What is Moblin?
Moblin is a Linux-based platform that is optimized for small computing devices. The Moblin project is Intel's open source initiative created to develop software for smartphones, netbooks and other mobile devices.
Moblin runs on Intel Atom, an inexpensive chip with low power requirements. The operating system functions similarly to Windows and Macintosh systems but is designed specifically for small form factor, Internet-connected devices. A device running Moblin boots up quickly and can be online within a few seconds. The platform is compatible with hardware for most mobile devices.
The interface, which supports touch screen input, is designed to simplify operation and input on a small device by listing items under category headings and subheadings instead of using icons or search. The M-zone (for "me zone") categorizes items into zones such as "Recent activities," "Recent social networking updates" and "Recent files and websites."
"Moblin" is an contraction of "mobile Linux."
Below, Paul Steinberg of the Intel Software Network talks to Intel Staff Software Engineer Robert Mueller-Albrecht about the Moblin project:
Learn More About IT:
> The Moblin website offers downloads and more information.
> Ashlee Vance reports on Intel's move into the software market with Moblin.
> Ryan Paul explores the Moblin 2 beta release.