Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Leave it to Access to completely underplay the debut of one of the most anticipated mobile operating systems of the decade — anticipation that’s certainly waned, but we’re sure somebody’s at least a little excited. ALP 3.0 and ALP mini are about ready for mass consumption, with ALP mini available to licensees immediately, though no word yet on when ALP 3.0 will hit. From the sound of it, ALP 3.0 concentrates on a fancy, transition-filled smartphone OS, while ALP mini is more stripped-down and ready for featurephone use. Both operating systems are Linux-based, with some strange amalgam of Palm OS-ness, though ALP mini drops Garnet compatibility and can’t run native Linux apps like big brother 3.0, which is LiMo compatible. NTT DoCoMo is planning ALP phones in the second half of 2009, that Edelweiss ALP phone for Russia has been outed, and we’re still struggling to care.

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Filed under: Cellphones

Without much fanfare, the Samsung i800 was canned at the tail end of last month. When asked why, Orange simply noted that it was pulled in order to “prepare a more competitive Linux mobile.” A recent writeup at Ostatic takes a hard look at whether this simple withdrawal is really a sign of things to come, and it suggests that ALP could see support fade as the major players in Linux (and maybe even Nokia) step to the plate. One analyst was even quoted as saying that “having Google’s brand behind Symbian could very well mean ‘game over’ for mobile Linux in the mobile phone market,” and we honestly can’t disagree too vehemently with that assertion. Of course, the LiMo Foundation has stated its intentions to not back down from the mighty Google, but sometimes, even the best intentions fall through. Guess time will tell, huh?

[Via jkOnTheRun]

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Filed under: Cellphones

Don’t look now, but mid-2008 is almost here, and for those waiting intently for the release of a LiMo SDK, you’re one step closer to having your dreams realized. Announced today, the LiMo Foundation has made available what it calls the “first globally competitive, Linux-based software platform for mobile devices.” According to Morgan Gillis, executive director of LiMo Foundation, the consortium is hoping that R1 will “spur rapid innovation and contributions from all LiMo members,” and it’s restated that software development kits for Native, WebKit and Java operating environments are set to launch during the second half of this year. Not one to sit idly, the entity has also announced that Release 2 is currently “being specified and developed,” and should escape testing and greet the real world in late 2008.

[Via PhoneScoop]

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Filed under: Cellphones

In a move meant to bolster its software development prowess, Nokia just announced the acquisition Trolltech. Who’s Trolltech? Well, its software can be found in some 10 million devices. In fact, Trolltech’s Qt is used by such familiar applications as Skype, Google Earth, and Photoshop Elements while their Qtopia was spotted on a hacked Archos 5 series earlier this month. By acquiring Trolltech’s software development frameworks and application platforms, Nokia hopes to help developers create Internet applications that work on PCs and across Nokia devices. Specifically, Nokia claims that the move will “further increase the competitiveness of S60 and Series 40.” The deal also grandfathers Nokia into the LiMo Foundation and its attempt to bring open-source to your handset. Hear that Android? The $153 million offer must still be processed through regulatory channels and approved by shareholders — all expected before June in out.

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Filed under: Cellphones

Well, would you look at that! ACCESS has finally landed a whale of a customer for its overdue, underloved ACCESS Linux Platform, the mobile software stack (and sort-of successor to Palm OS Garnet) that has failed to garner enough hardware partners to make a splash in the marketplace thus far. The Japanese firm is partnering with NTT DoCoMo and ESTEEMO — NEC’s joint venture with Panasonic — to build a standard Linux stack that incorporates ALP while still using the carrier’s existing Linux-based MOAP(L) platform. That’s not all, though: they’re tasked with making the new platform compatible with the LiMo Foundation’s specifications, too. A tall order? Maybe, but it’s likely an order that has to happen — NTT DoCoMo’s involved in all sorts of Linux initiatives, and it makes good sense to bite the bullet and have some company tie it all together. The one piece of the puzzle missing here is DoCoMo’s tie-up with the Open Handset Alliance, and as far as we can tell, this announcement steers entirely clear of Android’s domain. Confusing, yes — but for a company used to releasing 23 handsets in one fell swoop, it’s business as usual.

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