Intel and Nokia are combining their Moblin and Maemo operating systems to create a unified Linux-based platform that will run on a wide range of mobile computing devices, including advanced cellular handsets, netbooks, tablet computers, TV sets, and in-vehicle infotainment systems. Called MeeGo, the new open-source platform is expected to launch on next-generation devices from Nokia and perhaps other vendors in the second half of this year.
Designed to deliver a range of Internet, computing and communication experiences with rich graphics, multitasking and multimedia capabilities, MeeGo is a foundational step in the evolving partnership between Intel and Nokia announced in June, noted Intel CEO Paul Otellini.
“The merging of these two important assets into an open-source platform is critical toward providing a terrific experience across a variety of devices and gaining cross-industry support,” Otellini said.
Boosting Developer Participation
To encourage developer participation, the MeeGo platform will be hosted by the nonprofit Linux Foundation as a fully open-source project. Although the first release of MeeGo is not expected until the second quarter, developers can begin writing apps immediately using Qt — a cross-platform application development framework widely used for building user interfaces.
Nokia acquired Qt with its purchase of Trolltech, the technology’s original producer, in June 2008. Using Qt, developers will be able to write applications once and easily deploy them on MeeGo as well as across other platforms such as Symbian, said Linux Foundation Executive Director Jim Zemlin.
“For developers, they will have the power of the Qt platform across a multitude of devices and architectures, giving them an incredible opportunity to innovate and reach users,” Zemlin said.
Given that MeeGo will run on multiple devices, consumers will often be able to keep their favorite apps when they change handsets. “MeeGo has been built from the ground up for rich, mobile devices and…