We recently saw the launch of Symbian Foundation by Nokia, which would make Symbian OS an open source mobile platform. We also know that Google's Android open source mobile platform has created a buzz in the mobile Industry since its announcement and many mobile manufacturers such as HTC are working on releasing new Android devices.

Another company that offers a complete open source mobile platform but we don't hear much of is the LiMo Foundation. LiMo Foundation was formed by an alliance between Motorola, NEC, NTT DoCoMo, Panasonic, Samsung and Vodafone in January 2007. LiMo is the abbreviation for Linux for Mobile and it is open source mobile platform based on the well known Linux OS.



The battle of Open Source Mobile platforms is now gaining pace as Motorola, NEC and Panasonic have all announced that they are releasing devices based on the LiMo platform. The devices include Motorola Motozine ZN5, NEC Forma N906i, NEC Forma N906iμ, NEC Forma N906iL, NEC Forma N706i, Panasonic Forma P906i and Panasonic Forma P706iμ. The announcement of these devices brings the total tally of LiMo devices to 21.

Many of the above announced devices will come with features like higher resolution display, High speed 3G network capabilities, GPS, mobile TV and advanced video streaming. All these features are also part of the upcoming release 2.0 of the LiMo Platform due to be launched in the start of 2009, which will definitely increase the popularity of the LiMo platform. Recently the LiMO Foundation also added 11 new partners to its alliance taking the total number of partners to 52.

The launch of the Open Source Symbian Platform, the release of new Android devices and the launch of new LiMo platform might be a turning point for the mobile industry as we will get to see more advanced but low priced devices rolling into the market which will take the mobile industry to a new horizon. Do let us know what do you think about it.

Source: The Register