a la Mobile has developed a new version of its mobile Linux stack that will make voice over IP (VoIP) calling a possibility for dual-mode Wi-Fi / GSM converged handsets.While mobile versions of the Linux platform haven't exactly set the world afire, there are handsets using stripped down kernels to power their mobile platforms. (One example is the Motorola RIZR Z6, announced at CES back in January. It runs a combo Java-Linux platform.) Linux has been building momentum recently, and several consortiums have been formed to help develop the market. Despite interest in Linux, though, the mobile Linux environment is hindered by a lack of solidarity and by many proprietary products.

a la Mobile has been offering a mobile Linux platform since last September and this latest edition of its offering will help handset manufacturers bring converged handsets to market quicker and with fewer costs. Support from network operators or not, converged handsets are on the way.

It's a pre-integrated full featured software stack that supports both Wi-Fi and GSM with a SIP-based VoIP client, a browser, Java, Adobe Flash and a core suite of applications such as phonetop, media, messaging, and email.

a la Mobile CEO Pauline Lo Alker is confident the new stack will help handset manufacturers build phones that are less expensive quicker. "With the increasing market interests in dual-mode phones tuned for VoIP, it is a 'no brainer' for us to offer it as the first of our Made-Ready Series of function-centric Linux solutions," she said.