Earlier this month at MWC Nokia and Intel announced the merger between their two opensource Linux based operating systems. I can only assume this is an attempt to cement the operating system alongside iPhone OS and Android as one of the mainstream smartphone operating systems of the future. Whilst Nokia’s Symbian is still the top selling mobile phone operating system, its days look to be numbered with Apple and Google making a big impact in the market.

Still, I am not sure what position there is in the market for Meego. It is highly likely that we will eventually see just a handfull of sucessful operating systems for smartphones. For example, manufacturers like LG, have noticed that using their own custom systems was detrimental to their phone’s sales. Sure the hardware was good, but what use is it if no-one is making software for it? So Meego will have to fight with Android, Windows Mobile, Symbian, and eventually Bada for these manufacturers support.

The issue here is Android already has a number of devices from different manufacturers in the market and it looks like support for Android will steadily grow after a difficult first year (when only HTC offered devices.) It would be a difficult choice manufacturers to switch allegiance, but I would expect a few devices to appear (to test the waters so to speak.) Whilst Windows Mobile seems to have a strong grasp of the business market (alongside the Blackberrys.)

It’s such a shame that Nokia have decided to drop Debian as the upstream for their system with this merge. Whilst I’d like to see an updated system, I can’t say I am happy at losing the ability to install Debian packages without any worries.

So I struggle to see where the system will fit in the market; unless Nokia and Intel go for tablets…

Related posts:

1. Nokia N900 vs G1
2. PR1.1.1 N900 Update still not out in the UK
3. Aircrack on the N900

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Post tags: android, Meego, mobile phones, N900

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First, let me start with something that has been worrying many people eyeing the N900: the size. From previews, the size and weight were frowned apon. To be honest, neither is an issue. The N900 is pretty much the same size as the G1. In fact I use my G1’s carry case for my N900! Whilst a collegue noticed the weight of the device when looking at it, I don’t really notice any difference in comarison to my G1.

Next up is the touchscreen, it’s resistive, but a very good one. I would say the N900 sets the benchmark for all other resistive screens to be measured against. Coming from a G1 I did notice you either have to push a little more or tilt your finger to use the tip or the edge — rather than the pad. Once you have the technique down it becomes second nature and is just as good as a capactive screen. To be honest, i used the same technique when trying to select small links on my G1. The resistive screen demonstrates superior prescision and is far better at dealing with small links/menus. Another, although rarely used in my case, benefit is the stylus; which helps when using debian applications.

I don’t think the keyboard is an improvement on the G1’s. The keys feel too close and the lack of rows does slow me down; although, the predictive text implementation is outstanding.

Maemo itself, feels much more like a real linux distro than android ever did. That’s probably because it is one! Already real linux applications are being ported, many of which will never see light on Android unless there are substantial changes to the platform.

This post is already getting wordy! I’ll post some more impressions later.

Related posts:

1. Meamo becomes Meego, but what of the N900?
2. PR1.1.1 N900 Update still not out in the UK
3. Update on Aircrack for N900

© jim for 406 Not Acceptable, 2009. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: G1, N900, Nokia

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Finally got round to posting and I’ve found a great application from the Android Market. In fact, its the only reason I have actually managed to post this message!

WpToGo let’s you log-in to your Wordpress powered blog and post articles (with pictures too,) edit articles, and more bloggy goodness. It really is a handy application for people like me who forget to post every few months! Slightly more useful than the plethora of tip calculators and spirit levels that plague the market…

Related posts:

1. Meamo becomes Meego, but what of the N900?
2. I managed to post every day last month!
3. Nokia N900 vs G1

© jim for 406 Not Acceptable, 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: android, wordpress to go, wptogo

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