Maemo

Maemo

Maemo is a Linux-based operating system developed by Nokia for mobile devices like the Nokia N900 smartphone. It features a user interface built around a grid that allows for efficient use of the larger screen sizes found on devices like tablets and phones.
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linux open-source mobile nokia

Maemo: Linux-based OS for Mobile Devices

A mobile operating system developed by Nokia, featuring a unique grid-based UI for efficient use on larger screens like tablets and smartphones.

What is Maemo?

Maemo is a Debian Linux-based computer operating system developed by Nokia, originally for smartphones and other handheld devices. It features the GTK-based Hildon user interface and targets devices like smartphones and Internet tablets. Development of Maemo at Nokia began in 2006 to target devices larger than typical smartphones but smaller than PC laptops. Maemo was combined with Intel's Moblin to create MeeGo in 2010, but after Nokia's collaboration with Microsoft in 2011, MeeGo was no longer pursued.

Some key features of Maemo include:

  • Built on a Debian GNU/Linux core
  • Customized Hildon GTK+ based user interface designed for mobile touch screens and large displays
  • Support for both ARM and x86 processors
  • Advanced power management and connectivity options like cellular data, WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS
  • Complete set of applications like a web browser, media player, instant messaging clients etc.
  • Application framework based on Python, C, HTML5, CSS, JavaScript to allow third-party apps
  • Package management through apt-get/dpkg for easy installation of apps

The Nokia N900 smartphone was one of the most popular Maemo devices, praised for its open source extensibility but limited by lack of widespread third party app support. The user interface innovations and optimizations introduced in Maemo later inspired MeeGo and other mobile Linux projects.

Maemo Features

Features

  1. Linux-based operating system
  2. Designed for mobile devices like smartphones
  3. User interface optimized for larger screens
  4. Application grid for app organization
  5. Supports multitasking
  6. Has an application store

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Very customizable and open source

Good for developers

Runs many Linux apps

Supports advanced phone features

Cons

Limited app selection

No longer actively developed

Only works on older Nokia devices

Steep learning curve


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