TheFeature: Moto and Linux

“Motorola, the world’s number two cell phone manufacturer after
Nokia, recently announced that all of its basic and mid-range
phones will be based on the Linux operating system, with Java
applications running on top.

“Although Motorola remains a key member of the Symbian
consortium and will continue to use Symbian’s operating system for
high-end 3G handsets, the company said Linux and Java will be used
in more and more upcoming phones, and will likely become its
dominant platform.

“Motorola is not alone, experts say. It is merely the first
mobile giant to go public about using Linux/Java. According to
MontaVista Software, Motorola’s embedded Linux supplier, half-a
dozen handset manufacturers are evaluating the free operating
system, though none have yet admitted to doing so, with the
exception of Japan’s NEC.

“But the cell-phone industry is so fiercely competitive and the
economics so harsh, many may be forced to go the same route.
MontaVista predicts Linux is poised to become a major force in the
cell-phone industry…”

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