Quote:
A version of the increasingly popular Linux operating system Ubuntu will
be developed for use on net-enabled phones and devices.
The Ubuntu Mobile and Embedded project aims to create the open source
platform for initial release in October 2007.
The operating system will be developed by members of the Ubuntu
community, along with staff from chip giant Intel.
Its development was prompted by the growth of power hungry portable
devices that place new demands on software.
"It is clear that new types of device - small, handheld, graphical
tablets which are Internet-enabled - are going to change the way we
communicate and collaborate," said Ubuntu CTO Matt Zimmerman.
"These devices place new demands on open-source software and require
innovative graphical interfaces, improved power management and better
responsiveness."
Mobile firms such as Nokia are already using open source technologies in
some of its products.
Big deal
Ubuntu is already a popular choice of operating system on desktop and
laptop computers.
In contrast to offerings from companies such as Microsoft that earn
money by licensing and charging for use of their products, Linux code is
freely available.
Ubuntu is one of the most popular versions of Linux
That means anyone can modify it or develop applications for it. As a
result, there are many different types, or distributions, of Linux
operating systems.
The driving force behind the Ubuntu project is Mark Shuttleworth, one of
the world's first space tourists.
The self-made millionaire from South Africa founded the firm Canonical
in 2004 to promote and support open source software projects.
The firm's partnership with Intel to develop the mobile operating system
is just the latest deal with some of the powerhouses of the technology
world.
In April this year, Ubuntu announced a deal with Dell, the world's
second largest manufacturer of PCs, to offer certain computers with the
operating system preinstalled.
"We are delighted to be working with Intel on this version of Ubuntu,"
said Mr Zimmerman. "Intel is making significant contributions of
technology, people and expertise to the project."
Power drain
The chip-maker has already shown off a device running a prototype of the
Ubuntu mobile platform.
At a recent meeting Intel CEO Paul Otellini held up a prototype device,
like a large cell phone, running the system, although he said it was
also capable of running versions of Microsoft's Windows.
Intel is keen to grab a slice of the fast growing market for net-enabled
phones and devices.
It has already endorsed another open source project to develop
applications for mobile phones known as the Gnome Mobile & Embedded
Initiative (GMAE).
The firm also recently unveiled plans for a tiny low-energy chip
designed specifically for mobiles and portable computers.
Codenamed Silverthorn, the chips will be one-seventh the size of
conventional processors and consume just 10% of the power, Intel said.
Hardware developments such as this are important to maximise battery
life for portable devices that are required to run increasingly
sophisticated software and deliver relatively power-hungry applications
like the web.
The new Ubuntu platform will also aim to maximise energy efficiency
whilst offering a graphical interface designed specifically for the
small screen.
More details of the new operating system will be announced at the Ubuntu
Developer Summit being held in Seville, Spain from 06 to 11 May.
A final version will be released in October this year.
:UNQUOTE
From: BBC <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6634195.stm>
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