Baidu denies OS claims but rumours persist

Rumours have resurfaced that the Chinese search engine provider Baidu is preparing to launch an Android-based mobile platform...

Rumours have resurfaced that the Chinese search engine provider Baidu is preparing to launch an Android-based mobile platform.

Initially reports suggested that the operating system would be known as Qiushi, but Baidu has since confirmed that this name in fact refers to a different initiative focused on mobile advertising. Baidu may wish to emulate Android’s focus on pushing mobile services to consumers, as mobile traffic increases Google’s potential revenue from advertising.

It was reported earlier this year that Baidu was developing a search engine-focused “light” platform for mobile devices, although the Chinese firm responded by stating that it was “not specifically...developing an operating system for mobiles.”

The Chinese market has already played host to other localised platforms, with market leader China Mobile offering its services via a customised version of Android known as Ophone. Thus far, response to this OS has been somewhat muted.

In addition, the country’s number two operator China Unicom has its own Wophone platform, which reportedly does not use Android as a foundation.