Endless Brings Asynchronous Internet to the Developing World With Release of Endless OS 3

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In a critical step toward its mission to bring the transformational power of the internet to 4.1 billion unconnected people across the globe, today Endless announced the release of Endless OS 3. Available free of charge for anyone to download and use, this latest version of the Endless operating system is a major advancement in security, efficiency and functionality, and represents a fundamental confirmation of the company's core strategy. Publicly revealed for the first time in conjunction with today's announcement, the Endless OS 3 was created to act as a catalyst toward building the 'Asynchronous Internet' as a new alternative for delivering a persistent computing experience to society's digital have-nots.

Endless OS 3 now includes the new Endless Installer for Windows which allows users to "dual boot" or choose which operating system to run when they start their computer, and Flatpak (previously xdg-app) application bundling which allows Linux applications to be installed and run securely in sandboxes, and opens up OS 3 to third-party developers. It also brings significant changes to the underlying software stack of the previous OS, including a complete switch from 32-bit to 64-bit on Intel-compatible PC platforms so devices and applications can perform at their highest levels. In addition, it offers a brand new app center based on GNOME Software for easier app installation and updates, and Endless OS 3 features improved file management and enhanced security achieved through integration of the latest versions of GNOME and Debian. Asus and Lenovo are shipping the Endless OS pre-installed on several popular notebook models.

"There remain significant headwinds to providing persistent connectivity in the developing world, and it's about time we recognize that, for most of the globe, internet access shows no sign of big improvement because as an industry we've been almost exclusively focused on the top of the income ladder," said Matt Dalio, founder, CEO and chief of product at Endless. "Endless OS 3 makes the internet relevant to an underserved population desperate for a solution that has permanence and reliability. Its asynchronous model of pre-loading invaluable reference content, thus saving scarce or costly internet access, is indispensable to solving this problem."

With the new operating system, anyone has both online and offline access to an ecosystem of hundreds of pre-installed apps for health, education, business and entertainment, including an office suite, Wikipedia, reference apps and educational games, on most computers with or without an internet connection. Moreover, its content system is based on modular building blocks and a new cloud-based portal instead of cookie-cutter templates, allowing a vastly expanded developer base to iterate more quickly between importing and managing content, designing apps and implementing them. Benefits include:

• The majority of applications on the operating system have been updated to newer versions, bringing improvements in performance and security.
• Using Flatpak, Endless OS 3 optimizes for internet consumption so only what is absolutely essential is downloaded, saving precious bandwidth.
• Endless OS 3 is designed to distribute and run applications securely, and apps are sandboxed with limited access to user data.
• With a new app center based on GNOME Software, users can manage applications, safely update their system and device, and access an expanded range of native Endless knowledge apps and third-party Linux applications.

"Most of the world wants the internet, they want a computer, they want a desktop, but penetration is driven by profitability and we've lost sight of the need for global access in the race for dollars," commented Jonathan Blandford, vice president of engineering at Endless. "Above all, solving this problem hinges on efficiently designed interventions that provide accessibility to both cached and uncached content: the Asynchronous Internet. The desktop remains the best option and now, with Endless OS 3, we're providing that experience in a culturally relevant way--an extensible open-platform OS, content-driven software, all asynchronous."

The Endless OS is still available in two versions: the Basic version, which is recommended for those who have regular access to the internet and can download and install apps and content as needed, and the Full version which is fully asynchronous, pre-loads a wide range of apps and content, and is meant for users who have no or very limited network access. Endless also announced that Brazil's National Fund for Education Development (ENDF) has selected the Endless OS as its official educational platform.

To learn more and get your copy of Endless OS 3, visit www.get.endlessm.com.

About Endless
Endless was founded in 2012 with the mission to make computing universally accessible. The Endless OS, the company's flagship product, is a fully functional operating system designed for emerging markets. It powers the Endless computer and award-winning Endless Mini, providing an intuitive computing experience with access to more than 100 pre-installed apps for health, education, entertainment, small business and many other areas to help users achieve a better life. Built on an asynchronous model, it's useful from the moment you turn it on even if you don't have an internet connection. With Endless, anyone can become a co-creator of a vibrant app ecosystem that solves real-life challenges with locally relevant content. The company is based in San Francisco with offices in Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City, Guatemala, Taipei and London with people on the ground in Jordan and the UAE. Learn more about Endless at www.endlessm.com.  

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