Mobile Communications - multiple changes continue to evolve the industry
An industry that is ever evolving, the Mobile Communications industry is set for more shake ups and changes in late 2008 early 2009.
Specialist Communications Recruiter is preparing for another raft of changes in her chosen industry. The race is on between Google’s Android and LiMo’s Linux-Based Operating System for Mobile Broadband Wireless IP Communicator Devices.
Google Android:
Android – unveiled 5th November 2007 was announced with the founding of the Open Handset Alliance, is a software platform and operating system for mobile devices, based on the Linux kernel, developed by Google and later the Open Handset Alliance. It allows developers to write managed code in the Java language, controlling the phone via Google-developed Java libraries.
Applications written in C and other languages can be compiled to ARM native code and run, but this development path isn’t officially supported by Google. Google has made most of the Android platform available under the Apache free-software and open source license.
LiMo Platform:
The LiMo Foundation, which draws its name from Linux and mobile phones, was launched last February 2007 in an effort to build a mobile phone platform that would allow more devices to work together.
The LiMo Platform is an operating system and software development platform. LiMo is developed by the LiMo Foundation (founded by a group of cellular handset makers and network operators) for handheld devices, and is based on the Linux operating system. It has a modular plug-in architecture, and supports DRM.
LiMo application developers will be able to use SDKs to write managed code running in a Java virtual machine, browser apps for WebKit, and native code.
Orange and Access have licensed LiMo to develop cellular telephone handsets.
Emma Waddington commented:
“Both platforms are based on open-source software and will allow developers to quickly and freely add new applications without large costs/licensing fees. Anyone hoping to create new applications for competing proprietary programs from companies such as Research in Motion Ltd. or Nokia Corp.’s Symbian will have to pay licensing fees.
The benefits of this openness with these new systems, in my opinion, will speed the drive to integrate the Internet into mobile phones and also encourage a greater and wider range of applications available to these Operating Systems. It’s already drawing numerous handset manufacturers, mobile operators, software companies to chip makers.”
John Rizzo - a LiMo board member who is vice president for research and development strategy for the U.S. branch of Japan’s Aplix Corp commented:
“A key difference between LiMo and Android is that Google is presenting Android to its partners as a completed operating system, whereas the partners in LiMo have incorporated components from the various member companies and are finishing it together – The LiMo platform is made up of existing, proven components,” Rizzo said. “Part of the effort is to provide a cost-effective platform for everyone involved.”
Google’s Andy Rubin demonstrates the first preview at a developers’ conference in San Francisco:
“Observers of the demonstration said the software bore a resemblance to that used on Apple’s iPhone, which is also a touchscreen device, and which allows owners to place icons linking to sites such as YouTube on the homepage.
Google demonstrated the device to about 3,000 software developers at an annual conference, and said that it hoped developers would create all kinds of applications that owners of Android phones will be able to download from the internet and install on their devices” Times Online
Emma’s observations / planning for the future:
“As a recruiter, it is always interesting to see the trends change regarding the mobile development, for some time now we have been asked by our clients for Symbian developers but perhaps now the balance will change to more Linux and Opensource skills.
With the latest redundancies from various communications companies we are continuing to build our network of top class developers and managers for our clients, enabling us to to anticipate market and client needs providing them with the very best candidates.
It is so important to keep abreast of these changes. I will be attending the “Future of Mobile Conference” on Tuesday the 18th November.
Please feel free to contact me with feedback or advice regarding market trends or to discuss how I may help you whether candidate, Client, or fellow enthusiast.”
You can contact Emma Waddington directly on 01932 245 500 or email emma.waddington@jenrickcpi.co.uk
Tags: future of mobile conference, future of mobile conference london, google android, Limo
