Branch / Walki — Android OS Development Brief Overview Branch / Walki is a custom Android-based operating system designed for children (ages 7–14) and their parents. The goal is to create a voice-first, safety-led, minimal smartphone experience that encourages healthy relationships with technology. We are seeking a development partner to customize and harden Android (AOSP) for our device platform and develop a suite of communication and safety apps managed through a parent portal. High-Level Objectives 1 Develop a secure, minimal, locked-down Android OS with only core apps available. 2 Implement voice-first communication between children and approved contacts. 3 Build a parent portal for oversight, management, and wellbeing tracking. 4 Enable geofenced safety, spend control, and AI-based safety alerts. 5 Promote healthy digital habits for children and parents. System Architecture • Android Open Source Project (AOSP) fork (Android 13 or later) • Secure boot, verified boot, encryption at rest • OTA update system for firmware and app layers • Custom launcher (Walki UI) — no app drawer, restricted settings • Whitelisted apps only, disabled Play Store and background data • Minimal Settings menu with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and volume only • Device management through parental control API or MDM layer Core Applications 1 Walki Voice Chat (Push-to-Talk): Real-time walkie-talkie messaging with voice replay, AI transcript summaries, and approved contact-only communication through parent portal authentication. 2 Voice / Video Call: Secure VoIP with three modes — push-to-talk, standard call, and video call — all encrypted and limited to safe contacts. 3 google Wallet Integration: Link with youth banking APIs (NatWest Rooster, GoHenry, etc.) allowing parents to manage spend limits and top-ups. 4 SOS Function: Emergency call triggers parent and trusted nearby contacts using GPS location and live ping alerts. 5 Event / Local Activity App: Create and share hyper-local activities with approved contacts or groups; optional parental approval. 6 Check-In Reminder Tool: Parent can set recurring or one-off voice check-ins; child replies with short voice message + AI summary; missed check-ins trigger follow-up alerts. 7. All other android features locked out. No internet, no social media. No capability ro hack or unlock apps or access. Parent Portal App 1. Screen time monitor with app usage breakdown. 2 App/feature control and communication permissions. 3 Live GPS location tracking and movement history. 4 Customisable geofence safe zones with alerts and auto walkie callback. 5 AI Safety Assistant for content and sentiment monitoring. 6 Wallet management linked to child’s banking API. 7 Event and check-in management dashboard. 8 Parent wellbeing tracker showing phone usage insights. Safety and Privacy • COPPA / GDPR-K compliance • On-device AI for transcription and sentiment • TLS 1.3 encryption across all network services • Role-based access (Parent / Child) • Minimal data storage, secure cloud backend (AWS / GCP / Azure) Deliverables 1 Custom AOSP image (Walki OS) 2 OTA update infrastructure 3 Core communication and SOS apps 4 Parent Portal (mobile + backend) 5 AI summarisation engine 6 Event and Check-In modules 7 Security, privacy and data compliance documentation Submission Requirements 1 Company experience with AOSP / BSP / MDM / OTA systems 2 Proposed technical architecture and backend approach 3 Estimated cost breakdown and suggested development timeline 4 Team composition and project lead credentials 5 References or comparable projects We would lead visual design and provide all artwork and direction on useability... very happy to be flexible and take advice on how to make this happen. We have an excellent team including lead child phycologist and software entrepeneurs...