Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
1. AT&T
2. LG
3. Motorola
4. Nokia
5. Samsung
6. Sony Ericsson
The Android OS developed by the Open Hand-
set Alliance (OHA), has experienced exponential
growth in usage since its inception in 2007. It
is a true open source software OS, based on the
Linux platform. Android differs from other open
source initiatives in that it offers a packaged
software solution that not only includes the OS
but middleware and third-party applications that
have equal access to a mobile device's resources.
The OHA consists of mobile device manufac-
turers, mobile operators, software developers, and
semiconductor companies. The integrated cross-
industry approach of the OHA is an innovative
systems solution for software development. The
OHA has a membership of more than 47 mem-
bers including some of the following handset
manufacturers:
Other members exist, all dedicated to the mission
of ensuring free open source mobile software to the
public that enriches the user's mobile experience.
Linux, a software platform developed by found-
er Linus Torvalds, is one of the few platforms that
was developed initially as an open source initiative
and continues to remain open. Concerning mobile
device support, the LiMo Foundation, founded
in 2007, was established to spur innovation and
the use of open source software by mobile device
manufacturers. The LiMo Foundation's founding
and core members include the following mobile
device industry leaders:
1. Acer Inc.
2. ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
3. Garmin International Inc.
4. HTC Corporation
5. Huawei Technologies
6. LG Electronics Inc.
7. Motorola Inc.
8. Samsung Electronics
9. Sony Ericsson
10. Toshiba Corporation
1. NEC
2. NTT DOCOMO
3. Orange
4. Panasonic
5. Samsung
6. Vodafone
7. Access
8. Aplix
9. Azingo
10. Casio-Hitachi
11. LG Electronics
12. Myriad
13. SK Telecom
14. Telefonica
15. Verizon
16. Wind River
The most notable handheld to date that uses
the Android software platform is the Google G1
manufactured by HTC Corporation for T-Mobile.
Java Micro Edition (ME) from Sun Micro-
systems is an open source software solution
that is used in billions of mobile and embedded
applications. Sun Microsystems is committed
to providing development and support activities
by ensuring royalty free open source software
to the larger mobile and embedded developer
community. A major effort of Sun Microsystems
is ensuring compatibility with other open source
software platforms such as Linux.
Other proprietary mobile device OS types
include:
Other associate members include Sony Erics-
son and Motorola. More than 30 different LiMo
based mobile devices have been developed and
are available to consumers. As the foundation's
objectives are met, mobile device OS software
development will benefit.
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