
In another indication of the momentum behind the idea of Linux on mobile phones but also of the fragmentation that plagues the segment, a startup company on Monday announced an open Linux mobile smartphone platform. A la Mobile said the platform, which comprises a complete software stack including the kernel, middleware and application layer, will become available for handset manufacturers in September and that it will be certified, supported, tested and maintained. A la Mobile said using the platform will allow handset makers to reduce development, testing and deployment costs and cut down on development time.