Enter Spark, a seven-inch slate that comes running the Plasma Active UX, an open-source OS based on Linux kernel, KDE's multi-platform Plasma environment and a dash of Qt for good measure.

ENGADGET: Meet Spark, the 200 euro slate packing Linux-based Plasma Active UX

Ubuntu is the most popular operating system to be based on the Linux kernel - the code that lets software and hardware work together.

BBC: Ubuntu operating system comes to Android smartphones

Note: While Android is based on a Linux kernel, the goal behind Tizen seems to be an even more open-source, flexible OS designed to be user-friendly and carrier-friendly.

FORBES: Move up http://i.forbesimg.com t Move down

All that has leaked out so far is that it is based on the Chrome web browser and the Linux kernel, and designed mainly for lightweight laptops known as netbooks.

ECONOMIST: Google goes in search of an instant operating system