Linux Solutions

While there is no doubt that the next big technology market will be the mobile communications sector, many of the new entrants are going to find it very difficult to compete with the likes of Apple who have great areas of the industry all to themselves. So what can we expect from mobile Linux?

Intel have announced plans to release a series of Linux based mobile devices to try and compete with the likes of Apple and take some market share off the seemingly impregnable iPhone. However, the recent technology show in Shanghai, China showed many investors and consumers that it may not as easy to go head to head with Apple as some may have you believe. While there is no reason why Linux cannot be the operating system behind a whole host of successful mobile devices, the Intel products which were on show looked very basic indeed.

It is ok using an Open Source system to power the machine, thereby in theory offering the chance to cut costs to the bone, but there is still a need to ensure that the design, device and interface are good enough to make an impact. Unfortunately this new device from Intel is not yet there and in its current form it will not even worry the Apple management. Even though it seems that Intel have got the message, there are still concerns that even though Linux is more than up to the task, it may prove a little difficult finding a quick fix to the design and interface problems.

Surely once we see Linux creating a splash in the market we will see more and more technology companies following suit, but until then it seems that it is back to the drawing board for Intel. However, there is every chance that they will be back soon with new ideas and hopefully a new design.