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Abhishek Kuntare
Abhishek Kuntare

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I Built ARLO OS: A New Desktop Experience

#ai #programming #productivity #microsoft

Hey DEV Community! 👋

I'm Abhishek, an independent developer from India, and today I want to share a project I've been building called ARLO OS.

I've always been interested in how we interact with our computers. We spend hours every day on our desktops, switching between applications, managing windows, organizing files, and trying to stay productive.

I started thinking:

What if the desktop experience could be more personal, interactive, and customizable?

That's where ARLO OS began.

🚀 What is ARLO OS?

ARLO OS is an independent desktop application that creates a customizable desktop environment with its own interface, productivity features, interactive components, and optional AI assistance.

It currently runs on Windows and is designed to give users a different way to organize and interact with their desktop.

The idea isn't to replace Windows. It's to build a new desktop experience on top of it.

✨ What have I built?

Here are some of the features I've been working on:

1. Customizable Desktop

A personalized desktop experience where users can customize their workspace and interface.

2. ARLO Notch

An interactive desktop element that provides quick access to useful tools and features.

3. Virtual Workspaces

Switch between different workspaces and organize your workflow.

4. File Tray

A convenient space for collecting files through drag-and-drop interactions.

5. Focus Mode

Productivity tools such as a Pomodoro timer and eye-break reminders.

6. Built-in Applications

A collection of applications and utilities designed for everyday desktop use.

7. Ghost AI

An optional AI assistant that brings AI-powered interactions into the desktop experience.

🛠️ Technology Behind ARLO OS

Building ARLO OS has involved working with technologies such as:

  • Electron
  • React.js
  • TypeScript
  • JavaScript
  • Tailwind CSS
  • Node.js
  • Framer Motion
  • REST APIs

One of the interesting challenges has been bringing web technologies and desktop capabilities together while keeping the experience responsive and smooth.

🧠 What's next?

I'm exploring some ambitious features for future versions:

  • ARLO Air Touch: Webcam-based hand gesture control for touchless desktop interaction.
  • ARLO Secure: Windows Hello integration for biometric authentication where supported.
  • Improved workspace management.
  • More interactive desktop experiences.
  • Better AI-powered productivity tools.

These are planned enhancements, not features I'm claiming are already available.

🇮🇳 Built Independently

ARLO OS is an independent project I've been developing from India.

Building a desktop product independently comes with plenty of challenges, from architecture and performance to interface design and user experience.

But that's also what makes the journey exciting.

I'm continuously learning, experimenting, fixing things, and trying to make each release better.

🌍 Try ARLO OS

If you're interested in exploring the project, here are the official links:

💬 I'd Love Your Feedback

I'm sharing ARLO OS with the DEV community because I'd genuinely like to hear from other developers.

A few questions:

  1. What do you think about the concept of a customizable desktop environment?
  2. Which feature interests you the most?
  3. What would you add if you were building something like this?
  4. What technical improvements would you suggest?

Honest feedback, suggestions, and constructive criticism are always welcome.

Thanks for reading and checking out my project!

ARLO OS — Your Desktop. Your Experience.

Built in India. Made for a global community. 🇮🇳

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