Linaro Aims to Speed Up Open Source Software Development for Mobile Devices

Strategic Insights -

Linaro, a not-for-profit company formed by IBM, Samsung, Texas Instruments, Freescale Semiconductor, ST-Ericsson, and ARM, aims to accelerate the creation of new open source software for mobile phones and iPad-style tablet computers. This move is a response to Intel's push into the mobile phone microchip market, as Intel has partnered with Nokia to develop their own operating system, MeeGo. ARM-designed chips currently dominate the mobile phone market, powering 98pc of mobile devices, including high-end devices like the iPhone and iPad.

Key Takeaways:

  • Linaro is a not-for-profit company formed by six industry leaders to accelerate open source software development for mobile devices.
  • The move is a response to Intel's entry into the mobile phone microchip market, with Intel partnering with Nokia to develop MeeGo.
  • ARM-designed chips are used in 98pc of mobile phones, including high-end devices like the iPhone and iPad.
  • Linaro's initial software release is expected in November.
  • ARM plans to set up its first Asia-Pacific research and development centre to better exploit growing development in the region.
  • ARM aims to hire 150 new staff this year, boosting its headcount to 1,850.

Statistics:

  • 98pc of mobile phones use ARM-designed chips.
  • 1.4 billion microchips based on ARM designs were sold in the three months to March.
  • ARM's full-year pre-tax profits doubled to £26m on sales of £92m.
  • ARM is expected to release its first software for Linaro in November.

Sources:

  • Euclid Infotech, 2010, distributed by Contify.com