Interview with Motorola's open-source guy

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Aug. 29, 2006

OSNews has published an interesting interview with Guy Martin, a "distinguished" technical staff member in Motorola's Mobile Devices business, who serves as an open-source advocate and community interface. Questions range from Motorola's Linux phone UI (user interface), browser, and SDK plans, to mobile Linux fragmentation, to Motorola's embedded OS preference.

Regarding the two different UIs used on Motorola's Linux phones -- the touch-based UI used on the A1200 and Mot's other early Linux phones, and the newer Chameleon UI used on the Rokr E2 -- Martin says the company will continue using both, as required by differing markets.

On the browser question, Martin says there is no single "browser of choice," and that the browser selection for a given device and market are subject to "particular operator needs and requirements."

In response to a similar question regarding OS preference, Martin points out that the company is committed to "delivering the best mobile experiences for our customers and their subscribers." He adds, "We believe Linux-based platforms support this goal best, but we'll support differentiated approaches when it makes good business sense."

Indeed, Motorola appears to be continuing to support new phone models with a variety of OSes. In addition to its extensive line of Linux-based cellphones -- such as the Rokr E2 (pictured at left) -- the company has recently released Symbian-based models, as well as a number of Windows Mobile-based models, including the Q (pictured at right).

Regarding the substantive question on concerns with respect to mobile Linux fragmentation, Martin gives a mom-and-apple-pie answer, saying, among other things, that "Motorola is committed to doing the right thing for both the mobile industry and the Linux and Open Source communities."

Other topics include:

Motorola's plans to offer an SDK for its Linux phones
"Motorola's biggest technical hurdle with Linux on cellphones"
The value of Linux phone app binary compatibility
The company's recent joining of Eclipse.org
A brief comparison of Symbian/S60, Windows Mobile, PalmOS, and Linux
The control/influence of wireless carriers on cellphone hardware and software
What cellphones are likely to be like in 5-10 years

Read the complete, interesting interview, by Eugenia Loli-Queru, here.

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