Verizon Joins Linux Open Source CoalitionSupport for LiMo could be result of ongoing tension with Google 10:59AM Saturday May 17 2008 by KathrynVtags: business · wireless · hardware · alternatives · world · Google · Verizon BroadbandAccessGoogle got a lot of attention last fall when it announced the creation of the Open Handset Alliance, a coalition of companies committed to supporting open standards for mobile devices (particularly Google’s Android). However, there had already been another similar Linux coalition developed in January 2007 which had similar goals but didn’t achieve backing in America. That has now changed as Verizon Wireless has shown its support for the LiMo Foundation, possibly preferred in favor to supporting Google’s Android. "The mission of the LiMo Foundation is to create an open, Linux-based software platform for use by the whole global industry to produce mobile devices through a balanced and transparent contribution process enabling a rich ecosystem of differentiated products, applications, and services from device manufacturers, operators, ISVs and integrators." Last week, Verizon opted to support this mission by filling the final seat on the coalition’s board of directors; it is the first U.S. company to join the coalition. Verizon has also said that it will make LiMo’s Linux platform the preferred operating system for its handsets when LiMo-enabled phones hit the market next year. Assuming that Android does well in the market, Verizon may also sell Android-based phones. However, the company’s support of LiMo suggests that that there is continuing tension with Google.
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TK Junk Mail
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|  Verizon to Google: stick Android where sun doesn't shine
Verizon Wireless spokesperson said, "We chose LiMo because it's a collaborative effort. It's not just one company runs the place. We like that. We like a collegial and collaborative effort, where there is no barrier to entry on the part of developers and, at the end of the day, there is no one entity that can say 'OK, here's how we were playing now. The rules are changed.' LiMo will be our preferred OS because of this openness."
The spokesperson went on to infer that Google is really the Master Control Program running the show. He said, "Google said 'Here's the plan. Sign on the dotted line if you support.' " The implication is that Google and the OHA are not exactly working collaboratively at the moment, and that Google is retaining a measure of control over Android and its future.
Verizon's selection of LiMo Platform Linux is a bit of a slap in the face to Google, but not a surprising one. So, if AT&T feels the same way as Verizon, the Google Android platform isn't going to be this great open platform cell phone product everyone was hoping for.
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| Re: Verizon to Google: stick Android where sun doesn't shine So, if AT&T feels the same way as Verizon, the Google Android platform isn't going to be this great open platform cell phone product everyone was hoping for. While AT&T & Verizon are the biggest they are not the only game in town. Clearwire now has the money to deploy their WiMax service and Google is one of their investors so you know they will support Android. | |
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FiL
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Silver Spring, MD | "Google said 'Here's the plan. Sign on the dotted line if you support.' "
For some reason, I don't believe this quote... especially coming from some shills mouth. Long live Android! | |
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devrandom
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| Verizon? I have my doubts, but i'm wondering if this will truly and absolutely change how much Verizon locks users out of their phones. I remember owning a V710 and the public hacking efforts behind that to enable all nice bluetooth profiles for it (which never came to be). | |
| mjbuzby
join:2004-12-11
Cockeysville, MD
| one company running the place? we dont like one company running the place... hmm dosent vzw have only one interface designed by them and only apps approved by them on their phones, unlike att sprint tmobile etc where you can have free apps such as gmail, other ways (w/o hacking ) to put ring tones on the phone... hmm nope ok | |
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akaLefty
@ne.jp
| Some Comments... Verizon's "the first American company" to join LiMo...? Motorola, one of the founding members, isn't an American company...?
All one has to do to satisfy one's curiosity about whether Verizon's characterization of Google and Android is accurate is to look at the license one agrees to to get the Android SDK: it's not with the "Open Handset Alliance", it's solely with Google. For that matter, the domain openhandset.org is solely owned by Google as well. None of the little bit of code that's been released so far is copyrighted by the OHA, only by Google.
Android is very much a "take-it-or-leave-it" proposition, and Google's running the show. There have likewise been reports on the mailing list that companies have emailed the OHA asking for information on joining and gotten no response whatsoever. | |
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