Smart phone Operating Systems

The most important software in any smart phone is its operating system (OS). Some of The smart phone operating systems are:

Symbian

Symbian OS is the operating system for more than 100 different models of phones. Though it's dominant in the market right now, with an estimated market share of 51 percent. The research firm, estimates that Linux and Microsoft will hold more of the market share than Symbian by 2010.

Linux

Linux is unique among the other operating systems in that its development is driven by a community of developers rather than by a central company. The Linux OS supports more processors than any other operating system on the market, though the most popular phone models still use the Symbian OS. Some smart phone companies find the risk too great to invest in Linux. Six telecommunications companies are responding to this by forming the LiMo foundation, an organization that is attempting to create a standardized Linux platform.

Windows Mobile
The OS is based off of Window CE.NET. Much of the strength of this OS lies in the compatibility with the Microsoft Office suite of programs.
Java

Some smart phones have operating systems based on the Java programming language. By using the Java language, the OS allows manufacturers or users to customize the interface as much as they like. Java-based phones have not made a huge impact in the marketplace so far, but some analysts think the operating system could gain ground while the big boys battle for the lion’s share of the market.

Garnet OS

Formerly known as Palm OS, this operating system combines a Linux-based foundation with applications written for the old Palm OS. The Palm OS was mainly used in PDAs, though the Treo line of smart phones used it as well. Phones using the Garnet OS should become available in late 2007.

Unique Operating Systems

Apple’s iPhone uses a variation of the Mac OS, known as OS X. The RIM Blackberry has its own proprietary OS as well.

Flexible Interfaces

The core services on smart phones all tie in to the idea of a multi-purpose device that can effectively multitask. A user can watch a video clip, field a phone call, and then return to the video clip after the call, all without closing each application. Or he or she can flip through the digital calendar and to-do list applications without interrupting the voice call. All of the data stored on the phone can be synchronized with outside applications or manipulated by third-party phone applications in any number of ways. Systems supported by smart phones include:

1. Bluetooth

It’s a short-range, wireless radio service that allows phones to wirelessly link up with each other and with other nearby devices that support it. This includes things like printers, scanners, input devices, computers and headsets. Some varieties of Bluetooth only allow communication with one device at a time, but others allow simultaneous connection with multiple devices.

2. Data Synchronization

The Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) is a collaborative organization with the mission to “facilitate global user adoption of mobile data services by specifying market driven mobile service enablers that ensure service interoperability across devices, geographies, service providers, operators, and networks, while allowing businesses to compete through innovation and differentiation”. The OMA formed a Data Synchronization Working Group, which is continuing the work begun by the SyncML Initiative. SyncML is an open-standards project designed to eliminate the trouble of worrying about whether your PIM devices sync up with your phone and vice-versa. The project is designed so that any kind of data can be synchronized with any application on any piece of hardware, through any network, provided that they are all programmed to OMA standards. This includes synchronization over the Web, Bluetooth, mail protocols and TCP/IP networks. SyncML allows data to be synchronized from a phone to PalmOS, Windows, Mac and Linux applications using Bluetooth, infrared, HTTP or a USB cable. The OMA’s SyncML site keeps a list of devices that are compliant with the standard.

3. Java

A smart phone that is compatible with the Java programming language allows the user to load and run Java applications and MIDlets. MIDlets are applications that use a subset of Java and are specifically programmed to run on wireless devices. Java MIDlets include add-ons, games, applications and utilities. Since there are millions of Java developers worldwide, and the Java development tools are freely accessible, smart phone users can install thousands of third-party applications on their phones. Because of the way the OS architecture of most phones is built, these applications can access and use all of the data on the user's phone. For example, if you don't like the photo caller ID that comes bundled with Symbian Series 60 OS, you can just find one that you like better.