Although Linux is not typically used in mobile phones, some handset makers have chosen to embrace the operating system because its flexibility and control, according to Jim Ready, president and chief executive of MonteVista (Sunnyvale, Calif.).
The Linux-based phones include the N900iL and the N901iC from NEC Corp., and the P901i from Panasonic Mobile Communications Co. Ltd.
The N900iL supports W-CDMA and 802.11b wireless LAN and can run on NTT DoCoMos 3G wireless network. The NEC N901iC and the Panasonic P901i handsets will feature 3D audio, improved security features, the ability to transfer files up to 500KB, and enhanced multimedia applications.
MontaVista Linux supports enhanced interactive features by providing high performance, real-time capability and consumer-grade reliability, according to the company, and allows easy integration of advanced multimedia applications required by 3G handsets.