| The trend |
Symbian 9.3 includes components of the IP Multimedia Subsystem in anticipation of IMS-based services such as videoconferencing over IP and the ability to automatically switch between cell and Wi-Fi networks. There's also a location API for GPS-enabled applications. In development: Bluetooth kits for plugging into car audio systems. |
Motorola, SavaJe, TrollTech, and other vendors continue to develop their own Linux operating systems.
In development: Access, the company that acquired PalmSource, plans to release the Access Linux Platform, using specs from the Linux Phone Standards Forum, in the first half of 2007. It will include open source libraries and work over 2.5G and 3G networks.
Separately, Motorola, NEC, NTT DoCoMo, Panasonic, Samsung, and Vodafone plan to release a mobile Linux operating system this year, along with APIs and reference source code. |
The Access Linux Platform (see separate description) will include
an emulation layer that supports applications originally developed
for Palm-based devices.
Separately, Palm Inc., maker of Treo smartphones, has acquired the rights to Palm OS Garnet from Access. Palm has indicated it will continue development of Palm OS, but details are unavailable. |
Crossbow will support Exchange Server 2007, Outlook 2007, and Windows Vista.
A new version of Outlook Web Access in Exchange 2007 makes it possible to remotely wipe information from Windows Mobile devices. HTML support adds more fonts and graphics. In development: Microsoft's not talking, but industry observers believe Photon will eliminate the need for separate software development kits for Windows Mobile's Smartphone and Pocket PC editions. |
RIM jumped into consumer-class smartphones in September with the BlackBerry Pearl. The device runs version 4.2 of the BlackBerry OS, featuring multimedia and digital camera support, and expandable memory. In development: improved usability, real-time communications integration with PBXs, presence awareness. |
Tiger supports HTML e-mail, Web browsing, and apps found on Mac computers like widgets, Safari, calendar, text messaging, notes, and an address book. In development: Leopard adds automated backup and restore, do-it-yourself widgets, and advanced search. It's unclear which elements of Tiger and Leopard will be included on Apple's iPhone when the device ships later this year. |
Road Map For Smartphone Operating Systems
