[Eug-lug] From the UK Linux evolves for mobile phones

[Harald Sundt]

 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>