Intel’s Moblin and Nokia’s Maemo operating systems are to be combined into a new Linux-based OS called MeeGo that will target “multiple hardware platforms across a wide range of computing devices, including pocketable mobile computers, netbooks, tablets, mediaphones, connected TVs and in-vehicle infotainment systems.”

Intel is desperate to get its chips into devices that aren’t a traditional PC and Nokia needs a viable and developer-friendly platform to replace Symbian as the latter moves further down into mass-market smart phones that in-turn are replacing feature phones.

But the array of devices targeted by MeeGo also suggests that the move is designed to go head on with Google, both Android, which is finding itself running on more and more non-smartphone hardware, and Chrome OS designed for netbooks. And by extension, Apple’s iPad too.

See also: People keep asking… what do I make of Apple’s iPad?

More from the press release:

• MeeGo-based devices from Nokia and other manufacturers are expected to be launched later this year.
• MeeGo offers the Qt application development environment, and builds on the capabilities of the Moblin core operating system and reference user experiences. Using Qt, developers can write once to create applications for a variety of devices and platforms, and market them through Nokia’s Ovi Store and Intel AppUpSM Center.
• Nokia and Intel expect MeeGo to be adopted widely by global device manufacturers, network operators, semiconductor companies, software vendors and developers.
• Since MeeGo runs on multiple device types, people can keep their favorite applications when they change devices, so they are not locked into one kind of device or those from any individual manufacturer.

The last point (my emphasis) is clearly a dig at Apple, although closed or open, MeeGo faces the same challenge as any new platform: getting developers to switch their attention away from competitors who have far more traction.

Although having two brands as big as Intel and Nokia won’t do any harm.

What I’m less clear on – the details are a little hazy – is how much convergence will happen on the User Interface side. Will Nokia keep Maemo’s UI for its use of MeeGo – I’m currently reviewing the N900 running Maemo and it’s very nice UI-wise – or will a merged UI materialize?

From my understanding, Nokia hasn’t ruled out keeping the Maemo brand, in which case it sounds like the former. If that is indeed the case then the UI remains fragmented, not too similar to the old days of Symbian and we all know how that panned out.

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Related Articles at last100:

• Zatz Not Funny: Android set-top box, 3 iPad questions, Google headed to DISH
• Thoughts on Google Chrome OS
• Why Chrome is a win-win for Google
• Intel and Nokia announce “long-term relationship” to develop Intel-based mobile devices
• Google vs Microsoft? Forget Chrome OS (for now) and keep your eye on Android and Win Mobile

Intel's Netbook-friendly OS: Mobilin 2.0

While I remain skeptical of Linux’s chances to overtake Windows as the Netbook OS of choice, that isn’t stopping Intel who continue to invest in a Microsoft alternative. The latest version of its own Linux distro called Moblin sees the light weight OS undergo a complete User Interface overall optimized for Netbooks and MIDs that typically sport a 7-10 inch screen. It’s the UI, says Intel, that will be key to Linux’s client-side adoption, and on that note Moblin 2.0 appears to take much of its inspiration from the next generation of smart phones.

At its heart are a number of ‘home screens’ that can be switched via a tabbed interface. The first offers up a social networking aggregator, giving the user an overview of all their friends’ activities across a range of web services, along with thumbnails of recently accessed files, shortcuts to frequently used applications, and upcoming appointments pulled from Moblin’s calendar app. A second tab enables a user to quickly update their status, although it’s not clear what social network this plugs into (Facebook, Twitter etc.). A third tab goes straight to contacts, including their IM status and email activity, while a fourth tab offers up a browser search bar, history and bookmarks.

Next is the media library, which features what appears to be a DLNA client so that you can access photos, music and video stored on an another device connected to the same local network, such as an XBox 360. And finally, there’s a catch-all tab for accessing other applications.

See also: Android’s biggest Netbook challenge (Hint: Windows)

Overall, the UI looks innovative enough to potentially offer a better user experience on a notebook or other Internet device with a smaller screen, and at the same time scare off punters and OEMs who have become overly familiar with Windows. Intel’s official promotional video for Moblin 2.0 after the jump…

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Related Articles at last100:

• Thoughts on Google Chrome OS
• Intel and Nokia combine forces to battle Google Chrome, Android and Apple’s iPad
• Android’s biggest Netbook challenge (Hint: Windows)
• Intel and Nokia announce “long-term relationship” to develop Intel-based mobile devices
• Apricot Computers relaunches as Netbook maker