Smartphone Platform Profile: Maemo

Abstract

This profile looks at the Maemo platform from a mobile operator, handset manufacturer and developer perspective.

Maemo is a Nokia-led software platform originally intended for use on mobile Internet devices (MIDs) such as the Nokia N800 and N810. Maemo is based on a Linux kernel with a GTK-based application layer (for native development) and UIs; there is also a Maemo SDK available for developers.

The latest version, Maemo 5, will launch on the Nokia N900 in October 2009. This is the first Maemo device to support voice calls and SMS over a cellular network, marking Maemo' s transition from an MID platform to a smartphone platform.

Table of Contents

• Executive summary
• In a nutshell
• Ovum view
• Nokia' s mobile Linux platform
• Insurance, or next-generation platform
• Not necessarily a replacement for Symbian
• Transition from MIDs to smartphones
• Platform strategy
• Maemo brings a PC-like experience down to mobile
• Qt and a cross-platform developer community will be key to Maemo' s long-term success
• Proprietary technology or open source: the decision for developers
• SWOT analysis
• Strengths
• Mobile operators
• Handset manufacturers
• Developers
• Weaknesses
• Mobile operators
• Handset manufacturers
• Developers
• Opportunities
• Mobile operators
• Handset manufacturers
• Developers
• Threats
• Mobile operators
• Handset manufacturers
• Developers
• Customer base
• Mobile operators
• Handset manufacturers
• Technology overview
• Debian/GNU Linux
• Nokia and Intel partner to develop mobile Linux
• Linux underpinnings allow Maemo to run on multiple-chip architectures

List of Tables

• Table 1: Maemo versions: key differences

List of Figures

• Figure 1: Maemo 4.1 platform architecture