Intel, Nokia tout MeeGo as inclusive alternative to Android

During the annual LinuxCon conference last week in Boston, Linux Foundation executive director Jim Zemlin moderated a discussion panel about the Linux-based MeeGo platform with Nokia's MeeGo Ecosystem Development head Thomas Miller and Intel open source technologist Derek Speed. During the panel, Miller and Speed discussed some of the technical and logistical characteristics that differentiate MeeGo from other mobile platforms.

The MeeGo project was launched earlier this year when Intel and Nokia brought together their respective mobile Linux platforms in a combined effort to reduce fragmentation and offer device vendors a standardized platform. The MeeGo platform is endorsed by the Linux Foundation, which has taken on a stewardship role with the aim of facilitating collaboration around the software. Although the underlying software components on which MeeGo is based are relatively mature and functional, the convergence process is still ongoing.

During the panel, Miller told the audience that Nokia is preparing to launch its first MeeGo device this year. He declined to provide specific details about the form factor, but he said that the product will be distinctive and will offer an interesting user experience.

Miller also said that the device will be open, in the sense that users will theoretically be able to modify the software. That could potentially make it very useful for third-party MeeGo platform developers who want a reference hardware environment for prototyping MeeGo platform customizations.

According to the panelists, one of the key advantages of MeeGo is that it will allow multiple vendors to participate in the development process from an early stage and have continuous access to the source code. Indeed, the MeeGo development process is much more inclusive than that of alternatives like Google's Android platform.