Nokia eyes wider usage of Linux in cellphones

May 21, 2008

The world’s top handset maker Nokia Oyj hopes that the role of the Linux operating system in its product portfolio to enhance the role of its Internet-focused devices grows, the company said.

Linux so far has had little success in mobile phones, but their role is increasing as more new Linux-based models coming to market, while Google Inc. gave a vote of confidence by using it to build their platform on android.

Nokia has used Linux for years in their Internet tablets, a large phone-like devices used to access the Internet on the road, but lacking the functionality of calls. “We will expand that range, and we believe that the role of Linux will grow,” said Nokia spokesman Kari Tuutti.

Linux is the most popular type of open source operating system that is available to the public to be used, revised and shared - which means it has a large developer community that could lead to more attractive programmes and lower costs for tastes Nokia.

Nokia has used the pills to guide the technology-loving consumers or support emerging technologies such as WiMAX.

“It’s going to be terribly important,” Nokia Chief Financial Officer Rick Simonson told an investor conference when asked about the role of Linux-based tablets.

He said the company has been developing the next generation of Linux-based products, which are beginning to enter the market.

The market for software platforms for mobile phones is led by Nokia S60, built on the Symbian operating system, far ahead of Microsoft’s Windows Mobile.

However, many heavyweights in the mobile industry, including Vodafone, Motorola, NTT DoCoMo, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and Huawei, have joined alliances Linux.

Linux suppliers earn money selling improvements and technical services for Linux and competes directly with offerings from Microsoft, which charges for its Windows software and opposes freely sharing its code.

Written by Admin · Filed Under software 

Comments

One Response to “Nokia eyes wider usage of Linux in cellphones”

  1. Red Hat updates enterprise Linux platform | .:: Technology and Gadgets ::. on May 21st, 2008 2:39 pm

    […] Hat announced Wednesday the availability of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.2, with improvements in virtualization, clustering, and hardware […]

Got something to say?