One OS

For those who don't know, OS is a simple acronym for "Operating System" (aka Windows, Android, Max OS, iOS, Lynix). That being said, every electronic device that you own with a screen uses and OS, it defines the graphical interface that you will be using while interacting on your device.

The Past

In the past we have had just a couple of operating systems, and they were all pretty much designed for a computer or laptop. Windows and Apple are the two main operating systems that have always been used. Not too long ago something new has came into our world, smart-phones and tablets, so other OS's have been developed for specific use on touchscreen devices. (these would be Android OS, iOS, WebOS). So basically, you have an OS for computers/laptops (Mac OS), and one for touchscreen devices such as smart-phones and tablets (iOS). 

The Present

We live in a time where the two types of Operating Systems have begun to merge. People are buying more and more smart-phones and tablets. The Apple iPad was the most sought after device this Christmas season. With more and more people buying tablets instead of a laptop we have needed a way to have better communication and file transfer between our electronic devices. Right now things are changing and the new operating systems that are emerging have begun to merge the two. The goal is ONE OS. One operating system for all your devices. Your tablet, your laptop, and your smart-phone.

HP's WebOS is what started the revolution. They developed their operating system to exchange data seamlessly between your tablet and smart-phone. HP made it easy to jump between the two devices by automatically forwarding calls/text to your tablet while your smart-phone was not in use or charging. It also made it possible for you to easily jump to where you were when changing between the two devices by simply bumping the two devices together. Lets say that you are viewing a website on your tablet, but you are on your way out the door. The solution: bump your tablet and smart-phone together and you will magically be on the same website on your smartphone that you were viewing on your tablet.

WebOS has caused both Windows and Apple to think harder on the future of their operating system. They too have realized that they need to bridge the gab between electronic devices and create one OS. Windows announced a while back that they were in the process of developing Windows 8, which will be the first mainstream operating system for both Tablets and Laptops/Pc's. They may even release a version for their Windows Phones in the future.

Today, Mac announced their new operating system that will be released this summer, Mountain Lion. Their new operating system will incorporate many things that the iPad already does, such as iMessage, Notification Center, Task List, Memo's, and the iCloud. All of your Apple devices will be able to communicate with each other, and when you buy a new Mac, you just log in to it with your iCloud credentials and it will automatically configure your e-mail and other settings. Another huge step towards ONE OS.

The Future

The future of the operating system is not too far distant. This year Windows 8 will be released, so Windows users can rest content that their devices will no longer have multiple operating systems, making use much more convenient. Apple is beginning to merge the gap as well, and I'm quite sure that we are coming to the end of Mac OS X, which is now 11 years old. Every year Apple has taken the Mac OS X and just revamped it.