On February 15, 2010, Intel and Nokia, announced joining their existing open source projects (Moblin and Maemo respectively) to form a new project called MeeGo, hosted at the Linux Foundation.
MeeGo is a Linux-based OS built for the next-generation of computing devices. Different from other mobile OSes, MeeGo is a truly open source platform that includes the core OS, UI libraries and tools, references user experiences for multiples devices and applications, a standard set of APIs across all target device types and the flexibility to support proprietary add-ons. MeeGo supports a magnitude of mobile client devices (Handsets, Connected-TVs, In-Vehicle Infotainment, Netbooks and Tablets) and provides choice and flexibility to create and deliver a uniquely differentiated service offering.
MeeGo is aligned closely with upstream projects and combines development resources towards a unified platform that supports multiple device types (handsets, tablets, netbooks, connected-TVs, in-vehicle infotainment systems). It requires that submitted patches also be submitted to the appropriate upstream project and be on a path for acceptance. As a result, a large number of upstream projects will benefit from the MeeGo contribution.
MeeGo offers a complete and optimized software stack, from the kernel to the libraries and middleware components up to reference UX implementations, along with a rich cross-platform development environment and tools.
MeeGo has a very active community that consists of more than 12,000 participants registered at MeeGo.com contributing source code, QA, documentation, translation, etc.
MeeGo offers equal opportunities for all industry players to participate in the evolution of the software platform and to build their own assets on MeeGo and offers differentiation abilities through the customization and branding of the user experience. Furthermore, it offers the ability to participate in the evolution of the software platform, and other Linux mobile and desktop efforts will benefit from MeeGo’s work.
For application developers, MeeGo has a very attractive offering:
MeeGo also offers a compliance program to certify software stacks and application portability from the get go.
MeeGo supports multiple hardware architectures. Currently, ARM and x86 processors are supported with possibly support for additional architectures in near future.
MeeGo offers differentiation abilities through UX customization. You can use the reference UXs and customize it for your own brand or create your own UX.