Will compete with Google Chrome

Leading Chinese search company Baidu plans to develop a lightweight operating system for smartphones and tablet computers, according to CEO Robin Li. The goal is a simple, search-capable interface available within one second of powerup. Li calls the system "box computing." Li said the box interface would not be released until Baidu had developed a wide range of uses for it, such as online video and social media.

Li said development of the new system would take place over the next three to five years. He suggested that the advantages of the new system would lure users away from competing services, such as Google.

Google's own lightweight OS, Chrome, also prioritizes ease of use. It has just two applications, a web browser and a media player. [via CNBC/Financial Times]

By Electronista Staff