Jowoss

Jowoss is a fictional multinational technology company created for world-building and media. It specializes in modular hardware and software platforms that emphasize openness and interoperability.

Founded in 1998 in Greyport by entrepreneur Mina Rell, Jowoss began with modular smartphones and laptops under the Jowoss Modular Device Platform (MDP). In the 2000s it expanded into software with JowossOS, a Unix-like operating system designed to run across modular devices. In 2016 the company was acquired by Nebula Holdings, which integrated Jowoss into a broader ecosystem and prompted governance changes on the board.

Key products and technology associated with Jowoss include JowossMDP, a modular device framework that allows users to upgrade components; JowossOS, a cross-device operating system; and JowossCloud, a service offering edge-cloud capabilities. The company also provides the JowossAI Toolkit for developers. Jowoss advocates open standards such as Jowoss Open Modules (JOM) and the Jowoss Connector Interface (JCI) to promote interoperability across devices and platforms.

Market presence and reception reflect a global reach in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Jowoss is often noted for its design emphasis on repairability and user customization, aligning with a modular ethos. Criticisms commonly focus on supply chain considerations, environmental impact associated with electronics, and the competitive dynamics between proprietary ecosystems and open-source communities; supporters, meanwhile, highlight its commitment to openness and developer access.

As a fictional entity, Jowoss is used in examples of modular design philosophy and open ecosystems within tech writing and narrative contexts.