China , according to StatCounter data.

Chinese tech firms showcased their AI innovations at the recent World Artificial Intelligence Conference ( WAIC ) in Shanghai . Companies like Alibaba Group Holding Limited and SenseTime demonstrated significant progress in AI development , signaling fierce competition in China 's AI sector . SenseTime unveiled its upgraded large language models , while Alibaba reported a surge in downloads and user growth for its AI offerings.

Furthermore , Baidu introduced Ernie 4.0 Turbo , strengthening its position in the AI market alongside other players like Alibaba and Microsoft . The rise of Chinese tech giants in response to OpenAI 's withdrawal from China reflects the country 's growing self - reliance in AI technology . Amid tensions between the US and China , restrictions on semiconductor exports have impacted the AI sector , prompting local companies to ramp up efforts to attract former OpenAI users.

As China navigates the evolving landscape of AI technology , domestic businesses are taking proactive measures to entice users and developers to their platforms . By offering incentives such as free tokens and migration assistance , companies like Baidu , Zhipu AI , and Tencent Cloud are competing to expand their user base and capitalize on the shifting dynamics of the global AI market.