Core Viewpoint - The key to the breakthrough of domestic operating systems lies not in forced imitation driven by "replacement anxiety," but in identifying advantageous scenarios based on "demand insight" and breaking technical barriers through open-source collaboration, thereby building irreplaceability in niche markets [1][3][4]. Group 1: Market Context - Domestic operating systems have made significant strides, particularly in the consumer electronics sector, with Huawei's new phones exclusively using "pure HarmonyOS" [3]. - The global IoT device count is expected to exceed 64 billion by 2025, with China's market size surpassing 4.5 trillion yuan, accounting for over 30% [3]. - The market is fragmented, with various giants positioning themselves differently: open-source HarmonyOS aims for "all-scenario unification," while Xiaomi's Vela targets smart homes, and Alibaba focuses on industrial internet [3][4]. Group 2: Technological Insights - RT-Thread, a domestic open-source embedded operating system, has achieved an installation base of over 2.5 billion units, making it the largest domestic embedded OS by installation volume [6][16]. - The choice of a microkernel and lightweight design for RT-Thread was driven by market demand, particularly for small chips that cannot run Linux or Android [6][14]. - The operating system's success is attributed to its ability to meet specific needs in fragmented scenarios, such as real-time response requirements in satellites and automotive applications [7][14]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The rise of domestic operating systems faces challenges, including weak developer ecosystems and difficulties in adapting to various chips and toolchains [7][19]. - RT-Thread differentiates itself by being a neutral and open third-party platform, collaborating with various manufacturers, and having a solid understanding of the domestic market [21][31]. - The competition includes major players like Huawei and Xiaomi, with RT-Thread focusing on foundational operating systems for vehicles and industrial applications [31][36]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The future of operating systems may involve either creating a self-contained ecosystem like Apple or adhering to an open-source model [7][25]. - The ongoing geopolitical tensions and the push for domestic alternatives are accelerating the development of domestic operating systems [7][24]. - RT-Thread is well-positioned to adapt to the RISC-V architecture, which is gaining traction as an open instruction set standard, enhancing its competitive edge [37][42].