Linux — a platform for innovation in converged mobile handsets

The work within the convergent terminals and applications research theme, within BT’s Research and Venturing organisation, investigates the emerging trends in the entire device ecosystem — including components, hardware and software issues for future mobile devices, as enablers for future service offerings. It is evident that lower-layer hardware and protocols are being standardised, with the intelligence for new devices increasingly being supported by a high-level operating system, such as Symbian and Microsoft. This paper describes the emergence of Linux as a third option for a mobile handset OS, reviews the status quo for Linux in this currently dynamic and changing industry segment, and describes BT’s activities to address this emerging and potentially disruptive technology.