Intel, Nokia Partner On Mobile OSIntel, Nokia Partner On Mobile OS

Intel Corp. is merging its Moblin OS with Nokia's Linux Maemo OS in an effort to build critical mass in a Linux-based software platform called MeeGo. The platform, slated to be available in the second quarter, will enable developers to write applications across a variety of devices ranging from smartphones, netbooks, tablet PCs, TVs and in-vehicle infotainment systems.

The Maemo and Moblin operating systems have each recorded some initial success, but were in danger of being eclipsed by the accelerating deployment of smartphone platforms from Apple, Google, and Research In Motion.

MeeGo relies heavily on the Qt cross-platform development environment, which enables developers to create Web apps once and then deploy them across multiple operating systems without the need to rewrite underlying source code.

To be hosted by the Linux Foundation, MeeGo applications will be marketed via Nokia's Ovi Store and Intel's AppUp Center.

"Our vision for seamlessly communicating between computing devices from the home, auto, office or your pocket is taking a big step forward with the introduction of MeeGo," said Intel president and CEO Paul Otellini in a statement.

Nokia's Maemo open source platform is already used in its N900 smartphone. Nokia has said its Symbian OS, the most widely used OS in mobile phones, will continue to be used in most of its smartphones. The highest end smartphone and devices will likely utilize the new MeeGo, however. The use of Qt in MeeGo means that developers could deploy their apps across Symbian as well as across other platforms.

Intel and Nokia said the MeeGo platform will open up a new range of multitasking, multimedia, and rich graphics applications on new generations of high-performance devices.

"The Ovi Store will be the channel to market for apps and content for all Nokia devices, including MeeGo and Symbian-based, with Forum Nokia providing developer support across all Nokia device platforms," said Nokia in a release.

Intel said its AppUp Center and its Atom Developer Program will be used by developers and device manufacturers using the MeeGo platform.