Intel’s Moblin 2.1 to compete with Windows
New Intel’s Moblin OS 2.1 could do against a small problem in the markets for Windows Mobile and Desktop?
In this week’s Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco, the chipmaker has debuted a beta version of its Moblin 2.1 operating system open source specifically to work on a variety of devices, including smart phones, netbooks, nettops, Mobile Internet Devices (MID), and in embedded systems.
Moblin 2.1 will compete with other open-source operating systems like Google’s Android and bump up against Microsoft in the burgeoning nettop arena.
Originally designed for netbooks, Moblin 2.1 is developed (short for Linux Mobile) in three variants – one for handhelds and another for netbooks, and a third for nettops.
Is the market for portable devices like smartphones and MID, Moblin 2.1 Atom-chip devices based on. The beta version of Intel demonstrated at IDF, the demonstrated ability of the touch screen and gestures. The new interface allows you to switch between different open applications and provide links to social networking applications.
The Moblin 2.1 web browser is Flash and Microsoft Silverlight technology, 3-run interactive Web-based applications.
John Thode, Dell’s Vice President of small consumer electronics, displays a Dell Mini 10D on the scene of the Intel Developer Forum on Wednesday.
John Thode, Dell’s Vice President of small consumer electronics, displays a Dell Mini 10D on the scene of the Intel Developer Forum.
(Credit: Stephen Shankland / CNET)
In the Netbook area, Moblin is slowly starting to find its way. Dell has recently been selling its $ 299 mini notebook 10V with an option for Ubuntu remix Moblin. Other PC makers like Acer and Asus, also said it plans Moblin navigation systems.
For the entire desktop, Intel is positioning Moblin 2.1 for nettops similar all-in-one desktop computer to the Apple iMac, and is usually powered by Intel’s Atom chip. Most nettops today like the Asus Eee Top, One Dell Studio 19, which is currently Windows XP.
But with XP on the way out Microsoft has a challenge to promote a version of Windows 7 cheap enough for low-cost netbook and nettop market, but still expensive enough to make a profit.
Moblin success will also depend on the availability of third party software. Intel Atom Developer Program to foster development of applications for the new design platform. Intel also said that various programs on App Store, much like Google’s Android Market could be sold.
Of course, Linux has been featured in various flavors, such as an operating system office for one year. But kept its complexity, it has a niche player, particularly for IT people, and technophiles. Even Dell is positioning Moblin line 10v mini notebook as an option for developers technically sophisticated than the average consumer.
Intel and Microsoft are teaming up for the Silverlight technology on Moblin-3-powered netbooks play next year. Intel will also Silverlight Developer’s atomic program by Developer.
Moblin 2.1 is scheduled to be released before the end of the year.
