The Change Mariner

DoCoMo seen offering Linux-based 3G phones

Reuters:
NTT DoCoMo, Japan's top mobile operator, aims to offer third-generation (3G) handsets that run on the Linux-based operating system as early as the second half of 2004, according to a source close to the firm.

Linux software is free and can be copied or modified, unlike rival Microsoft's software, and has become popular among companies looking to lower the cost of using computer systems.

DoCoMo has already offered handset makers specifications of the kind of Linux-based operating system suitable for its 3G handsets in order to help them cut development and manufacturing costs, the source said.

DoCoMo does not intend to force them to use the Linux-based software and it does not preclude the use of other operating systems including Smartphone software from Microsoft as future operating system candidates for its 3G phones, the source said.

... Japanese handset makers mostly use home-grown TRON operating system, while Fujitsu and Matsushita Electric Industria use an operating system from London-based Symbian, which is competing with Microsoft, on some of their handset models.

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