In November 2022, with the release of the Orange Pi 800 and Orange Pi 5, Xunlong Software's self-developed desktop operating system, Orangepi OS, was also launched. The Orange Pi 800 comes with Orangepi OS (Droid) as its pre-installed operating system.

Officially, Xunlong has revealed that Orangepi OS will be available in three versions: Orangepi OS (Arch), Orange Pi (Droid) and Orangepi OS (OH). The already released Orangepi OS (Droid) is an Android 12-based distribution that can install a huge number of Android applications and offers quick switching between Windows and Mac style themed desktops.

Software features

From the Orange Pi 800 running Orangepi OS (Droid), the Windows style has the following features:

● Simple design. The Orangepi OS (Droid) has a simple design, with a beautiful boot animation and an elegant, clean desktop.

● Classic Start. The classic Start menu, similar to Windows 11, serves as the entry point for installed applications and system settings.

● Multi-window and multi-tasking. It supports multi-window and multi-tasking operations, and it is easy to switch between applications, greatly improving the efficiency of use and making it more suitable for desktop management.

● File Manager. In the bottom left corner is the directory tree structure, continuing the style of Windows, users can quickly enter the folder to find the corresponding file.

● Settings. Contains Network and Internet, Bluetooth, Desktop and Wallpaper, Display, Sound, Applications, Storage and more. Overall it is simple and functional.

● Security and Privacy. Retains common functions but removes some options that involve user privacy, such as location, phone number, SMS, notifications, etc., respecting security and privacy protection.

● Control Centre. Allows you to quickly set up network, Bluetooth, hotspot, screen saver, do-not-disturb mode, wallpaper and more, making it easy for users to turn these features on and off in real time; and to quickly access the settings page via the settings icon in the top right corner.

● Taskbar. The lower taskbar can display up to 10 applications at the same time.

● Task Manager. The list view of the windows is an efficient way to manage your current tasks, which is both beautiful and useful, and allows you to intelligently allocate system resources and close background processes with one click, so you don't have to switch between applications frequently.

● Google Play. Orangepi OS (Droid) comes with Google Play pre-installed, allowing users to download a wide range of Android applications, including games, video, photography, social networking, shopping and more.

Overall, Orangepi OS (Droid) offers a Windows interface that is similar to the Win 11 style user experience and is easy to use, while at the same time it can run Android applications and optimizes some of the discomfort of using Android on a normal computer, providing users with the comfort of both Windows and Android.

In addition, Orangepi OS (Droid) provides users with a quick switch between Windows and Mac themed desktops, so that those who are used to Mac can use it with ease and fluency.

Orangepi OS (Droid) has already been released, while Orangepi OS (Arch) and Orangepi OS (OH) are scheduled to be launched next year.