MeeGo - Alternative to iOS and Android?

For those tablets and smartphones fans, they might have heard of MeeGo, but nevertheless not many of us are aware that there is an alternative to iOS or Android or even the Windows Phone 7 in near future (or even now).

MeeGo is an open source, Linux project which brings together the Moblin project, headed up by Intel, and Maemo, by Nokia, into a single open source activity. However, due to the slow progress of MeeGo, Nokia defects to Windows Phone operating system in its future smartphone devices.


But despite Nokia's defection, MeeGo continues with its development and the latest version of MeeGo, MeeGo 1.2 is released on 20th of May. MeeGo currently targets platforms such as netbooks/entry-level desktops, handheld computing and communications devices, in-vehicle infotainment devices, connected TVs, and media phones. All of these platforms have common user requirements in communications, application, and internet services in a portable or small form factor. The MeeGo project will continue to expand platform support as new features are incorporated and new form factors emerge in the market.

The latest version of MeeGo features the QML application framework and extended Qt mobility APIs, including those for location, system, connectivity, and sensor (including haptic) capabilities aimed at rapid development. The telephony and wireless networking capabilities have also been enhanced with GSM, GPRS, and HSPA+ support, a SIM application toolkit, more Bluetooth profiles, expanded VPN and wireless authentication, data tethering capabilities and better multimedia support. MeeGO 1.2 supports netbook, vehicle and tablet UXs (user experiences) and has Linux kernel 2.6.37 at its core.

Rumour is that Nokia is preparing to launch its first MeeGo handset in the N9 smartphone soon. Get more of MeeGo project online at https://meego.com/.


With the emergence of MeeGo, we can expect a fierce competition in all smartphone and tablet devices, each operating system hopeful to become the standard in the smartphone and tablet realm.