Jolla Tablet Runs Android Apps, Gathers Crowdfunds

A Finnish mobile technology startup company with an open source operating system called Sailfish OS has gathered more than $1.1 million in crowdsourced funding in an Indiegogo campaign.

The company, called Jolla, is working on an alternative iPad-style tablet and the interesting thing about its Sailfish OS is that it can run Android apps in addition to apps created specifically for Sailfish.

The Jolla tablet runs Sailfish 2.0 and is already sold in a couple of countries. According to Jolla, multitasking is one of the advantages of its device:

"Multitasking on Sailfish OS shows all your running apps conveniently in one single view. At a glance, you’ll see everything that’s going on, as well as easily switch between apps. You can also control Sailfish OS apps directly from the multitasking view – for example, change your music or play and pause your video stream without opening the app in full."

"Sailfish OS works with your natural hand movements via gestures, which makes using the tablet super-fast. You don’t have to push tiny buttons or search your way back home – everything is always under your thumb."

"Besides running its own native apps, Sailfish OS has the capability to run Android apps. You can continue using your favorite apps like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as well as downloading all the latest ones via the Jolla Store and other Android app marketplaces. If an app doesn’t exist, you can always make it."

Jolla started its funding campaign on November 19, and it runs through December 9th. Contributors to the funding pool will have the option to purchase a Jolla tablet for $209--lower than the expected $249 retail price.

You can find some intriguing photos and animations of the Jolla tablet in action here.