Monday December 10th, the Linux Phone Standards (LiPS) completed the release of 1.0 specifications, to targets interoperability and marketability of Linux-based mobile phones through shared open standards and implementations. LiPS forum have been founded in 2005 and include operators and services providers from France, Italy and UK, in addition equipment and Chip manufacturers, and software vendors.

With Android release, LiPS published an FAQ on the differences between their standardization effort and OHA :

LiPS and Android both seek to reduce fragmentation among Linux-based mobile platforms. LiPS seeks unity through open standards, while Android/OHA does so through shared code.

Effort for Mobile linux stardization isn’t new at all, and beside the LiPS we count also the ELC Mobile Linux Initiative (MLI), Linux Mobile Foundation (LiMo), the embedded linux consortium, and the Gnome embedded initiative. There are also many others individual efforts by companies acting in the linux mobile business. According to ABI research, by 2012 there will be approximately 127 million Linux smartphones shipped each year.

It’s true that OHA and Android are boosted by Google, so should the LiPS profit from Android or should Android learn from the LiPS ?

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Just noticed today a press release planned for next monday (19th November) by Synaptics, member of the OHA. Synaptics Inc., a leading developer of capacitive-based human interface solutions for mobile computing, communications and entertainment devices; and today they are announcing the touch interface driver for Android SDK. A good news for developers who were looking for a way to test the touch interface capabilities with Android SDK.

Synaptics is the only touch interface company in the alliance, and they are already providing mobile solutions for Onyx, Pantech, Samsung and many others. According to the press release, Synaptics will provide mobile handset designers with a powerful yet easy to use tool to develop advanced, multi-touch gestures for the Android platform.

“Synaptics is proud to be a founding member of the Open Handset Alliance,” said, Joseph Virginia, Vice President, Corporate Marketing and Handheld Business of Synaptics. “Our contribution to the Android platform will help bring dynamic touch user interfaces to everyone in the mobile market. By creating an open environment conducive to collaboration and partnering, the Alliance will allow key influencers to deliver innovative devices and services to meet the needs of the fast-changing mobile industry.”

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