The Other FOSS Handset OS

Android is not the only game in town for FOSS portable handset development. There is another called LiMo and it has a proven track record with NTT, Samsung and Motorola.

LiMo Foundation is an industry consortium dedicated to creating the first truly open, hardware-independent, Linux-based operating system for mobile devices. Backing from major industry leaders puts LiMo at the Heart of the Mobile Industry and makes LiMo the unifying force in Mobile Linux.

The mission of the LiMo Foundation is to create an open, Linux-based software platform for use by the whole global industry to produce mobile devices through a balanced and transparent contribution process enabling a rich ecosystem of differentiated products, applications, and services from device manufacturers, operators, ISVs and integrators.

If LiMo has any failing it is in the last chunk of the platform — UI. That is left up to the developer to finish. No really big deal but that is what differentiates Android from LiMo. Android is a full stack, top to bottom while LiMo is middleware for portable devices.

LiMo Website.