Moto uses Linux, Java in cell/PDA/other combo iA

By John Walko
iApplianceWeb
(02/18/03, 09:07:27 PM EDT)

London - The battle over operating systems for mobile phones and PDAs is intensifying with the launch by Motorola of its A760 handset based on the Linux Operating System (OS) and Java technology.

Combining the features of a mobile phone with the capabilities of a personal digital assistant (PDA), and other features associated with consumer electronics devices, the introduction is also illustrative of the continued ebb and flow of platform definitions as the marketplace tries to standardize on a new kind of Internet-centric personal computing and communications appliance (iAppliance).

Use of the open source Linux will worry the growing number of proprietary OS providers such as Symbian, Microsoft and Qualcomm. Symbian - the Psion led consortium that includes amongst its shareholders Motorola, as well as Nokia and Ericsson - might feel particularly disappointed by Motorola's decision to use Linux.

Motorola said the A760 is its “ first handset demonstrating the company's commitment to making the Linux operating system a key pillar of its handset software strategy. The strategy fosters innovative applications, which helps lead to increased revenue and differentiation opportunities for operators around the globe.”

The company suggested it will use the Linux OS in mobiles for the mid tier to high volume markets. It plans to remain a member of the Symbian consortium and use the Symbian operating system for its products targeted at 3G applications.

"This handset is special because it features one of the most open and flexible software platforms that exists," said Rob Shaddock, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the GSM/TDMA Product Line in Motorola's Personal Communications Sector. "By supporting the open source Linux OS and Java technology, Motorola is creating the most open and flexible environment possible to help drive the development of compelling applications for rich, customized mobile experiences."

The A760 combines the features of a mobile phone with the capabilities of a personal digital assistant (PDA), digital camera, video player, MP3 player, speakerphone, advanced messaging, instant Internet access and Bluetooth.

It will be launched first in the Far East later this year, and then in other markets during 2004.

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