Nokia Looking At Linux-Based Smartphones
Well, in what comes as little shock, Nokia’s CFO Rick Simonson recently stated that the company is indeed looking towards releasing Linux-based handsets. Nokia’s current smartphone line, as you obviously know, is currently based on the Symbian operating system, and uses Nokia’s S60 user interface, which is currently up to 3rd Edition, with Feature Pack 2 devices coming soon.
I say that the news comes as little shock because Nokia has been investing in Linux-based mobiles for several years now with its Internet Tablet devices. These mini-computers have progressed nicely over the past few years, and are continuing to grow in popularity. I personally own the N800 and the newer N810 and use it on a daily basis for a number of functions.
So what does this mean to you, the end-user? Currently, nothing. Simonson said that he wasn’t sure of the timeline between now and then, and he also wasn’t sure what form or flavor of Linux Nokia would go with. Is Symbian and S60 doomed? I don’t think so. Personally I think that Nokia is too heavily invested in Symbian/S60 to just completely dump it and move to Linux. I do, however, think that there will be some sort of merging, on some level.
What do you think about it? Do you welcome our new open-source overlords?
Here’s the video of Rick Simonson talking about it:
(disclaimer: I work for S60 in Marketing with the S60 Ambassador program, but the opinions expressed here are my own and do not reflect those of Nokia/S60)
Given the success of the internet tablets, what would make sense is if they made smaller versions with GSM radios and sold them as phones. All they’d have to do is shrink the screen (and device) by a few inches, add the radios, and BAM - instant phone. These could be sold concurrently with S60 5th Edition touch phones, too.
I’ve been thinking about this for a while now… Is Symbian doomed? I think that it probably is, but don’t ask me to explain why, it’s just one of those gut feelings.
I’d love to be wrong however!