Variants of Ubuntu are becoming a force to be reckoned with, especially amid controversies involving privacy, trademarks, and more. Pear OS 8 is an interesting variant which targets new form factors [1] but doesn't always shine [2]. It recently had a new release. Pear OS 8 is somewhat controversial in the GNU/Linux world not because it imitates Apple poorly but because it strives to imitate Apple, which basically downplays our strengths and reinforces that notion that Apple's OSuX is somehow better. Distributions which tried to mimic Windows -- even Vista -- got chastised for similar reasons. ⬆

1. Pear OS 8: Linux-based software for tablets, desktops (inspired by iOS)

   Pear OS is a Linux-based operating system designed to combine the beauty of Apple software with the utility (and open nature) of GNU/Linux. A year ago that meant making Ubuntu look like OS X. Now it apparently means giving Ubuntu an OS X and iOS 7-style user interface.





2. Pear OS 8 – A Missed Opportunity?

   I love distros that try and mimic other OSes. They lessen the blow of using a new OS and encourage inexperienced users to take the plunge into Linux. In that respect, Pear OS 8 is a wonderful imitation of Mac OS X, but does a poor job of presenting the best of Linux.