For ES/1, I have developed a fairly comprehensive graphics engine that runs entirely under VESA. I'm currently working on a fonts engine to support more than 8x8, 8x14, and 8x16 fixed-point console fonts. I plan to have a proportional "libsf" font, and a fixed point "libsf mono" font at release, in addition to the three console fonts.
As such, ES/1 will now launch with a start bar, a few built-in programs, and the ability to run multiple graphical command windows simultaneously. I will begin working on a primitive Presentation Manager interface, which will allow non-console windows which contain graphics and special drawing abilities.
I plan for ES/1 to be a very simple 32-bit kernel which initially allows 16-bit apps to run using Dos*() and other function calls to simulate BIOS, but over time is expanded into a full 32-bit OS as indicated below.
The plans are:
Version 0.1 -- boot and run from a floppy disk
Version 0.2 -- boot from a floppy or FAT16 hard disk
Version 0.3 -- adds additional apps to support the kernel
Version 0.4 -- introduction of a general purpose text editor, compiler, and assembler for creating custom ES/1 apps
Version 0.5 -- increased development of the Presentation Manager
Version 0.6 -- introduction of system objects
Version 0.7 -- a fully integrated desktop and the introduction of 32-bit apps
Version 0.8 -- network stack, sockets, ES/1 network file system support
Version 0.9 -- boot from a network drive, some usable userland apps
Version 1.0 -- a functional general purpose OS release
I plan for each ES/1 release will be available as a downloadable virtual machine image with virtual media already configured, able to run under Oracle's VirtualBox. Or, as stand-alone boot floppy images for real machine installation. I plan for Version 1.0 to be able to run multiple apps well, possess a robust desktop user experience within its fully object-oriented design, giving it a general look and feel similar to that of OS/2's desktop.
ES/1 will serve as the base for the Al-x kernel extended development, and eventually as the base for what will become ES/2 as those innate abilities are refactored for the needs of a backward binary-compatible OS/2 kernel replacement, and later driver replacement and user apps replacement.
The goal for ES/1 is to be a launching platform for the rest of development, which will eventually yield a complete and fully-replaced OS/2 kernel and suite of drivers, utilities, apps, everything. I look forward to having other developers come on board as development progresses.