Cyanogen co-founder launches ai-centric os targeting windows users

Kirt McMaster, co-founder of Cyanogen, is launching a new Linux-based operating system, Kora Systems, aimed at users who heavily integrate artificial intelligence into their daily work, directly challenging Microsoft Windows. The software, which integrates AI models and autonomous agents across applications, is slated for a 2027 launch and will support both Intel/AMD and Qualcomm Snapdragon PCs. McMaster, who previously led the gaming OS company Playtron, stated that his experience at Cyanogen taught him the pitfalls of relying on an incumbent, noting that his company remained dependent on Google Mobile Services. He believes Kora should focus on the 45 to 50 million users who currently drive AI usage and revenue, rather than competing for Windows' entire market share. Kora is being developed by about 50 engineers utilizing AI coding tools like OpenAI’s Codex and Anthropic’s Claude, which McMaster reported accelerated development by at least fivefold over the last six months. The company is also collaborating with Qualcomm on Snapdragon X2 Elite optimization and is developing an enterprise version, Humain OS, with Saudi Arabia’s Humain. Revenue will be generated through subscriptions bundling AI services. Investors in Kora include Samsung Next, Square Enix, and Circle, and the company plans to integrate AI-powered gaming tools and support for Android apps on its roadmap.