You know an electronic product has become complex when the embedded controller needs an OS. That’s what has happened to cell-phone handsets. The OSs also have become larger and more complex with all sorts of other software additions like Java, which means handsets have more memory that the OS controls and manages as well.

The latest OSs are marvels of software development, as they have become multitasking managers that let the handset control its texting, e-mail, Internet access, camera, and other functions as well as phone calls. For the most part, though, they’re closed OSs—proprietary designs that protect the hardware from malware and allow the handset manufacturer or cellular operator to control and profit from the services and applications.

This approach has worked for a long while. RIM’s BlackBerry is a very successful example of a closed system. Apple and Palm also have had closed systems. But all that is beginning to change. The new trend is toward openness in the OS and in the cellular carriers’ options thanks to Google.

Google and Cell Phones

What does Google have to do with cell phones? Well, who would have thought that the world’s premier search company would develop and offer the definitive “open” OS for cell phones? Google did just that when it first announced the availability of its Android open OS in late 2007.

Android is a Java-based OS that runs under the Linux 2.6 kernel. You can’t get more open than that. The OS and a SDK are available for anyone who wants to use it on a cell phone—royalty free. The software has resulted in the Open Handset Alliance (OHA), whose members include all the major handset manufacturers and mobile operators.

This has started a movement within the industry toward more open access to handsets and operator services. Several handset manufacturers are expected to adopt the OS, and that in turn will spur the development of lots and lots of third-party software and applications.

Why is Google doing this? Mainly to get in on the ground floor of the nascent search business developing for cell phones. Mobile search is expected to become even more popular over the years as handsets support it. This can lead to a big boost in ad revenue. Google won’t make any money on the OS or handsets, but it will benefit in the long run from search and ads and other fallout—not a bad plan.

While Android will help make this "open" dream come true, it won’t be that easy. Several handset manufacturers will adopt Android, but each will customize the OS to its needs, most likely creating incompatibilities and interoperability issues. Yet the overall effect should be to boost the development of applications that can run on any of those phones with minimum adaptation.

“Open” is Happening

The introduction of Android has kicked off a major movement to open systems throughout the industry. Apple, the most avid proponent of closed systems, has opened its OS to outside developers through a program that lets Apple validate the software. Many are now available through Apple’s iPhone store.

All the major carriers like AT&T and Verizon have announced plans for more open systems. Both have programs to validate any third-party software before they sell it online. While their movement to an open approach is encouraging, don’t expect full openness from these carriers, who are hyper to protect their systems, reputations, and profit.

The biggest movement of all is the announcement of T-Mobile’s G1 cell phone, made by HTC. As the first commercial Android phone, it runs on T-Mobile’s 3G network and uses Wi-Fi for access and application downloads. It appears to be a success, primarily targeting consumers rather than the enterprise. Nevertheless, it is a step toward more open products and systems.

Nokia’s recent acquisition of Symbian has sparked the other major “open” movement. Symbian makes the most widespread cell phone OS in the world, with about 57% market share. Now, Nokia has formed the Symbian Foundation to promote and develop Symbian OS as the leading open OS for the industry. With many supporters, Symbian will further support the open movement.

The smart phone is becoming the consumer electronic product of the decade, maybe even the century. It is the do-all be-all device now, with even more useful applications on the way. Open OSs will make these phones the most desirable consumer product in the world—if we can get the cellular operators to go along.

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