Android is a great open-source operating system, and the ability to boot a second open-source OS on Android devices has led to the Linux-based Maemo 5 successor, MeeGo, being enabled on a Nexus One mobile phone.
The Evolution of MeeGo
MeeGo is a lightweight Linux OS designed initially for netbooks and similar devices. The MeeGo source code for the smartphone version of the OS was released a few months back, allowing hackers and developers to investigate the code and boot the OS on a number of devices, including the Nexus One. This development has opened up new possibilities for mobile technology enthusiasts and developers who are keen on exploring alternative operating systems on their devices.
The current reports are a little unclear exactly how functional the OS is, and its development is suffering from issues with driver cross-compatibility. One significant problem is the closed-source nature of Qualcomm 3D drivers, which prevents hardware acceleration of the user interface and results in painfully slow response times. This limitation has been a considerable hurdle for developers trying to optimize MeeGo for smartphones.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite these challenges, the potential for MeeGo on smartphones remains promising. As the OS continues to develop, it is expected that these issues will be addressed, and more functional versions of MeeGo will become available. The open-source community is known for its resilience and innovation, and it is likely that solutions will be found to overcome the current obstacles.
One of the exciting prospects of MeeGo is the possibility of dual-boot functionality on smartphones. This means that users could have the option to switch between Android and MeeGo on the same device, offering greater flexibility and customization. Dual-boot functionality could appeal to tech enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with different operating systems and want to maximize the capabilities of their devices.
Moreover, the development of MeeGo on smartphones could lead to a broader adoption of Linux-based operating systems in the mobile market. This could foster a more diverse ecosystem of mobile OS options, providing users with more choices and potentially driving innovation in the industry. The success of MeeGo on devices like the Nexus One could pave the way for other Linux-based OSes to gain traction in the mobile space.
For those interested in the ongoing development of MeeGo and its potential impact on the mobile industry, it is worth keeping an eye on the progress made by the developer community. As more devices become compatible with MeeGo and the OS becomes more refined, it could become a viable alternative to mainstream mobile operating systems.
Have a look at our article on Android vs iPhone to see which smartphone and mobile platform is best for you.
Via MAKE Via Mobiputing
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