Linux vs Windows - Conquering a Windows Based World

Verizon has just announced that Linux will be its mobile operating system of choice, and will start delivering Linux based phones in 2009.  Kyle Malady, vice president of networks, also states that this does not preclude  Verizon from selling phones based on other OS’s, notably the Google Android and Blackberry. A quote from My Malady.

“We’re not adopting Linux to the exclusion of others, and will continue to support an agnostic approach, which is best for customers,” 

I am a current Verizon customer and have been very pleased with the existing service and Blackberry phone.  I can’t wait till 2009 to try out the new Linux-based phone!

The Google phone will not be hardware, but in fact an open source mobile Linux OS. It is built on the open Linux Kernel. It will be a complete set of software for mobile devices along with a (Software Developer Kit) SDK that will be released November 12.

What is amazing is now we could see a boom in handset functionality and features that would have never been possible before. In fact, it brings the technology to the developers and removes the control from the big carriers and phone manufacturers. I don’t believe that any company other then Google could have pulled it off.

“Android breaks down the barriers to building new and innovative applications. For example, a developer can combine information from the web with data on an individual’s mobile phone — such as the user’s contacts, calendar, or geographic location — to provide a more relevant user experience. “

All speculation and rumor right now, but the Google Linux Phone might just become reality at around $100. If this is true, I will be line for it.

I am finding that Google is becoming and indispensable part of my business and personal life. Still trying to decide if this bad or good.

Linux is expected to out pace all other Smartphone operating systems and have an annual growth rate in excess of 75%.  It estimated that in 2012 Linux will be on 31% of all Smartphone devices. Prediction made by ABIResearch.

“Linux is benefiting from growing support in the handset OEM community, most notably Motorola, but also Nokia with less traditional types of devices aimed at mobile broadband applications.” The rise of mobile broadband and the impact that this has upon device convergence and format plays into the hands of Linux.