MWC: Moblin + Maemo = Meego

Intel and Nokia have announced that they are merging their Linux development platforms – Moblin and Maemo, which will eventually translate into “pocketable mobile computers, netbooks, tablets, mediaphones, connected TVs and in-vehicle infotainment systems”. The first release from MeeGo is expected in the second quarter of 2010, with devices launching later in the year.

Does this mean we are likely to see a Nokia phone this year which will run on the Moorestown CPU? We can’t say, because the press release is too vague at this point. Nokia hasn’t done much with the Maemo Platform except for the N900, and decided to stay committed to Symbian, with just one Linux smartphone planned every year. “We expect MeeGo-based products to begin appearing based on OEM and OSV product schedules.” says the FAQ. Intel and Nokia expect MeeGo to be adopted by device manufacturers, OEMs, and software developers. This multi-platform project will initially both x86 and ARM architectures, and the community is expected to port the project to additional platforms. Using the Qt framework, “developers can write once to create applications for a variety of devices and platforms, and market them through Nokia's Ovi Store and Intel AppUpSM Center.”