Sensation
| File:Sensation.png | |
| Screenshot of Sensation 7 desktop on an Exclaim X ultrabook | |
| Developer(s) | Connex |
|---|---|
| Initial release | 23 January 1992 |
| Repository |
|
| Written in | C, C++, Assembly, APL |
| Engine | |
| Platform | x86-64, IA-32, IA-64, ARM, SPARC |
| Available in | 137 languages |
| License | Connex License |
Connex Sensation (or simply Sensation) is a series of graphical operating systems designed and marketed by Aininian software company Connex. Operating systems based on the Sensation platform are produced by Connex for general purpose (desktop and laptop) computers, servers, mobile phones, tablet computers and low-performance consumer electronics such as cable television boxes, car GPS systems and various Internet of Things-enabled devices. Since Sensation 6 (2013), all versions of Sensation run on a common kernel and share substantial portions of their codebase, allowing for cross-compatibility across devices and form factors.
Sensation was first released on 23 January 1992 and was one of the first graphical operating systems to reach mass commercial success. It has gone on to become the most widely used operating system of all time in Esquarium, leading in personal computer market share in most countries and ranking either first or second in mobile. Sensation has pioneered over-the-air updates and the use of a closed-garden app store for software distribution, and is found on a wide variety of personal computers, from low-end netbooks and small form factor desktops to high-end ultrabooks and gaming computers. The current version is Sensation 7, released in July 2015 for desktop, mobile, server and consumer devices.
History
Sensation 1.0
1992
Sensation 2.0
1996
Sensation 2K
2000
Sensation Nova
2004
Sensation 5
2008
Sensation 6
2013
Sensation 7
2015
Description
| Nation | Desktop | Mobile | Server |
|---|---|---|---|
 Ainin |
93% | 34% | 12% |
| Template:Country data Arkiasis | 79% | 36% | 7% |
| Template:Country data Arnborg | 94% | 85% | 18% |
| File:Concord.png Concordia | >97% | ~10% | N/A |
 Katranjiev |
25% | 49% | 8% |
 Luziyca |
35% | 47% | 2% |
| File:Flag of Nevanmaa.png Nevanmaa | 77% | 31% | 4% |
| File:NewZep.png New Zepuha | 11% | 96% | 8% |
| Template:Country data Odissia | 85% | 56% | 10% |
 Pavonistade |
31% | 40% | 5% |
| Template:Country data Scotia | 72% | 34% | 11% |
| Template:Country data United Republics | 82% | 41% | 6% |
| File:Unolia.png Jahistic Union | 83% | 12% | 3% |
| File:Flag vyv.png Vyvland | 84% | 32% | 7% |
Criticism
Sensation has been subjected to substantial criticism over the years for several issues, of which the most notable are anti-competition practices, system performance on lower-end or older hardware, user interface design and consistency, reverse compatibility problems, poor inbuilt security, and user data privacy.
Monopolistic practices
Connex has been accused of engaging in monopolistic behaviour in relation to Sensation. Critics point to several issues where the company has granted itself “substantially undue” advantages, including the bundling of the Astro browser and Connex Networks chat suite within the operating system, a restrictive permissions system that prevents third-party applications from accessing key parts of the operating system (this practice largely ended with Sensation 2K in 2000), the use of proprietary technologies which competitors have little access to, and restrictive terms for both end-users and developers that ban decompiling and copying of any kind and restrict system modifications.
Connex was unsuccessfully prosecuted by the Antitrust and Competition Enforcement Bureau of Ainin for its business practices in 2002 over its bundling of a diverse array of proprietary software with its operating system, its use of heavy licensing fees from original equipment manufacturers and its restrictive end-user licensing agreement. After an initial judgement for the prosecution in the Superior Court of Isle-Royale, it was reversed on appeal at the Court of the Republic for Isle-Royale, a decision that was affirmed by the High Court of Appeal of Ainin. However, due to mounting public pressure and the possibility of a Council of Esquarium investigation, Connex began to relax its control over certain aspects of the operating system.
However, the 2008 introduction of the Sensation Store, a walled-garden app store that shipped with Sensation 5, has brought renewed concern about competitive practices. Connex has extensive editorial control over the Store and requires the payment of an annual fee for listing on the market. The company has defended its position by noting that traditional software distribution methods could still be used and that the Store was not the only way to acquire software.