New version of the LiMo platform announced

The LiMo Foundation has announced the second release (R2) of the LiMo platform, an open handset architecture. New features include additional multimedia capabilities, location based services and security, as well as equipment management functions. During the Mobile World Congress, which takes place from the 16th to the 19th of February in Barcelona, several LiMo members plan to demonstrate reference implementations. The embedded Linux specialist Wind River serves as a system integrator to the LiMo platform and will, in the future, assure that code contributions by LiMo members can be added quickly into the platform.

The mobile communications operators NTT Docomo, Orange, SK Telecom, Telefonica, Verizon and Vodafone are all planning to release LiMo based equipment this year. Currently 33 smartphones are licensed as LiMo compatible, including 10 that will be shown by companies, including NEC and Panasonic at the Mobile World Congress. LG Electronics and Samsung are also expected to produce new LiMo prototypes.

The LiMo Foundation is an association for software and hardware manufacturers, as well as telecommunication providers, who are developing a joint platform for Linux based smart phones. The LiMo platform not only includes open source components, but also proprietary code contributions by members. The common technical platform is intended to allow members to shorten development cycles, but still be able produce differentiated hardware and applications.

(crve)