BEIJING-Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. is planning to sell a Linux-based smart phone, the CDMA i519, in the Chinese market.
The phone is the latest wireless device to use a Linux operating system. The technology is continuing to gain traction in the wireless market as device makers and carriers look for an alternative to the polarized battle between Microsoft Corp. and Symbian. To date Motorola Inc. has announced wide-ranging support for Linux as a mobile-phone operating system, but so far has only introduced one Linux-based device. Other device makers, including NEC Corp. and Panasonic, have voiced support for Linux.
Samsung’s new Linux phone is notable on several levels. First, it marks yet another platform from Samsung, which has built devices running both Symbian’s and Microsoft’s operating systems. It also highlights the importance of Linux in Asia, where some local governments have been advocating its use as an alternative to Microsoft.
Samsung’s i519 features a variety of advanced functions, including voice activation technology from Voice Signal. Samsung said it does not have any immediate plans to sell the device in the United States.
