The VAR Guy is pretty bullish on Ubuntu Linux, the operating system that is quickly leaping from PCs onto servers and mobile Internet devices. But he’s also starting to wonder if Google Android — rather than Ubuntu — will be the open source platform of choice for mobile Internet devices (MIDs).
Intel and Canonical (Ubuntu’s backer) have been working together for several months on MIDs. Our sister site, All About Ubuntu, speculates that Ubuntu-based MIDs will reach store shelves by the end of 2008 or early 2009.
On the flip side, bloggers and developers continue to hype Google Android, an open source platform designed to run on a multitude of smart phones. Even The VAR Guy has openly wondered if Android could become a runaway hit.
So, now The VAR Guy poses the question to you: Since numerous smart phone makers are lining up behind Android, is there enough room in the market for Ubuntu Linux to gain momentum on mobile Internet devices?
Related Posts:
- March 20, 2008: Is Google Android the Next Windows?
- March 5, 2008: Google Android, Another Look (Video Preview)
- November 15, 2007: Google Android, First Look (Video Preview)
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Hey, I`m waiting for android as well and see more room for google in the mobile world than for ubtuntu. BUT: We`ve seen android, but I havn`t seen Ubuntu for mobiles yet….
That’s the point I think. There’s such a hype around Android that one hardly hears about Ubuntu. And even if it was better, its competitor is a giant and I don’t think there’s enough room in the market for both.
I think one of the key things that needs to happen is they need to ensure that these can be used on things OTHER than small phones, since there are other applications that people may not have thought of yet. For instance, I have Ubuntu Mobile installed on my carputer. It allows me to use everything that Ubuntu comes with in an easy to use way, with the targeted interface of Ubuntu Mobile.
How I’m using Ubuntu Mobile: http://www.virtualroadside.com/blog/index.php/2008/04/05/ubuntu-mobile-screenshot-on-my-carputer/
Does it matter? A device loaded with either Google Android or Ubuntu Mobile is a device that is *not* running Windows — and that is what is truly important.
@Jabz:
here is a little Ubuntu Mobile demo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76NviXg_1g4
The other open source thing which people overlook is OpenMoko.
At least for the time being, they appear to be aimed at different markets. Android at phone-like devices, Ubuntu Mobile at tablet-like devices (UMPCs, MIDs, etc).
The other GNOME Mobile related projects that seem more at odds with Android include: OpenMoko (open), LiMo (proprietary) and ACCESS Linux Platform (mixed).
Jeff: Great points all around. I think you’re correct about Android and Ubuntu Mobile targeting slightly different markets. But I do wonder if the tech industry’s collective infatuation with Android will distract people from Ubuntu mobile and the other options you mentioned.
What about OpenMoko…?
Why do people keep telling that Android is open source ? The license in no way respect the various requirement for being open source, and only part of the sdk will be published under a apache 2 license later.
I do not expect for example the video stack to be free software or even with provided source.
In the other hand, OpenMoko provides as much as possible since the beggining ( even electronic stuff, etc ), and this allowed to port qtopia on the phone, which is simply great in term of choice and openess.
Michael: The VAR Guy admits it… perhaps it’s an over-statement to call Android “open source.”
But on the other hand, can you tell us a bit more about your interests in OpenMoko? The VAR Guy is always looking to cover emerging platforms … wondering why OpenMoko caught your attention.
My vote goes with the “does it matter?” crowd. Thanks to the GNU GPL (v2 and v3), once one platform achieves critical mass, the others can add compatibility for the front runner’s platform to their product lines.
Bingo! Instant increased network effect (see Metcalfe’s Law) for all *nix mobile platforms. Everyone wins except the Dark Lords of Redmond, and that’s only because they refuse to abide by the rules.
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