First Look at the Samsung's Bada 2.0 mobile operating system

First look

We have harped about a plethora of apps, we have reiterated about a myriad of user friendly features, but there is another more comprehensive component that seems to be flooding the smartphone market. We are talking about the nigh fascinating flurry of mobile operating systems. In view of this, customers and users are already pulled by the likes of Android, iOS, Symbian and Blackberry, and yet the latest to enter into this commercial 'war zone' will be Samsung's very own Bada 2.0.

Samsung Bada 2.0 OS

It is highly probable that the original Bada did not make it to your OS wish list. But in a curious turn of events, this operating system actually had a greater market share (in phones) than the more illustrious Windows 7 mobile platform, at least in the first quarter of 2011 (according to a Canalys market research report). And now, the Korean giant is about to be back with their Bada 2.0, along with a train of promises - saying something about a 'groundbreaking' user interface and a slew of customizable web based applications. What’s new?

Many of us had the feeling that the first iteration of Bada (more or less) catered to feature phones rather than the 'smart' phones. Amidst an ambiance of lukewarm response, the budget OS did make web browsing easier and accessible along with offering some primeval apps (which we call games). So, now the big question remains - has the Bada 2.0 something new to offer to the thriving domain of smartphones? By the looks of it, the answer is comprehensively yes. We have discussed about these newer attributes in our 'features walkthrough' section.

What's refreshed?

In this matter, the OS got the perfect platform to showcase its fine features in the form of Samsung's S8600 Wave 3 smartphone. The original Wave was the first phone to be infused with a Super AMOLED display and the Bada OS. And now, in its third iteration, we already see significant interface alterations. The biggest revamped change however is felt in the all new home screen with eleven live panels. Though, one can put a single widget within the scope, the interface is vertically scrollable, thus allowing a slew of rearrange-able info widgets.

Features walk-through

Other features include new contextual menus, a comprehensive social hub and even fully refurbished - gallery, media players and web browser. The core visual appeal is intriguingly enriched (highly reminiscent of Android) with a clear allusion to the exalted TouchWiz (again, as we see it in Samsung's Android based counterparts like the renowned Galaxy S II). But beyond the widget placing grids, the improved lock screen also shows a more collective attribute by displaying the live weather widget and message notifications. And since we are talking about a potential challenger to the expansive realm of Android and iOS, the Bada 2.0 has its own voice recognition software (much like the Siri personal assistant of iOS) and face recognition technology (like the Ice Cream Sandwich).

What's good?

When it comes to user friendly features, the Bada hits the right spot with its eye-candy interface, ability to create folders and push notification. Early testing phases (done on Wave III) allude to the fact that Samsung has given enough attention to the system, especially in the multitasking front. Moreover, the company has envisaged this highly customizable operating system for low end to mid range smartphones, as is evident from the OS's requirements. The technology powering the Bada system is tailor made for single core processors. This can prove to be good news to the potential customers considering some budgetary cuts (for their spending on electronic accessories).

What's not so good?

It would be too early to comment upon the lesser facets of the OS, since it is ready to be upgraded to its 2.0.1 build. But from preliminary testing, two factors stand in the way of making that transition from good to great. Firstly, the OS does not support Adobe Flash. So, for the moment we have to stick to HTML 5. Secondly, there are only six widgets in the current version (Weather, Search, News, Stock, Calendar and Quick Contacts Dock) without any options for further downloading (of course, we have to wait for the third party developers).

Wrap up

At the end of the day, the Bada 2.0 can be touted as the jack of all trades in the OS market. Taking its influence from both Android and iOS (may be too much, at times), here is a system that qualifies as a good platform. So, if you are looking for a simple, customizable operating system on a not-so-pricey smartphone, the Bada can certainly pose as an answer to your prayers.